Composition 2/4

COMPOSITION CHECKLIST:

• Is there one dominant object?
• Is the eye lead through the picture to the centre of interest?
• Is the eye kept in the picture? (Remember Degas' Absinthe Drinker).
• Is the centre of interest in a good position?
• Does the greatest tonal range appear at the Centre of interest?
• Are travelling objects moving into the picture?
• Is the picture in balance?

Rule of Thirds:

The rule of thirds is a "rule of thumb" or guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as designs, films, paintings, and photographs. The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would

These points are generally agreed to be the basic rules for composition:

• Horizontal emphasis within a composition is considered to be calm, passive, pleasing to the eye.
• A wide open landscape with distant hills or the far horizon of a seascape.
• Diagonal is dynamic and will stress movement.
• Detail of complex machinery, piles of tumbled masonry.
• Vertical shapes and lines make for strength and stability,
• The receding columns of a cathedral or mature trees in a forest.
• Symmetry is balanced and visually comforting, implying order.
• Asymmetrical compositions will create a visual dynamic.
• Visual rhythm (with no particular emphasis) can lead a viewer’s eye around the composition.
• Overcrowding will create a kind of visual claustrophobia.
• Jagged shapes create tension.

Movement

Movement shows actions, or alternatively, the path the viewer's eye follows throughout an artwork. Movement is caused by using elements under the rules of the principles in picture to give the feeling of action and to guide the viewer's eyes throughout the artwork. In movement your art should flow, because you are controlling the viewers eye. You control what they see and how they see it, much like a path leading across the page to the item you really want to be seen by the viewer.

Unity

Unity is the wholeness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of art. The arrangement of elements and principles to create a feeling of completeness.[2]

Harmony

Harmony is achieved in a body of work by using similar elements throughout the work, harmony gives an uncomplicated look to a piece of artwork.

Color Harmony or Color Theory is also considered a principle through the application of the design element of color.

Variety

Variety (also known as alternation) is the quality or state of having different forms or types. The differences which give a design visual and conceptual interest: notably use of contrast, emphasis, difference in size and color.[2]

Balance

Balance is arranging elements so that no one part of a work overpowers, or seems heavier than any other part. The three different kinds of balance are symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. Symmetrical (or formal) balance is when both sides of an artwork, if split down the middle, appear to be the same. The human body is an example of symmetrical balance. The asymmetrical balance is the balance that does not weigh equally on both sides. Radial balance is equal in length from the middle. An example is the sun.[2]

Contrast

Contrast is created by using elements that conflict with one another. Often, contrast is created using complementary colors or extremely light and dark values. Contrast creates interest in a piece and often draws the eye to certain areas.[2]

Proportion

Proportion is a measurement of the size and quantity of elements within a composition. In ancient arts, proportions of forms were enlarged to show importance. This is why Egyptian gods and political figures appear so much larger than common people. The ancient Greeks found fame with their accurately-proportioned sculptures of the human form. Beginning with the Renaissance, artists recognized the connection between proportion and the illusion of 3-dimensional space.

Pattern/Rhythm

Pattern and rhythm (also known as repetition) is showing consistency with colors or lines. Putting a red spiral at the bottom left and top right, for example, will cause the eye to move from one spiral, to the other, and everything in between. It is indicating movement by the repetition of elements. Rhythm can make an artwork seem active.[2]