9.4: Composition Techniques and Applications
- Page ID
- 344527
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Composition refers to the arrangement of visual elements in a work of art. It is a fundamental aspect that guides the viewer's eye and conveys the artist's intended message or emotion. Various techniques have been developed over centuries to aid artists in creating balanced, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing works. Among these, the Rule of Thirds, Golden Ratio, and Focal Points stand out for their ubiquity and effectiveness in guiding the compositional structure of an artwork.
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is a compositional guideline that suggests dividing the image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, to create nine equal parts. The points where these lines intersect are considered optimal spots for placing the main elements of the composition. This technique encourages artists to avoid centering on the subject, creating tension, energy, and interest in the composition. It is widely used in various forms of visual arts, including photography, painting, and design, as it offers a simple yet effective way to achieve a balanced composition.
When to Use: The Rule of Thirds is particularly useful in creating dynamic compositions in drawings. It is ideal for scenes where movement, tension, or a sense of imbalance enhances the narrative or aesthetic appeal.
How to Apply:
1. Begin lightly sketching a grid of two horizontal and two vertical lines, dividing the canvas into nine equal parts.
2. Place the main subject or the point of interest at one or more intersections of these lines. This positioning creates a more engaging composition compared to centering the subject.
3. Balance the drawing by using the sections and placing secondary elements in the other thirds to maintain visual harmony.
"Rule of Thirds" by Kristen R. Kennedy is licensed CC BY-4.0.
The Golden Ratio
The Golden Ratio, also known as the Fibonacci Ratio (approximately 1:1.618), has been esteemed since antiquity for its aesthetically pleasing properties. This ratio occurs naturally in many forms, from the spirals of shells to the proportions of the human body, and has been applied in art, architecture, and design to achieve harmony and balance. In composition, the Golden Spiral—derived from the Golden Ratio—guides the placement of elements in a curved manner that naturally draws the viewer’s eye toward the focal point. This technique often creates a sense of elegance and natural flow within the artwork.
When to Use: The Golden Ratio is best employed in drawings that benefit from a natural, harmonious flow, especially those inspired by nature or where a sense of elegance and sophistication is desired.
How to Apply:
1. Utilize the Golden Spiral to determine the layout. Start by drawing a rectangle that adheres to the 1:1.618 proportion. Within this rectangle, construct a spiral that guides the placement of the main elements.
2. Align the focal point with the center of the spiral, arranging other significant elements along the curve. This method ensures that the viewer’s eye naturally draws through the artwork.
"Golden Ratio/Spiral" by Cyp is licensed CC By-SA 3.0
Focal Points (refer to the principle of Emphasis)
Focal points are areas of interest that attract the viewer’s attention. They can be created through contrast, color, texture, or the strategic placement of elements within the composition. Effectively using focal points allows the artist to control the viewer’s attention, guiding it through the artwork deliberately. This technique is crucial in storytelling within visual arts, as it highlights the main subjects and supports the narrative the artist wishes to convey.
When to Use: Focal points are essential in all compositions but particularly critical in drawings that tell a story or direct the viewer's attention to specific elements.
How to Apply:
• Establish focal points through contrast, using darker shades or more detailed textures against a lighter, less detailed background.
• Use color strategically, even in primarily monochromatic drawings, by introducing a single hue to highlight the focal area.
• Apply the Rule of Thirds or Golden Ratio to position your focal points effectively within the composition.
The application of established composition techniques such as the Rule of Thirds, Golden Ratio, and the strategic use of Focal Points not only enhances the aesthetic value of drawings but also guides the viewer’s attention and conveys the artist's intended message. This section explores the practical application of these techniques in drawing, providing insights into when and how they can be effectively utilized.
"Cafe' Terrace at Night (Arles)" (1888) by Vincent van Gogh is in the Public Domain via WikiArt.org.