Composition:
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We already learned that Composition is the term used for the arrangements of the elements of art in any artwork. A successful composition draws in the viewer and pulls their eye across the whole painting so that everything is taken in and finally settles on the main subject of the painting. So, how do we make a good composition?
What is the Rule of Thirds?
The rule of thirds is very commonplace in photography. It instantly helps to add tension, balance, and interest to a photograph but applies equally to composition in any artwork.
When Creating a Composition:
1. Divide your page horizontally into 3.
2. Decide whether to have your horizon on the top third or the bottom third (the bottom third is always easier to balance, it helps to make the sky look vast and imposing).
3. Split the vertical into thirds.
4. Align areas of focus at the intersection between the lines.
5. Marvel at your genius.
What is the Rule of Thirds?
The rule of thirds is very commonplace in photography. It instantly helps to add tension, balance, and interest to a photograph but applies equally to composition in any artwork.
When Creating a Composition:
1. Divide your page horizontally into 3.
2. Decide whether to have your horizon on the top third or the bottom third (the bottom third is always easier to balance, it helps to make the sky look vast and imposing).
3. Split the vertical into thirds.
4. Align areas of focus at the intersection between the lines.
5. Marvel at your genius.
As I stated in class, center your Main Subject on one of the four Intersections (marked below in RED circles)!
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See how the "Rule of Thirds" divides these photographs?
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More about the "Rule of Thirds" . . .
You can see in the Chardin painting to the left how there are numerous examples of aligning objects within the rule of thirds, the top of the jug aligns with top horizontal line and sits butted up to the vertical line, even the top of the funny little pot on the far left side sits on the bottom horizontal line, to name a few.
How your digital camera can help your composition:
Your digital camera probably has a view finder function built in, often called grid. It again overlays the rule of thirds over your image; just align important compositional elements along these lines or their intersections and voila… instant painting!
A word of warning
The "Rule of Thirds" can work very well within a rectangle, however, for landscapes, using a square composition can make it harder to create a balanced picture even when sticking to the ‘rules’.
Pro tip: If you have a mac, iphoto does all the work for you. It can change the size, and the rule of third lines are already on the screen for you. Align, resize, repeat.
How your digital camera can help your composition:
Your digital camera probably has a view finder function built in, often called grid. It again overlays the rule of thirds over your image; just align important compositional elements along these lines or their intersections and voila… instant painting!
A word of warning
The "Rule of Thirds" can work very well within a rectangle, however, for landscapes, using a square composition can make it harder to create a balanced picture even when sticking to the ‘rules’.
Pro tip: If you have a mac, iphoto does all the work for you. It can change the size, and the rule of third lines are already on the screen for you. Align, resize, repeat.
A Brief History
The rule of thirds was first written down by John Thomas Smith in 1797. In his book Remarks on Rural Scenery:
“Rule of thirds”, (if I may be allowed so to call it)…, in a design of landscape, to determine the sky at about two-thirds ; or else at about one-third, so that the material objects might occupy the other two : Again, two thirds of one element, (as of water) to one third of another element (as of land); and then both together to make but one third of the picture, of which the two other thirds should go for the sky and aerial perspectives.”
If you put the principle of ‘no two spaces the same’ with the ‘rule of thirds’ you can create pleasing compositions very easily. If we analyze the quote below by Sir Joshua Reynolds we can see how both these points are touched upon.
“Two distinct, equal lights, should never appear in the same picture : One should be principal, and the rest sub-ordinate, both in dimension and degree : Unequal parts and gradations lead the attention easily from part to part, while parts of equal appearance hold it awkwardly suspended”.
This last comment is the key; nobody wants a painting ‘awkwardly suspended’. He also comments on the importance of contrast when creating a harmony to your work:
“And to give the utmost force and solidity to your work, some part of the picture should be as light, and some as dark as possible : These two extremes are then to be harmonized and reconciled to each other.”
The rule of thirds was first written down by John Thomas Smith in 1797. In his book Remarks on Rural Scenery:
“Rule of thirds”, (if I may be allowed so to call it)…, in a design of landscape, to determine the sky at about two-thirds ; or else at about one-third, so that the material objects might occupy the other two : Again, two thirds of one element, (as of water) to one third of another element (as of land); and then both together to make but one third of the picture, of which the two other thirds should go for the sky and aerial perspectives.”
If you put the principle of ‘no two spaces the same’ with the ‘rule of thirds’ you can create pleasing compositions very easily. If we analyze the quote below by Sir Joshua Reynolds we can see how both these points are touched upon.
“Two distinct, equal lights, should never appear in the same picture : One should be principal, and the rest sub-ordinate, both in dimension and degree : Unequal parts and gradations lead the attention easily from part to part, while parts of equal appearance hold it awkwardly suspended”.
This last comment is the key; nobody wants a painting ‘awkwardly suspended’. He also comments on the importance of contrast when creating a harmony to your work:
“And to give the utmost force and solidity to your work, some part of the picture should be as light, and some as dark as possible : These two extremes are then to be harmonized and reconciled to each other.”
SLIDE SHOW! Click the "PLAY" BUTTON BELOW to see these great examples of using the Rules of Thirds. You can also select each picture individually by clicking on it. Read through the questions below and answer the following questions to yourself as you view the Slide Show: (Answers to do not have to be written or turned in).
1. Which ones are Horizontal compositions? Which ones are Vertical? Do you see Photos? Do you see Sculptures? Paintings? Architecture? The Rule of Thirds applies to ALL works of Art!
2. Do you notice how the Subjects fall on the "Intersection" of the lines?
3. Some pictures do not have grid lines. Put them in yourself visually to see if you can find the rule of thirds.
2. Do you notice how the Subjects fall on the "Intersection" of the lines?
3. Some pictures do not have grid lines. Put them in yourself visually to see if you can find the rule of thirds.
The Golden Mean
Classical paintings had a very scientific and structured approach, with lots of confusing things like root rectangles and golden means. They are often more mathematical and planned out than you would ever imagine….whoa, we are moving into complicated classical territory which deserves a proper explanation, which I will address in the future!
The key point to remember with composition is about variety - just “don’t make any two things the same” and start with a rectangle canvas.
Classical paintings had a very scientific and structured approach, with lots of confusing things like root rectangles and golden means. They are often more mathematical and planned out than you would ever imagine….whoa, we are moving into complicated classical territory which deserves a proper explanation, which I will address in the future!
The key point to remember with composition is about variety - just “don’t make any two things the same” and start with a rectangle canvas.
