Composition can be a difficult subject for a lot of young artists.
I'd like to offer a few basic tips to help you create great compositions!
Your sketchbook is probably filled with amazing characters, weapons, or landscapes....now what do you do with them? Well when you arrange all those elements into one picture in a pleasing way you've created a composition. Now, there are many MANY theories and techniques for putting together a composition so if you're really interested I'd suggest checking out some books on the topic. Today I'm gonna give you the basic rules and some things to keep in mind when designing your next piece.
I'd like to offer a few basic tips to help you create great compositions!
Your sketchbook is probably filled with amazing characters, weapons, or landscapes....now what do you do with them? Well when you arrange all those elements into one picture in a pleasing way you've created a composition. Now, there are many MANY theories and techniques for putting together a composition so if you're really interested I'd suggest checking out some books on the topic. Today I'm gonna give you the basic rules and some things to keep in mind when designing your next piece.
THE RULE OF THIRDS
Here you can see that the image has been segmented equally into three sections both vertically and horizontally. The Rule of Thirds basically says that by putting the subject or focus of your image onto any area where these lines intersect you will create visual interest, balance and harmony. As you can see the cheetahs head falls directly on the intersecting lines of the top left third of the image.
It's also a good rule of thumb to not let your horizon line fall at the exact center of your image. You want to move it either up or down to emphasize the sky or the ground.
Here you can see that the image has been segmented equally into three sections both vertically and horizontally. The Rule of Thirds basically says that by putting the subject or focus of your image onto any area where these lines intersect you will create visual interest, balance and harmony. As you can see the cheetahs head falls directly on the intersecting lines of the top left third of the image.
It's also a good rule of thumb to not let your horizon line fall at the exact center of your image. You want to move it either up or down to emphasize the sky or the ground.
THE RULE OF ODDS
The Rule of Odds says that having an odd number of subjects is more interesting to a viewer than an even number. Here we have the main focus of the image (The center windmill) surrounded by two more for a total of 3 subjects. Since this is an odd number it comes off as more natural and asymmetrical which is pleasing to the eye. Also, it is good to remember that having implied triangular shapes is pleasing to our eyes. The eyes and mouth of a beautiful face typically fall at the corners of an equilateral triangle. These windmills also create an implied triangular shape resulting in a good, balanced composition.
The Rule of Odds says that having an odd number of subjects is more interesting to a viewer than an even number. Here we have the main focus of the image (The center windmill) surrounded by two more for a total of 3 subjects. Since this is an odd number it comes off as more natural and asymmetrical which is pleasing to the eye. Also, it is good to remember that having implied triangular shapes is pleasing to our eyes. The eyes and mouth of a beautiful face typically fall at the corners of an equilateral triangle. These windmills also create an implied triangular shape resulting in a good, balanced composition.
THE RULE OF SPACE
The Rule of Space is used to imply a sense of movement to your image. In this image we instantly understand that the runner has moved from the left to the right side of the image due to the photographers usage of space. This also works if your subject is looking in a direction and space is left in that same direction. Having open space in your images for the viewer to visually breathe is also very important.
The Rule of Space is used to imply a sense of movement to your image. In this image we instantly understand that the runner has moved from the left to the right side of the image due to the photographers usage of space. This also works if your subject is looking in a direction and space is left in that same direction. Having open space in your images for the viewer to visually breathe is also very important.
THE RULE OF FOCUS
This refers to keeping the subject of your image as the focus. By having a bunch of elements all catching the attention of your viewer it can be difficult to figure out what you want them to see. In this example the background elements have been blurred so that they don't distract you from the main subject of the image, this child's basketball. You can achieve this many different ways including lighting, contrast, color and implied lines which draw the eye back to the point of interest.
This refers to keeping the subject of your image as the focus. By having a bunch of elements all catching the attention of your viewer it can be difficult to figure out what you want them to see. In this example the background elements have been blurred so that they don't distract you from the main subject of the image, this child's basketball. You can achieve this many different ways including lighting, contrast, color and implied lines which draw the eye back to the point of interest.
Now these are tried and true methods that artists have used for thousands of years to create pleasing images. They don't always have to be followed but try incorporating some of these principles into your works of art and see how they can benefit you.
Thanks for reading!
-Christine Lane-
Thanks for reading!
-Christine Lane-