ASSIGNMENT PART A
How can we create an interesting composition?
Composition in art is the way in which different elements of an artwork are combined to create a visual effect. There is usually a sense of balance among the forms or subject. Often there is a point of emphasis or a focal point.
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Watch this video to learn more about COMPOSITION.
Finding Balance for a Still Life Painting
Most artists can recognize a well-composed still life painting. It simply feels balanced. But what is it that makes the painting feel that way and what is balanced? One way to make your still life is visually appealing and balanced is to follow the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is helps to add balance and tension to a piece of art.
By dividing your focus area or canvas horizontally and vertically into three sections and then aligning areas of focus on the intersections of those lines, you can create balance in a still life.
EXAMPLE SKETCHBOOK TEXT:
The focal point of this piece is the intersection of the orange, the bottle and the mug. The emphasis is created on this area by the use of brighter values indicating a light source in contrast with the surrounding shadowy negative spaces. The path of movement following the knife to and up and around the orange and rim of the cup-circling around the light areas to the center most bright area also leads to the focal area. The composition is asymmetrically balanced with visual distribution of weight centered in the focal area to the left of center.
Different compositions can evoke different moods.
Strong horizontals suggest stillness and peace.
Strong verticals suggest strength, power.
Strong diagonals suggest movement and tend to be dynamic.
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Composition can follow some basic principles of design, such as balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity.
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Assignment:.
Overlay a clear transparency on your chosen image.​
Using colored marker #1, outline 3-5 of the major shapes/forms within the painting.
Using colored marker #2, mark the FOCAL POINT.
In your sketchbook:
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WRITE a brief description of the FOCAL Point or area of EMPHASIS you see in the painting. Describe the aspects of the piece that create that emphasis, such as scale, contrast, texture, color, etc. Be specific.
Using colored marker #3, mark the PATH OF MOVEMENT.
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WRITE a brief description of the PATH OF MOVEMENT you see in the painting. What elements (directional lines , paths, repeated shapes) lead your eye to the focal point and through the piece?
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WRITE a brief description of the overall BALANCE of the composition – Symmetrical? Asymmetrical? Radial? Describe the aspects of the painting that create this balance. Be specific.
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These drawn marks should supplement and illustrate you and your partner’s written notes that articulate the compositional strategies. ​​​​​​
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Share at your table.
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ASSIGNMENT PART B
One way to discover interesting compositions is through the use of a viewfinder.
Assignment: Follow the instructions to create your own viewfinder.
Then, title a page in your sketchbook "Still Life Thumbnails" and make at least 4 thumbnail sketches from different viewpoints.
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Use your viewfinder to see a variety of compositions. Arrange the finder so that objects touch 3 edges, and draw the images as you see them in thumbnail boxes on your sketchbook page.
You should make at least FOUR boxes using the thumbnail sketch templates at your table.
Start with landscape orientation, but if you find a composition that works better in portrait orientation, feel free to draw it that way.
When making your drawing consider the following:
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Pay attention to the negative and positive space balance.
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Seeing the negative space as shapes can help you make the drawing.
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You do not have to include every object in the drawing.
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Change positions at your table periodically to get a different viewpoint.
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Thumbnail sketches are not finished drawings.
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You may use the drawing pencils to block in basic values.
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Consider rule of thirds and other compositional techniques.
