Of all the principles defining the quality of an artwork, composition plays a significant role (focal point) and complements other aspects (entourage). A weak composition can divest the piece's inflowing appeal regardless of a painting's execution at an impeccable skill level.

How do we define composition in art?

Apart from mastering the mediums, styles and drawing techniques, creating a successful artwork requires proper composition and planning.

The basic definition of composition is the structure and arrangement of elements in a space that affects how a viewer interacts with the piece. Composition is one such aspect that shapes audience experiences and defines the perception of art.

Commanding the viewer's visual attention

What makes an artist great is being in charge of how an artwork appears and appeals to the viewer. You can create "Focal Points" that dominate areas of interest and draw the viewer's attention to the main subject through ideal composition.

Rule of Thirds, the root of art composition

A derivative of the "Golden Ratio," the Rule of Thirds is a compositional rule prominent across art, photography, and design.

This rule dictates that a painting should be divided into nine equally proportioned spaces drawn with two vertical and two horizontal lines.

See figure below - 

Placing the drawing's essential elements on the lines and having the subject at the intersection points of these lines leads to a successful composition. Resulting in a dynamic arrangement that defines an optimum viewer observation of the painting.The Rule of Thirds is prominent in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer, Salvador Dali and J.M.W. Turner. This rule has been used for landscapes, portraits as well as still figures.

An artwork that follows the Rule of Thirds is aesthetically balanced and successful. Even though it is not the only rule of composition in art, it is easy to follow and offers satisfying results.

Now that you are equipped with the basic understanding of creating pleasing compositions in art. Grab your professional art supplies online from King's Framing & Art Gallery, a one-stop destination for online art supplies in Canada and practise planning your artwork with the Rule of Thirds.

At the best online art supply store, King's Framing & Art Gallery, you can buy art supplies in Ottawa at unbeatable prices. We hope that learning the Rule of Thirds will make your artwork intuitive and improve your compositions.

2022-01-24 12:22:27 | Lise King | 184

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