La composicin

The composition The task of analyzing the composition of artwork must begin with the question:What makes this painting singular and recognizable?

What is compound?It is a organizational process in which the visual elements are placed on a surface or a space with a specific purpose or aim.

In this image you can see the elements are a complete mess.

On the other hand, the same elements have been grouped by setting up horizontal and vertical lines.

Observe how in this painting, by Emilio Pettoruti, the elements of the composition are organized.The order is set up by lines of strength, that articulate the forms of the image.The balance of the image depends on these lines.Factors to be taken into account in the composition process:Axes or schemes of compositionFormatFigure and backgroundWeight and balanceSymmetryRhythm and movementProportion

Schemes of compositionThe scheme of composition is the group of main lines that organize the spaces where the visual elements are going to be put.

Consists of:

Geometrical figuresStraight lines and curvesSimple or complex modular networks

COMPOSITION SCHEMES

Simple Compositional Schemes

Consist of one line, multiple lines or geometric shapes

Simple Compositional Schemes

Simple compositional schemes are made up of a geometric figureone or several lines

L schemeSymmetry SchemeTriangular scheme

Esquema en aspaDiagonal schemeCurved lines schemeX scheme

X scheme

Complex Compositional SchemesIs the combination of two or more simple compositional schemes

Gives the composition a greater sense of complexity

Complex Compositional Schemes

Simple or Complex?

One point perspective composition that gives us the sensation of tranquility and calmness.

Spiral composition that produces the effects of movement and speed.

Composition with curved and oblique lines that produces the sensation of dynamism.

El triunfo de Baco, Diego de Velzquez

1. There is a virtual diagonal line that runs from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. This breaks up the monotony of the horizontal and vertical lines.

2. The figure of Baco is not found situated in the center of the painting but on the left. The brightness of Bacos skin contrasts with the color of the figures on the right

3. The eyes of Baco and of the men looking at the viewer are in the upper part of the painting. This draws our attention upwards and creates a sensation of elevation

4. The figure under the diagonal line is reinforced in the foreground and is not clear because it is in the shade. Because of this, your attention does not focus on this figure but on Baco and the others.

5. The painter has purposely included images that are not realistic, such as the shadow of the jar in the sky. These images remind us that we are looking at a painting.

FormatFormat is the shape, size and spatial orientation of the surface in artwork

The correct choice of format is one of the basic rules when developing composition

Types of format:

Flat FormatThree dimensional FormatIrregular FormatThe Golden Number

FLAT FORMATSVertical format:Visual sensation of equilibrium and elevation.It has been used a lot in religious themes because it improves the sense of elevation and spirituality.

Vertical format

Monet: MadamWe can easily observe a vertical axis in a composition, which gives the painting a sensation of equilibrium or balance.

Vertical formatHorizontal format: Widely used in landscape themes and still life paintings.It helps to create the effect of order in its elements.

FLAT FORMATS

Still life, ZurbarnFLAT FORMATSTriangular format:Produces the sensation of a great stability in its base and limits the expansion of the forms in the upper part.

FLAT FORMATS

Circular format:Encircling movement

FLAT FORMATSSquared formatFocuses our sight in the center and produces a visual effect of stable equilibrium.

Three dimensional FormatsGoya: Miracle of Saint Anthony of PaduaGoya chose a spherical shape for his painting. The people leaning on the railing around the circle create a three dimensional effect.

THREE DIMENSIONAL FORMATS

Oval formatTends to group the forms inside, creating a feeling of calmness.

Irregular FormatsProduces a visual effect of movement, energy and freedom

Mostly used in advertising for children and in comic strips

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The Golden NumberMaking a rectangle in golden proportionFirstly, we draw a square We make the layout of the perpen-dicular bisectorABWe extend the line of the base ofThe squareStick the tip of the compasson point A, open the compass up toPoint B and draw an arc up to the line

Complete therectangleDRAWING A RECTANGLE IN GOLDEN PROPORTIONTHE GOLDEN NUMBER IN A FACE

DIVIDING A PAPER USING THE GOLDEN NUMBER

ABCDE

ABCDEThe Law of ThirdsA common technique in graphic design and advertising is using The Law of Thirds which divides the composition into three equal parts, horizontally and vertically.

The areas with the greatest visual weight are located on or near each dividing axis. These areas are called the power points or the centers of interest.

The Law of Thirds

The Law of Thirds

Difference between the golden rule and the rule of thirdsFigure and background in the compositionThe field of vision is the space occupied by forms and colours.The figure and the background can be distinguished in the field of vision.

Visual weight

The visual weight or centre of attention is the main area of the composition, where forms and colours draw our sight.

The following factors influence the visual weightSize: The bigger the size, the bigger the weight.

Colour: Warm colors, such as red, weigh more than cool colours, such as blue

Lighter values on a dark background weigh more than darker values due to contrast.

Position: a strong position on the structure (Axis, diagonals, main points) weighs more than another off-center or remote position

Visual balanceWe can get visual balance by distributing and compensating the visual weight and the direction of the forms

Wassily KandinskySymmetryIt is a basic system for the arrangement of the forms

The forms are organized with respect to an axis

There is axial symmetry if the whole figure can be generated by repetition of one of its halves, as if reflected in an imaginary mirror that is placed in the middle.

Visual symmetry

El Nacimiento de venus, 1485, BoticelliIn radial symmetry, all the elements of the figure take up the same position with regard to a common point. All axes of symmetry pass through this point.

Rhythm is an art principle that shows the movement with the repetition of the elements and objects.

Rhythm and movement

RhythmWhere there is similarity there is repetition, therefore rhythm and frequency.

Visual movement is the art principle used for creating the sensation of motion and guiding the sight of the observer in the artwork.

In relation to the idea of rhythm and similarity, we have the idea of proportion, which refers to the relationship between elements of similar configurations but different sizes.