Bell Ringer What are the 3 Compositional Guides?
Bell Ringer What is an underpainting? Underpainting is the basic layout of a composition – it is the initial planning layer. It lays the foundation for following layers. It is typically monochromatic.
Bell Ringer What is the “Quick Start” approach? Quick Start approach is the process of setting in underpaintings to distinguish an appropriate composition for a painting. Quick because it should take no more than 15 minutes total. (2 minutes times 6 layers = 12 minutes with 3 minutes for wiggly room)
PAINTING Composition Observational Painting Developing a Composition
Composition is the design/layout of an image. It is how the Elements & Principles of Art are arranged. It should be manipulated in sketches before starting a painting (thumbnails). Composition
Strong Composition is important regardless of subject treatment. When creating a composition - Think about focal point Address fore/mid/background Manipulate the Elements and Principles of Design Composition
Compositional Guides Golden Section (uneven cross) Rule of Thirds Monumental Triangle
Golden Section The Golden Section is a Law of Proportionality. It is a Law that occurs frequently in nature and its use is particularly useful in Art. First developed by Vitruvius, it is most famously known from Leonardo Da Vinci's 1509 drawing 'The Divine Proportion‘. (Bottom Left) Essentially the law states that two unequal parts of a whole must be in relationship to each other to create a satisfactory image to the eye.
Golden Section (Golden Mean) Off-Center Composition Grabs viewers attention and holds it Focal point is never in the center of the page.
Rule of Thirds Creates a place of emphasis or focus within the composition. Divide the art into three parts vertically and then horizontally; where the dividing lines meet (there are four points) are the pleasing places to put the focal points.
Chris Peters
Monumental Triangle Composition is arranged within a triangle shape Creates stability (on it’s base) or energy (on a point) within the composition. Often used with figure drawing Robert Leedy
Dave Myers Georgia O’Keeffe
Compositional Movement Linear Eye moves across the picture plane in a line Circular Eye moves around the picture plane in a circle
Eye Movement: Linear Vincent Van Gogh
Eye Movement: Circular Claude Monet
Let’s discuss Composition… Page Format Picture plane Does not have to be the traditional rectangle
Let’s discuss Composition… Vantage Points The point of view from which the artwork is created Selecting a viewpoint changes the mood and composition of an artwork Level eye view
Selecting a viewpoint: Bird’s eye view Worm’s eye view
“Quick Start” Approach to your Texture Painting 1. Paint 2 minutes – Spray & Wipe off. 2. Begin again - new color & new section of the still life. 3. Repeat x 6. Underpainting & Quick Start
Underpainting Choose ONE primary color – paint your still life in this color for 2 minutes only! Work to set in the contours then add details & value. After 2 minutes, spray your canvas with water – and wipe with a rag. Then begin again with another primary color, and a different section of the still life – another 2 minutes – then spray & wipe off.
Underpainting Then begin again (3 layer) with the final primary color, and another different section of the still life – another 2 minutes – then spray & wipe off. You should have layers that are being left behind – the paint won’t completely wipe off – this is GOOD! (Don’t freak out!)
Underpainting Complete the “Quick Start” approach for a total of 6 times – twice with each primary color (red, yellow, blue). After the final layer (6 th time), repaint your best compositional layer in one color.
Underpainting Then take your painting and begin to divide it into different geometric sections – straight lines – no curving or zig-zag! Min. of 7 sections
Underpainting Then begin deciding what type of textures are you going to have present in your painting/still life. Tactile vs. Visual