COMPOSITION =How the parts of a drawing are arranged FOCAL POINT = the main part of the composition, where your eye can rest. –The point of Emphasis –All other parts of the image are secondary

s

Composition is all about... BALANCE – through design and color/value MOVEMENT – creating a path to the focal point Balance – a feeling of stability among parts of a painting Movement – leading the viewers eye from one point to the next within a painting

Balance through design and color/value means… SYMMETRICALASYMMETRICAL Balance Color or Value

MOVEMENT Create a Path for the eye to follow The marks or lines should lead to one main FOCAL POINT.

MOVEMENT = Moving the eye

The Rule of Thirds – a Technique for placing the Focal Point How do you know where to place the Focal point?

Divide the height and width into 3 = sections Place the Focal Point where the lines cross or intersect

The Focal Point should be on or near a 1/3 Line

Examples of the Rule of Thirds

s

TIPS & GUIDELINES

Odd number of objects are better If only 1 object it must touch all 4 sides Only 2 objects -they must touch Only 1 dominant object (focal point) Arrange objects to create triangle Use a pattern to engage the viewer. TIPS & GUIDELINES

Two objects alone can divide the composition. The exception is when the two elements are tied together in some way, as shown below. An ODD number of objects is better than even.

Triangle Composition

Patterns Patterns are interesting and pleasing to look at. Ideally, they should also set the scene and supply a visual context for the story.

Thumbnail Sketches Small quick sketches created to explore ideas for composition and subject.

Practice – in your sketchbook Thumbnail Sketch – 4-6 different compositions using the simple objects you started with today Apply what we just learned –Use the Rule of Thirds –Change the size of the objects in each drawing Remember the Tips & Guidlines

Mixed Media Collage Examples

Hung Liu

Student Work

BEGIN!