1. Arrangement of visual elements
Composition
Arrangement of visual elements

2. What is composition?
Composition emphasizes the subject, mood, and action of an image and makes it both easily understood and aesthetically pleasing.

3. Rule of thirds

4. What’s the difference between the two?
Rule of thirds
What’s the difference between the two?

5. Divide your paper into thirds
Rule of thirds
Divide your paper into thirds
Using the rule of thirds, draw a flower

6. Very attention grabbing
Central Composition
Very attention grabbing
Look at the eyes, what do you notice about them?

7. Positioning
Vary the heights and sizes of your images to create a more dynamic composition…
Unless you want to show that those elements are EQUAL

8. Practicing positioning
Drawing three different flowers:
Place a horizon
Vary their sizes
Placing one higher and lower on the visual plane
Still keep in mind the rule of thirds

9. Balance
The heavier the “weights” of the image element, the nearer it should be placed to the middle of your image
This helps equal out uneven visual weights

10. Lines
Vertical lines imply energy and growth
Horizontal lines are calming and stable.

11. Lines
Diagonal lines are very dynamic on a picture plane

12. Cropping helps the viewer see the important information
Cropping out unnecessary objects or backgrounds can help bring focus to your subject.
Simplify!
Cropping helps the viewer see the important information

13. Cropping

14. This time crop it in an interesting way
Cropping
Draw another flower
This time crop it in an interesting way
Show the viewer EXACTLY what you want them to see
Is it the root system?
The leaf?
A particular petal?
Don’t forget the rule of thirds!

15. Cropping Pelvis II, Georgia O’Keeffe, 1943 Music, Pink and blue
no. 2, 1918

16. Viewpoint
The viewpoint you choose influences the viewer’s understanding of your illustration
Viewing from below makes the image feel dominant or intimidating
Viewing the image from above makes the viewer feel the complete OPPOSITE

17. Rhythm and Repetition
Repeating of the same shape or type of shape that creates a pleasing rhythmic flow
You can Break the rhythm by strategically placing a different shape
Which creates a focal point!

19. Composition Complete
On a new page:
Draw a scene where a flower is the focal point
What compositional rules are you going to use?
On the back of your drawing answer:
How do those rules make your final sketch better than your first?