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

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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 paintingMovement – leading the viewers eye from one point to the next within a

painting

Balance through design and color/value means…

SYMMETRICAL ASYMMETRICAL

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

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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!