Janie Gildow on COMPOSITION
CCP e-Newsletter June 10, 2008
Cold chills. Sweaty palms. Plummeting vital signs. Brain shut-down. Don’t worry; it’s just what happens when someone mentions the dreaded word: “composition.”
I’ve taught composition for a great many years and it really isn’t scary at all. Once you see how it works, you’ll find out that it’s simple, straightforward, and so very easy. All it takes is for someone to explain it in easy-to-understand terms with picture illustrations and you’ll be proficient in no time.
And as you read on, keep this in mind: composition is extremely important and your knowledge of it absolutely vital. All the technique in the world won’t make up for bad composition.
Design Elements - the tools of the artist. First of all, if you’re going to do any kind of job, you need the proper tools. Just as the carpenter uses saw, hammer, and nails; as an artist, your “tools” are the design Elements you employ and manipulate in order to create a work of art.
Line - the handwriting (or mark) of the artist.
Shape - the area within a closed line or edge.
Space - the area that gives the eye a rest and emphasizes active areas.
Texture - a dimensional quality that can be actual or implied.
Value/Contrast - value: the range of nuances from light to dark.
– contrast: the difference between light and dark.
Color - the frosting on the cake that adds depth, interest, and enrichment, and is highly personal for each artist.
Good composition consists of an orderly and purposeful arrangement of the Design Elements.
Your Goal: Unity and Oneness
The aim or goal of composition is to develop a piece of art that exhibits planning and forethought. It should look finished. Its elements need to relate to one another in order to create a feeling of oneness of unity. And unity is what gives the work a sense of rightness. Correct implementation of the Design Principles (the laws that govern the use of the tools or Elements) generates good strong composition.
That said, let-s get right to the nitty gritties…