Composition is the arrangement of elements within the rectangle. At its most basic, the rectangle must be considered in a vertical format (a statement) or a horizontal format (a story.) We can begin by thinking of the square/ rectangle as having certain inherent energy zones- the center and four corners. Deciding how these are activated is the function of composition. It is created to move the viewer in and around the image, create interesting balance and harmony. When beginning to layout a compositional idea, it is important to consider the big shapes that make up the internal skeleton of the drawing (both positive and negative space.) Below we will see examples of how artists use composition.
The Raft Of Medusa-
Gericault. The composition has strong diagonals, pointers, and geometric shapes (specifically multiple triangles.) On the right, the grouping of figures form a triangle shape mirrored by the rigging and sail of the left. On the apex of the right triangle we find the focus or destination of the composition (further emphasized with the figure having the high value contrast.) Beyond the architectural layout, notice the organization of lights and darks, how these move you through the composition.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin- Titian. This composition reinforces the concept of the painting, The Virgin Mary's ascension to Heaven. To assist the story, Titian used a specific red to sequence the viewers gaze. Follow the red on robes of the men at the bottom, as it appears again higher in the Virgin's robe, as it reappears in the robes of God above.
The Rape of the Daughter of Leucippus by Peter Paule Rubens. In this example we can see the strong vertical lines (parallels) in the arms and horses legs. We see diagonals running through the hands, body, horse's feet in both directions. Finally there is the arc of movement or swing lines, follow the arc as it traces from the figure's head (angel) at left as it comes around to the head of the lower women at right. All the heads of the figures rest along this arc.
Another classic example of Rubens using diagonals, pointers, and light dark orchestration. All the diagonal spears point to the focal area (lion's bite) it is almost a wheel hub with spooks. Notice how certain edges of form rest on compositional diagonals.
A classic example of a zig zag progression through the artwork in this case a print byHiroshage.
A Degas pastel in which the clear use of diagonals to leads us around the drawing through one dancer to another.
Here we see Degas using repetition of shape. Each dancer makes a circle-ish (maybe a hexagon) shape with their arms, legs, skirts and even the negative space between two dancers.
Degas was heavily influenced by prints from the the far East, and in this example displays a unique use of balance. The composition is heavily loaded on the left side with and equally interesting weight of emptiness on the right. He further enhances the composition with diagonals and scale of shape (horse and rider.)
Jose Clemente Orozco's study for his Prometheus mural. Here we can see the skeleton of the drawing and more importantly how he organizes his composition. His goal is to make sure the eye visits all portions of the design and aligns certain elements to direct those movements. He sets this up first by laying out diagonals connecting different edges of his work surface. At its basic he draws a line between opposite corners and through the half way points of both vertical and horizontal edges (this is sometimes referred to as the British Flag layout). He goes much further and subdivides. Eventually he begins his drawing and uses these lines as guidelines as to where to place elements, rest limbs, etc. Below is the finished mural.
Here is an example of a Diego Rivera mural in which we can see symmetry worked into the composition. Each side reflects basic positioning and shapes of the other creating a parallel.
A silhouette by Kara Walker again showing the symmetrical approach.
