In the world of art, where every line and every shade matters, composition becomes a key tool in revealing the brilliance of a work. Let's look together at the basic compositional techniques that serve as an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists, regardless of their style and direction.

The Magic of Composition in Art: A Guide to Basic Techniques

It is probably impossible to talk about composition without paying special attention to the rule or law of the golden ratio. This age-old principle, permeating art since antiquity, becomes a kind of magic key that opens the door to the harmonious world of visual perception.

Golden ratio

There are geometrically verified construction formulas, as well as a clear definition that says - the golden ratio, or golden proportion, is a ratio of two quantities in which the larger quantity is related to the smaller one, just as the sum of the quantities is to the larger one.

But what is it, in simple terms? And how does it help the artist? The golden ratio is a certain harmonious ratio of axial vertical or horizontal guide lines in a picture. We can also say that this proportion can greatly help the artist in constructing the composition of the work. This ratio can be used in any genre and style. But let's move from abstract mathematical definitions to practice and real impact on art.

 

Using the example of the work “The Sun of Diveevo” I want to show the principle of proportion of the golden section. The first image is a more complex construction, the second is simpler. Of course, I did not calculate these proportions with a ruler, but did everything by eye. Since, it should be noted that, for example, being in the open air, painting from life, we cannot always accurately geometrically construct these relationships. It is important to note here that the vision of the relationship of the golden section needs to be developed in oneself. Do exercises and develop a sense of harmonious relationships that allow you to feel these proportions on an intuitive level.

Rule of thirds

This rule says that the most important place in the work, the emphasis should be at certain points in the work. If we divide the work format vertically and horizontally into equal parts, then at the intersection points of these guides we will get the required points.

 

There is an opinion that in a picture all important elements must be located precisely at the points of intersection of the thirds. In the example above, the main elements are located at the intersection of three of the four points. This rule allows you to build harmonious and dynamic paintings.

Compositional center of the painting

The center of the composition is not necessarily the geometric center of the painting's format.

 

 

As a rule, the coincidence of geometric and compositional centers results in static and lack of movement in the work. I would also like to note that it is advisable to strive to ensure that these centers do not coincide with each other. This principle adds more dynamics and emotionality to your painting or graphic work.

Symmetrical, asymmetrical triangle

In my opinion, a very common compositional technique. It has been used by artists for a very, very long time. However, even now compositions based on a triangle have not lost their relevance.

 

In the example above, I used a symmetrical triangle as the basis of the portrait composition.

Arrangement of objects in the format

It is necessary to arrange an object in a format, be it a person, an object, or, say, a detail of a landscape, in such a way that certain laws are observed.

 

A separate article could be written about these rules and laws, but in short, I would like to say that it is not necessary to ensure that all subjects, such as performances, fall clearly within the boundaries of the format. You should always look for non-standard options. You can trim something somewhere for dynamics. Somewhere there is something not to be shown. Using this work as an example, I want to show that if I had framed the work a little differently, it would have looked more interesting.

Diagonal

Diagonal placement is a very powerful compositional technique. Gives strong dynamics and movement. You can see this principle in the following example.

 

In the painting, Vasily Surikov uses a diagonal to emphasize the powerful movement from bottom right to top left. The sleigh literally goes up. If we try to mirror the picture and see what happens, we will see that the sleigh, on the contrary, seems to be rolling down. This principle, when used correctly, powerfully emphasizes the author’s intent.

Harmony of Shapes and Colors: Exploring Composition in Abstract Painting

In the world of abstract painting, composition plays a particularly important role, bringing its own unique nuances to the visual perception and interaction with a work of art. Let's lift the lid on how compositional principles influence this creative and exciting genre. It is important to note that, although some compositional principles retain their role from realist painting, their meaning in abstraction undergoes a special transformation, coupled with endless possibilities for expressing emotions and ideas.

I would also like to say a few words about composition in abstract painting. By and large, the same compositional principles apply here as in realistic painting. However, it should be noted that in abstraction it is more difficult, in my opinion, to express emotions and therefore the requirements for harmony and composition are much stricter than in realistic painting.

 

Also, using the laws and principles of composition, you can analyze what is depicted in an abstract work. For example, in a painting by Vassily Kandinsky we see a diagonal compositional structure and powerful dynamics. The obvious compositional center is shifted to the right relative to the geometric center. We feel very strongly the internal dynamics of work.

In conclusion, composition in abstract painting remains the same key aspect as in realist art, although with a special twist. In this context, compositional principles not only serve as a guide for creating visual harmony, but are also a powerful tool for conveying emotion.

It is noted that in abstraction, where the expression of emotions is often complex, the requirements for harmony and composition become more stringent. The importance of each element, its position and interaction with the environment acquires special significance in this case.

Examples of great artists such as Vassily Kandinsky emphasize that through the application of the laws and principles of composition in abstract art, it is possible not only to structure a work, but also to deeply analyze and perceive its emotional content. In this interaction of shapes and colors, the composition becomes a means of vividly expressing the internal dynamics and emotional depth of an abstract work.