First thing to remember is there are no clear
cut rules. Creating symmetry and balance in paintings is basically an eye and
gut instinct. Some things just look awkward. If it looks awkward it’s wrong. I
feel an important rule is not to center the subject or squeezed it into a little
corner.
There
is a simple rule in contemporary painting composition known as the Rule of
Thirds. This principle of composition has been used for centuries by painters,
photographers and other artists. If you have a digital camera, a Rule of Thirds
grid is built into many digital cameras and it can be turned on and viewed on
the LCD.
Using this rule the main subject is placed off center, away from the middle of the frame. Giving a more dynamic and interesting feel.
Imagine two horizontal and two vertical lines trisecting an image with four intersecting points. You place your main subject where the lines intersect rather than centered in the frame.
Placing the horizon on an upper or lower line helps create a well-composed landscape. Placing a person where lines intersect vertically produces a more powerful interesting look.
A Rule of Thirds grid is built into some digital cameras. It can be turned on and viewed on the LCD.
To get the composition right it is important to
do some thumbnail sketches first. Mapping out your composition ensures you can't
go wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment