10 Rules of CompositionComposition is the arrangement of objects or elements on a canvas.  In this case, we are specifically discussing the composition of artwork, with photographic examples. It should be noted that while not every masterful drawing or painting has to adhere to these rules strictly, they are an excellent starting point for quickly improving ones composition skills.

1. Strong Focal Point (or the principle of EMPHASIS) – be sure that there is something in your composition that draws attention from viewers and distinguishes itself from the rest of the objects in the frame.

Copyright Tambako the Jaguar

2. Rule of Thirds: “The rule states that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.” (Bryan F. Peterson (2003). Learning to see creatively. Amphoto Press. ISBN 0817441816.) Aligning a subject with these points in the composition creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would. Look at the examples below.

Copyright daybeezho

3. Horizon Line:  The horizon line should not be placed in the center of the composition, but rather far above or below the center. The horizon line in the photo below is very close to the bottom of the piece, where the fence meets the ground. This utilizes space, balance and harmony.

4. Leading Lines: if there are linear elements in your composition (such as a road, fence, etc.), compose your shot so that the lines point towards the focal point, drawing the viewer’s eye in. If they don’t your viewer must just have their eyes look elsewhere! Notice in the piece below that the lines are lighter towards the outside of the composition, and the contrast and intensity of the colors are at their peak near the focal point of the image. This can be a way to frame a pattern or repetition in your piece.

Copyright theonashow3

5. Cropping: When framing your drawing or photograph, leave out extraneous objects or ‘information’ that is unnecessary.  Zoom in to emphasize the focal point. The focal point in this piece is very clearly in FOCUS, and the background is blurred slightly. You can achieve this in drawing by having less contrast, or having your values closer together (see how close the values are in the background of this piece of work), or by having the artwork fade out. There are many solutions—cropping is one of the easiest ways to bring your composition into harmony!

Copyright Horia Varlan

6. Control Your Background: Be aware of what is in the back of your composition and that it does not distract or detract from your focal point. This is also called avoiding tangents—when something lines up that you did not plan—they can have very bad outcomes!

Copyright Adrasteia9

7. Create Depth: When photographing or drawing landscapes especially, try to show a distinct foreground, middle-ground and background. This is utilizing the element of space!

8. Point of View:  Try shooting the same object from several different angles: above, below and straight-on, to improve the shot by having a more dramatic perspective. Many times your first idea can be cliché—don’t settle for something easy, make your ideas and artistic communication stand out.

Copyright Steffen Jakob

9. Natural Border: This is specific to photography, but can be exciting to use in drawing or painting. If possible, use elements in your composition (for example, tree branches or architectural elements) to make a ‘frame’ or border around your focal point, emphasizing its importance.

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10. Showing Scale and Proportion: When drawing something that is especially large or small, you can choose to include a familiar shape (such as a person) so that the viewer can have something to which they can compare the object. You can choose to frame an artistic communication with proportion to say something exciting!

Copyright Alaskan Dude

Exceptions:Of course, there are always exceptions to every set of rules.  Sometimes a photograph that breaks the rules works!  So get out there and shoot some pictures!

HOMEWORK: Read through the 10 rules of composition and create a page for them in your DWB. (this can be the first blank page in your DWB) On the next page you need to print three images from the internet, take photos from magazines or even from your family photo album (as long as you get permission to) and analyze their compositional elements. Decide whether they are examples of great composition or not.

You will have two pages in your DWB dedicated to compositional rules. This assignment will be graded for completion. If you complete one image analysis, it will receive a 30%, two will receive a 60%, 3 will receive a 90%. Having everything drawn/pasted in neatly, with extra embellishment from you as the artist will allow for the other 10% for a 100%. Each analysis must include a description of the rules of composition your images do or do not include, and how you arrived at your decision of whether or not the composition can be considered “great”!