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Fundamentals of Composition

The document discusses key concepts of composition in art, including focal points, balance, and use of techniques like contrast, isolation, and convergence to direct the viewer's eye. It also covers principles for balancing elements, such as the rule of thirds, golden ratio, symmetry, and rule of odds. While composition in architecture and art are closely related, architecture must also consider usability and regulations, unlike art which focuses solely on aesthetics. Proper use of compositional fundamentals can make art and architecture more visually engaging.

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Jessa Mae Andes
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187 views

Fundamentals of Composition

The document discusses key concepts of composition in art, including focal points, balance, and use of techniques like contrast, isolation, and convergence to direct the viewer's eye. It also covers principles for balancing elements, such as the rule of thirds, golden ratio, symmetry, and rule of odds. While composition in architecture and art are closely related, architecture must also consider usability and regulations, unlike art which focuses solely on aesthetics. Proper use of compositional fundamentals can make art and architecture more visually engaging.

Uploaded by

Jessa Mae Andes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Jessa Mae Andes

BS Architecture – 1A

INTRODUCTION

In terms of art, composition is referred to as, the pleasing arrangement of the


elements within an art work. When talking about the composition in art, it’s not
pertaining about the message or meaning of the art work (Composition in Art: Definition
and Elements, 2018). Henri Matisse once said, “composition is the art of arranging in
a decorative manner the diverse elements at the painter’s command to express his
feelings”.

The positioning or the arrangement of elements can affect how the message is
conveyed in an art work. You need to arrange it in a decent manner to make it
understandable. An art work wil become more inviting and intriguing for the viewers if
it is well composed.

BASIC FUNDAMENTAL OF COMPOSITION

FOCAL POINTS

- According to Paula Swenson, “the focal point is the center of interest or


activity in a work of art”. There are many ways to emphasize or create focus
on your subject. But using too many focal points may affect the overall
impact of the art work.

o CONTRAST – Using different color, different value, or different shape,


etc. will make subject pop out. The eye of the viewer will get drawn to
this elements because of their contrasting characteristics.
Jessa Mae Andes
BS Architecture – 1A

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fptop.only.wip.la%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.widewall
s.ch%2Fmagazine%2Fcontrast-in-art-and-the-value-of-the-
opposites&psig=AOvVaw1qKqc6vRueHKcueVrYxMvW&ust=15991209
03728000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCLiqgduDyu
sCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

o ISOLATION – another way of creating a focal point is by isolating the


subject. Separating something from the rest of the group will make it
stand out.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fptop.only.wip.la%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.pinterest.
com%2Fpin%2F289708188505527103%2F&psig=AOvVaw1COApE87
_-
PgF12DNifUUQ&ust=1599122949661000&source=images&cd=vfe&ve
d=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCPjHgMeLyusCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

o THE UNUSUAL – according to matt fusel, another way of creating a focal


point is by introducing an unsual element to the scene. Since the object
is different from the rest of the elements it will stand out and grab the
attention of the viewers.
Jessa Mae Andes
BS Architecture – 1A

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fptop.only.wip.la%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwebneel.com%2F
webneel%2Fblog%2Fart-innovation-oil-painitngs-unusual-
composition&psig=AOvVaw1k95Z_XPBlmDvVxbkvRLOs&ust=159912640
4835000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCODuwKOYyusC
FQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

o CONVERGENCE – another way to direct the attention of the viewer’s


eye to the subject is by using guiding lines. Those lines are used tfco
point at the direction of the subject as a focal point. By using this the
viewer could easily tell which the subject is.

Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii, 1784


Jessa Mae Andes
BS Architecture – 1A

BALANCE/ IMBALANCE

o RULE OF THIRDS – this technique involves a three by three grid.


Positioning your subject on, or near the intersection will create an
aesthetically pleasing image. Rule of thirds is also used to make sure
that your art work is not overly symmetrical

https://artignition.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/rule-of-thirdsinart.jpg

o GOLDEN RATIO – Applying golden ratio in an art work make the art work
seems perfectly balanced and feels right. Using this trick can make your
art work visually stunning. (Art Ignition)

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/desantis-typographic-design3-2427-
d212-fall2018/files/2018/06/golden-grid-bw.jpg (fig.2)
Jessa Mae Andes
BS Architecture – 1A

o SYMMETRY – refers to balance that is achieved by arranging elements


on either side of the center of a composition in an equally weighted
manner. It is a very structured, orderly way of designing a work of art.
(Symmetrical Balance in Art: Definition & Examples, 2016)

http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium/symmetrical-garden-
leigh-ann-inskeep-simpson.jpg (fig. 3)

o RULE OF ODDS – placing an odd number of elements in an art work makes


it seems more interesting and dynamic. According to
TheVirtualInstructor.com, the human mind finds balance in odd numbers.
In this image, the two objects seem to have a visual competition between
them. You can hardly tell which among them is the focal point.
Jessa Mae Andes
BS Architecture – 1A

https://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/composition-in-art

However, when added with a third subject, the composition becomes more
balanced.

https://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/composition-in-art

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPOSITION IN ART AND ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is a river which merges into a vast ocean called Art. In addition, he
also states that architecture is a small part of art (Kevin Pant, 2015). Art and
architecture is closely related to each other, and the fundamentals of composition in
architecture is almost the same with the fundamentals of composition art.

In composition of architecture the architects will have their own aesthetics


preferences similar to artist but within the context of considering other people. Unlike
in composition in art, architect have to consider in the proposed design, expectations
and regulations of others. (John McGlade, 2018).
Jessa Mae Andes
BS Architecture – 1A

CONCLUSION

The point of making use of fundamental in composition in art and architecture


is, that it will be more visually captivating, than it would be if it was designed without
considering the basic fundamentals in composition. However, the composition in
architecture is not just all about aesthetics, the usability or functionality of the structure
must not be disregarded.

1. https://youtu.be/VwUZ3PivD6I

2. https://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/composition-in-art

3. https://drawpaintacademy.com/fundamentals-of-art/

4. https://www.ehow.com/about_5127594_definition-focal-point-art.html

5. "Composition in Art: Definition & Elements." Study.com, 12 October 2017,


study.com/academy/lesson/composition-in-art-definition-elements.html

6. Symmetrical Balance in Art: Definition & Examples. (2016, January 28). Retrieved
from https://study.com/academy/lesson/symmetrical-balance-in-art-definition-
examples.html.

7. https://www.quora.com/profile/Kavita-Pant-1

8. https://www.quora.com/profile/John-McGlade-2

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