Lesson 4 Principles of Composition

Principles of Composition
3rd Class

Homework Turn In
Prayer
Sketching Exercise
Lecture
Slide Show
Homework

Modernity and Science says:
The human body a random co-location of atoms that has no more meaning
that a TV, because it too is a chance collocation of atoms.

1. Proportion
: The pleasing relationship of all the parts of an object with one another.
Related to one another and whole in an interesting manor.
Avoid Monotony

Ex.1 Simple Rectangles

Rectangles:
A. Square, uninteresting, monotonous, same length on all sides
therefore poor proportions
B. Length of sides different, related enough to hold interest and
attention. Good proportions, Golden Mean
C. Length too great for width, no relation between two, lacks
interest, bad proportion
D. Width exactly twice the height, does not hold attention, poor proportions

What Trinitarian similarity do you see in these shapes or the language
I used to describe them?

Ex. 2 Law of Greek Proportion Rectangles

Rectangles: 3-5, 4-7, 5-8, 9-10, 7-12, 8-13, etc
This exemplifies the mathematical relationship of proportions
A rectangle 8ft high, the proportional division mark should be at 5ft

Examples of Good Proportion:

1. The Human figure, is eight heads high
2. The Parthenon at Athens,
a. Considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world,
build with acute attention to proportions
3. Dress and Suit Design:
a. The most interesting and therefore the most attractive is one where
the division is just above exact center

The Principle of proportion holds that an unequal divisions of space is best

2. Balance or Symmetry
The equal distribution of weight on each side of a central point, or
axis producing a sense of stability or rest

Ex 3 See-saw drawing

The law of physics states that the weights and arms on each side of a
central point must be proportionate in order to be balanced

And so it is in art

Formal Balance: Equal weights on each side
Informal B.: unequal, but arranged to satisfy the eyes, (free or occult)

Examples
1. The human body
2. Study Dresses
3. Compare houses
4. Look for formal and informal Symmetry in art, graphics and media

3.Rhythm
: The principle, which requires the regular, smooth and easy flow of
line in design,
Good rhythm should lead the eye easily from on e part to another
Rhythm in art is natural, and smooth as a baby sleeping,
Subtle
Five methods of creating rhythm in design;
Repetition, radiation, opposition, transition, and gradation

A. Repetition (rhythm)
Regular recurrence of the same or similar units throughout the design
This could be a variety of things

Examples of Rhythm via repletion,
1. Patterns on rugs, clothing, wallpaper
2. Borders, pottery, books, architectural, laces
3. The regular count or measure of music
4. Small areas of bright color in a room or on a garment

Almost endless examples

B. Radiation (rhythm)
: Lines flowing from a common center may be point or line

Examples:
Light: most common, every direction in straight lines
Leaves,
Flowers,
Trees

Principles of radiation are closely related to Dominant Interest.
A Focal point is considered a dominant interest
The face of a body is a center of interest
"Rays" it is certainly lead from the human face..ha, ha. Pow bang. Ha. Ha!

C. Opposition (rhythm)
: Severe harsh rhythm, produced by two lines at 90-degree angles
Cold, abrupt and very common form

Examples:
1. Belt at right angle to torso
2. Landscape where trees meet horizon
3. Harmony where mountains and a peak meet the skyline

D. Transition (rhythm)
Gradual merging of two lines into one,
Carries eye in swinging motion across the design

Ex.
1. Leg to tabletop,
2. Skate Park, ramp,
3. Music, break down, often this is a good time to clap politely or
yell something at the top of your lungs,
"Were all going to die!"
5. Bodies, swinging lines like that of a grey hound dog, panther,
rolling prairie

E .gradation (rhythm)
Gradual increase or decrease in size of units in a design.

Examples
1. Trucks and old cars
2. Dresses, tucks in fabric, made smaller or larger
3. Pine tree
4. Sky scraper
5. Music, usually a build up before a transition,
6. Literature

Quite important to composition of all sorts

F.Dominate Interest
: Requires every design to have one principal unit.
Center of interest
Which all other will be subordinate.
A presupposition if you will,
Ex. Anyone who loves anther is consciously or subconsciously
refereeing to a Christian presupposition

Subordinate units:
-Clues that lead to the dominant interest,
-They have an important part to play, by serving the dominant interest
to stand out more clearly
-Often time the subordinates are missed because they are so carefully
placed, you don't notice them until you reexamine a story, painting,
piece of music

In good Trinitarian fashion they should not be heavy handed.
Bad clues tell the whole story
"Im a clue that will tell help you solve the riddle"

God is not so obvious, he is much more mysterious.

Using this principle the artist may conceal unattractive elements,
and draw more attention to those that are flattering or important.

Examples:
1. A common room may be made spectacular, by a one beautiful piece of
furniture, table, chair or painting. Other furnishings can be used to
draw the attention to the one.
2. You can subtle try this with your own room, clothes that you wear,
things you create

In true art the lines leading to the center of interest from the
subordinate parts, so necessary to completion of the picture, story or
song are more often felt, than seen.

Summary
The result of good composition is unity, harmony and beauty.

The ___________ is beautiful because the artist had knowledge of when
and how to combine a pleasing and orderly fashion.

Indeed we can see that God's great plan for the universe showed
everywhere these principles.
Nature
Plants,
Mountains
Flowers
Animals

Mankind (notice how much of principle of composition refer back to
proportions of the human body)

God has gifted each of us with the ability to compose things artistically!
Each of us will have this artistic skill in different areas.
You may begin to notice your gifts when others start to imitate
something you are good at. Dressing, sports, money, designs, home
decoration, research, food, fashion, speaking the list goes on.

Homework
1st. Design a dress or suit using all the laws of composition, though
one should be highlighted
2. Write a description of a house you like, both inside and out.
Explain in detail why it is good and fits the principles of
composition

--
Matt Barley
P.O. Box 422
Wallowa OR, 97885

mobile: (541) 263-1216
Work: (541) 886-2951