artists use The rule of thirds to create dynamic compositions

In this comprehensive guide, we'll look into the history of the rule of thirds, explore its various applications, and provide practical tips for incorporating it into your own artwork.

It's a simple yet powerful tool that can transform your approach to composition.

Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your compositions or an experienced artist seeking to refine your skills, mastering the thirds will take your paintings to the next level.

Engage the viewers with dynamic compositions!

A Centuries-Old Secret to Captivating Artwork

This time-honored technique, used by artists and photographers can elevate your artwork to new heights. The rule of thirds was written about in the 1700s.

First it was first about how to use light and dark values in a painting. The recommendation was to have unequal parts of light and dark.

Then the suggestion was to paint everything in a 2:1 proportion. Such as, two thirds light and one third dark, one third land with two thirds sky or vice versa, etc.

Using this easy technique, we are be able to create balanced and engaging paintings that draw the viewer's eye and hold their attention.

it's easy to use the rule of thirds!

The rule of thirds is the artists' shortcut to easy composition.

It involves dividing your painting surface into nine equal parts and placing your main subject along these lines or at their intersections.

This strategic placement creates a sense of harmony and tension that makes our paintings more interesting and visually appealing.

Try it for super easy composition.

Divide the painting surface into nine equal parts.

Place two lines horizontally and vertically up and down, at one third and two thirds.

The main subject of the painting is placed at or near one of the intersections of the lines. (See the painting above.)

In our culture most of us read from left to right. So the bottom right intersection is considered the ideal place for the focal point.

In this case, I used the top left intersection for the main subject.

the Rule of Thirds creates a balanced composition

Think of a teeter tooter.

A heavy person sits on the short end of the teeter tooter. In order to balance, the lighter person sits way out on the longer side of the teeter tooter.

In a painting we place our subject, the focal point one third of the way into the painting. The rest of the painting takes up the remaining two thirds of the space.

This makes a balanced painting, just like on a teeter tooter.

A painting with unequal parts is more interesting and attractive to the viewers. The focal point draws the people in. Then their eyes have space to move around in the other parts of the painting.

Place the focal point at the balance point.

Drawbacks of Centering Subjects

The viewer's eye is drawn to a centered subject, then they don't look around the rest of the painting. Why?

It divides the painting in two. Then viewer doesn't know whether to look left of right. Indecision causes them to lose interest in the painting.

There are a few times we may place the focal point in the middle, like in a portrait.

It's best to place the subject in a three quarters view, not looking directly at the viewer. That changes the painting from being completely symmetrical and creates more interest.

Advanced Techniques and Variations of the rule of thirds

In our culture most of us read from left to right. So an intersection on the right side is considered the ideal place for the focal point.

landscape paintings vs. portrait art

Use the vertical lines for tall subjects.

Tall or long paintings subjects may be placed along the third lines.

This works for either horizontal or vertical subjects.

Vertical subjects such as a tall waterfall, a tall building, a tree or even a lighthouse may be placed on or near one of the vertical divisions.

The remaining two thirds of the painting balances the tall object.

A long low building could be placed on a horizontal line.

Additionally, the lines of land or water may be placed at or near one of the horizontal third lines.

This would give us the 2:1 ratio of land to sky or land to water.

That's what the artists were talking about in their writings back in the 1700s.

create a secondary focal point

Place a secondary focal point at another intersection.

A second focal point gives the viewers more to look at and keeps them interested in our paintings.

In this painting the hummingbird and the flower are each placed near an intersection of the third lines.

The subjects are placed diagonally across from each other. This creates a dynamic tension that creates more interest for the viewers.

A secondary focal point creates more interest.

Hummingbird paintings are fun!

artists often use the rule of thirds as a shortcut

Do we always follow this rule?

Of course not! But it is an excellent tool for the artist's tool belt. We paint for the viewers and the rule of thirds makes it easy.

Balanced paintings don't have to be symmetrical.

Many artists don't paint equal parts of anything - light, darks, shapes, color or anything.

Asymmetrical balance works for many areas of a painting. This is the basic premise of How to Paint Good Art.

the rule of thirds is super easy composition!

We can count on the rule of thirds for a good composition. It gives the artists breathing room.

We know the composition is a done deal. Then we can confidently turn our attention to color and other painting skills.