good composition in art attracts the viewers

A good composition in art arranges the elements in an enticing manner to draw people into the painting. Then they enjoy spending more time looking around in the painting.

What is a good composition and how do we design successful paintings?

Artists don't have to copy nature or photographs. We have an artistic license to move and arrange the elements in our paintings to create a pleasing composition.

Compositions are often designed with the following items.

Center Lines / The Rule of Thirds / More Easy Tips

The main subject is not on the center lines.

center lines: the #1 rule of composition

Center lines can make or break our compositions.

Good composition avoids placing the main elements of the painting on the center lines, both horizontally or vertically.

Place the main subject to the left or right of the vertical center line and above or below the horizontal line.

A subject right in the center of the painting makes is like diving into a deep hole. The viewer looks at the subject and then it's hard for their eyes to move out to rest of the painting.

When the main object is on the center lines, it cuts the painting right in half. The viewer sees two paintings instead of one cohesive painting. They feel uncomfortable and don't know where to look.

Also, the horizon line of a landscape painting should be above or below the center line.

the rule of thirds: good composition in art

The rule of thirds is the easiest rule of composition. 

It places the focal point about one third of the way into the painting. The viewer's eye then has space to move around and look at the other parts of the painting.

how do we use the rule of thirds?

Divide the painting surface into thirds.

Using the Rule of Thirds

Draw two lines up and down and two lines across the painting surface.

This makes nine equal spaces. This works whether our painting is oriented either horizontal or vertical.

Place the focal point at one of the intersections.

We may use any intersection, the left, right, top or bottom intersection.

In the example painting, the Scrub Jay is located at the top right intersection of the lines.

The viewer's eye is drawn into the painting. Then there is plenty of space for their eyes to move freely into the rest of the painting.

The rule of thirds makes composition so easy.

more easy tips for good composition in art

We are well on our way to an exciting painting after we position the main subject. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Painting Lines
• Tangents and Variety
• People and Animals
• Grouping and Odd Numbers
• Geometric Shapes

the lines in our paintings

Parallel lines close to the edge of the canvas pull the viewer's eye away from the focal point and often out of the painting.

For example, a tree trunk close to and parallel with the side of the canvas would not be a good composition in art.

In this painting, the lighthouse is well away from the side of the canvas. It tilts slightly toward the center of the painting to keep it from being parallel with the edge of the canvas.

Lines are important in composition.

Lines going directly out the painting will lead the viewer's eye right out of the painting.

This is especially true of lines going out the corners.

The top of the lighthouse is subdued to keep the viewer's eye in the painting, instead of directing it out.

A good composition will break a long horizon line.

Use a bird, a tree, a mountain or something to break the horizon line. A long, straight horizon with no break gives the viewer a highway to travel right out of the painting. We want to keep the viewers inside the painting.

The horizon line in the lighthouse painting has the value contrast lessened and the edges softened on the right side to keep the viewers' eyes inside the painting.

Notice that neither the lighthouse, nor the horizon are on the center lines of the painting. That's using good composition.

More tips how to Paint Good Art

what's a tangent?

A tangent is when two items are just barely touching each other. It makes the viewers feel uneasy. Artists call this kissing. Keep objects from barely touching each other or the edge of the canvas.

Move items farther apart or overlap them instead of letting them kiss.

Variety is very important in our paintings

Vary the sizes, shapes and colors to maintain the viewer's interest.

Variety Is the spice of life.

Repetition is boring. So, we don't repeat sizes and shapes thru-out the painting.

For example, we want large, small and medium items throughout the painting, never all the same size.

The turtle occupies a medium amount of space. The water takes up the largest space. The other items take up the smallest area. This gives the painting plenty of variety.

The same goes for color. Don't have equal amounts of warm and cool colors.

This painting is warm yellow and orange in contrast with cool blue. Each color is used in different amounts to give more variety.

What is the meaning of colors?

placing people or animals

The hummingbird is facing in.

The viewer's eyes will follow the line of vision of a person or animal.

Position them facing into the painting.

The hummingbird is looking at the flower thinking about lunch. That keeps the viewer's eyes inside the painting.

If the critter or person is looking out the side of the painting, their line-of-sight will carry the viewer's eyes right out of the painting.

That's not what composition in art is supposed to do.

Notice the turtle in the painting above is looking into the painting. He has plenty of space in front of his face to look into the painting.

What does Wikipedia say about composition?

group items with odd numbers

Things look better in groups or near other items.

A group of five daisies.

Single items are great for the focal point but in other areas group the items together.

A group of items feels more comfortable for the viewers.

Odd numbers such as three, five or seven are more pleasing than even numbers.

Even numbers like two, four or six are stagnant and unexciting to the eye.

So, no matter if its trees, rocks or apples, good composition in art will use odd numbers.

Odd numbers keep our paintings interesting and keep the viewers looking longer.

geometric shapes

Geometric shapes are too static and non-artistic. Shy away from using definite geometric shapes like a square, circle or triangle.

Use your artistic license to change geometric shapes. What if we have;

• A rectangular building: Move the view of the building to change its shape or camouflage it with foliage or shadows, etc.
• A mountain shaped like a triangle:  Put whoop-de-dos in the mountain to change its shape.
• A lake that is a circle: Meander the shoreline, so it's not a perfect circle.

We don't have to paint things exactly like they are in real life.

artists trust our instincts

We have an artistic license to move and change things in our paintings for good composition.

The rules of thirds and center lines are the most important composition guidelines.

Then while we are painting, we will pick up the variety of other tips. It all comes with practice.

When it feels right to us, it will please the viewers. That's what good composition in art is all about.