Composing Dynamic Paintings
AN ATTRACTIVE PAINTING not only has appealing subject matter, it also has a pleasing composition. Composition refers to the way objects are placed and how they relate to one another. A good composition will seem balanced and harmonious, and it will lead the viewer’s eye into the picture.
Creating a Center of Interest
Your paintings should have a center of interest, or “focal point,” but you don’t want the viewer to ignore the rest of the painting! I try to make sure that my compositions lead the eye through the painting and toward the focal point. I often arrange the elements in a triangular pattern, or I lead the viewer’s eye along a curving path or a row of trees. I also use color to create interest—for example, ...
Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.
Read now
Unlock full access