Composition - examples of note

Mike McCarty · 10-25-2006, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Those who can follow their heart with passion are those lucky ones, who will show us new ways of looking at the world.

This first painting is how William Blake looked at the world (or saw the world being looked at) in 1794, The Omnipotent.

The next painting by Lady Laura Alma-Tadema - Sunshine, could have been better, I think. What could have been a very nice scene is spoiled somewhat by the way the face has been diminished on the window side by what looks like the little girls hair. I think this could have been much better if she had left the line of the face cleaner with a higher contrast. The face is now too confused with the hair and other non essential elements.

What else am I to do, the World Series is rain delayed ...

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-26-2006, 11:16 AM

This is by an Iranian painter Morteza Katouzian, the painting is titled "Red Alert". I am sorry, but I don't have a better scan.

Notice how the relative emptiness on one side adds to the feeling of inbalance, things being not right in the world of these figures. Composition wise, he chose not to make them the focal point on the canvas, yet the eye of the viewer keeps going back to the figures, because of the formal triangle composition, which unites the figures and give them higher visual impact.

This artist has the skill to render the human form, but he deliberatly chooses to give the figures an almost transparent feel. The color choices are deliberate, the figures being in soft values in comparison to the almost neon red clouds, add to the sense of danger for the threesome.

Here is a artist that in my opinion breaks many of the rules. Still he was able to create a work that is both sensitive to the plight of the individuals and yet jarring due to the setting he conveys. The artist made his statement and followed his heart!

John Reidy · 10-26-2006, 11:38 AM

I take a different view of the composition.

I feel that the artist broke no rules but used them in a different way. There is the strong triangle and he uses the rule of 3's, dividing his canvas into thirds. The strong reds juxtaposed to the human figures create an interest that plays back and forth.

Thank you Enzie for posting such a beautiful piece that illustrates just how well good composition can work.

Mike McCarty · 10-26-2006, 04:05 PM

I look at it this way -- there are story lines, themes, and messages; they can be poignant, disturbing, or wistful, but I don't think the Gods of composition get involved in such matters. I think there's is more the work of shapes and relationships. Also, I don't think they much get into the style business either. Even highly impressionistic work must deal with these same compositional issues. True, the edges may be less defined, but masses and their relationships to one another would still come in to play, especially when we step back and let some of those stylized components fall away.

And too, I hope anyone reading my remarks understands that they are always in the form of a question and up for challenge. If I really step in it I hope someone will come forward and set the record straight. Of course they'll be no fruit cake for Christmas, but you shouldn't consider that, yours is a solemn obligation to the horde and throng.

Even an argument can be well composed ...

Tom Edgerton · 10-26-2006, 04:26 PM

Mike--

This post is tremendous...thanks for your generosity and industry in keeping it going for awhile.

I've been downloading the examples to my swipe file as fast as they come up. New treasures every day.

Best--TE

Mike McCarty · 10-26-2006, 05:12 PM

Thank you Tom.

I've learned a lot from the research, I think.

Horde and Throng also thank you (Twins, brother and sister from my fifth marriage. Good kids, love crowds).

Everyone should know by now to take much of what I say with a few grains of salt.

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-27-2006, 12:59 PM

John, now I have to go reread about the rule of 3's! Thanks for pointing that out....

Mike, I have to join Tom in thanking you for the treasures you undig. There are several painting that are just awesome, which I had never seen as well.

I am curious if you wouldn't mind what you have learned from your research. Of course it will be taken with a grain of salt!