Tip of the month – February 2005

When we read the written word, it is done from left to right or right to left or top to bottom. When we look at a work of art, it is often done in the same direction as we read. We start from an edge and follow the clues inward.

I have found that if I start a sketch from an edge, the area of interest will not be well-placed in the composition. I often hear the comments, “I can’t fit it all in” or “That’s not where I wanted that to be”.

Notice how centered these focal areas are. They should be moved to one of the four points illustrated below.

Would it not be simpler to start the sketch at the area of interest? Would it make sense to stop and decide where to place the area of interest?

There is the classic method of choosing this area.

Divide the surface into thirds horizontally and vertically. Any one of the intersections are good areas for placing the subject.

You can also place your hand on the paper where you want the area of focus to be placed

If I start with my main subject at the chosen area, I may not be able to fit everything in, but my subject will be well-placed and I can add anything that enhances my subject. I will have started from my principle subject and moved backwards to the entry point(s) to my composition. I will have made a decision. I will have discovered WHY I chose this subject.

In the first image, the full trees on the right and the less full trees on the left divide the image right through the middle and the background horizon line also runs through the middle of the composition. In the second image, the contrast of the tree branches against the sky creates a focal area in the upper third of the image and the background horizon line is on the bottom 1/3 line of the composition.

If you are working Plein Air, take a few minutes to visually scan the land. When your eye is attracted to a shape, color or value, stop and consider the possibilities for a composition.

By removing the bottom light on the left photo and defining the tree edges on the right photo, I have focused my interest to the edge of the right tree which can be strengthened by bright color or more contrast.

When you are working from a still life or model, close your eyes. When you open them, the first thing that you notice has great possibilities as your area of interest.

When I looked at this still life a second time, I noticed how wonderful the yellow shape looked against the dark shape. By cropping the composition, I have created an area of interest on the left and bottom third of the composition.

The next time you decide to redo a subject, try placing the area of interest in a different position.

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