Composition

The art of composition

Composition in the Visual Arts

Composition - the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art, as distinct from the subject of a work. It can also be thought of as the organization of the elements of art according to the principles of art

In short, the composition of a piece refers to how the parts are put together.

In composing your picture, you decide what you want your main point of focus to be. Each artist may see the same thing, and each could choose a different point of interest. These forms that will be your point of interest could be made larger, clearer, stronger, brighter then they may actually appear in real life. Less important forms will be smaller or less distinct. Perspective is very important!

Through composition, and having a main focal point, the artist can actually control which part of his picture the viewer will linger over. Once a definite focal point is established, the viewer can be lead either directly or indirectly through the art. The use of light and dark contrasts will also emphasize the center of interest.