In one of my famously “off topic, but circuitously related” discussions of art during Color Theory class we began discussing and brainstorming the different types of compositions. This was spawned by the college class I’m taking with Elaine Brady Smith.com. Elaine lists and provides example of the following types of composition in her class handouts:
- Centered
- Striated
- Bridge
- Cross or T
- Grid
- Portrait
- Floral
- Landscape
- Allover Pattern
- Radiating
- Circular
- Square or rectangular
- Triangular
- X or diagonal
- S or Z
Landscape and Floral
In my searching for examples, we also encounter the Rule of Thirds. Most frequently utilized in the photography field, I contend that this is more a general rule of object placement falling under the Cross or T shaped design rather than a specific compositional layout.
Elaine has a great idea in wanting to create a collection of examples of the types of compositions all in one place. This would be a invaluable resource for for any artist, regardless of medium. As a result of this, I will be integrating a more complete discussion of the various types of compositions, (but with examples from art history, photography and graphic design), in subsequent class discussions and projects.
Pennsylvania Artist Erin Sparler explores the juxtaposition of form, color, symbol, and motion through alternative process photography and progressive art. Sparler's work reminds the viewer that the eye, the world and the mind are in constant motion...
2 Comments
Erin,
Thanks much for the mention in this post. It is always great to know that my students are absorbing something from my classes. I would have liked to have been present for the discussion with your students on compostional designs. I continue to persue the subject and I would be very interested in further ideas from you and your students. Keep in touch.
Elaine
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[...] Elaine, made me really thing about the different types of composition available to artists. We discussed it in class, I discussed it with students and we decide to see if we could make a list of all the different shapes and types of composition in art. [...]
[...] that the use of direction and angle eventually creates composition. To read more about more of the different types of composition check out this blog [...]
[...] Elaine, made me really thing about the different types of composition available to artists. We discussed it in class, I discussed it with students and we decide to see if we could make a list of all the different shapes and types of composition in art. [...]