#437 In the studio: Bird anatomy, con't . . .

Please start this bird anatomy series with post #403,  March 10.

Composition is the arrangement of visual elements in a work of art, composition means "putting together."  

A good composition gives the viewer's eye both movement and repose.  

There must be an area of interest contrasted by areas of rest.

There are three main principles of composition:

1.  Composition is a harmonious arrangement of two or more elements, one of which dominates all others in interest.  
     The dominant element becomes the focal point or center of interest.

2.  There should be as few secondary elements as possible and these should be arranged to support the main interest.

3.  The position of the center of interest depends upon the feeling of balance created by the distribution of the different
     elements in the composition.

In the first box the dot is centered, static and not interesting.  This is not good composition.





In the second box, the dots are symmetrical and not interesting, and therefore not a good composition.





In the third box we're getting there.  The space seems to balance the dot.  The Japanese call this "formal sparseness of design."






The fourth box has a composition.

Hummer and Rose
10"H 4"W 4"D

Composition combines clear spatial organization and harmony . . . a simple placement of the figure in nature.

All sculpture, drawings, and etchings - copyright Sandy Scott