Composition, Colour and Creativity - Design

Notice how in this image all the figures are concentrated onto the face of Jesus and the core structure of the image is a triangular design, with the central pivot point on Jesus' face. Indeed in many religous paintings it was seen as symbolic that Christ should appear at the apex of the triangle.

In the following two examples we can see the triangular element still remains and does not need to be so clearly centred to the frame. It is also interesting that in the second picture the triangle leads the eye away from its apex.

Notice the triangle may be made by points at the corners of the angles, or by points along the lines of the triangle. The lines may be shaped by specific picture points, eyes, heads, hands etc or it might be whole changes in area of colour or light. You could imagine having "fuzzy felt" dots, lines and squares and laying them out to make different triangles.

The second common formed composition is the circular, or strictly curvi-linear composition. Notice how the various points and lines, areas of light and dark go together to form the circle. This picture also clearly shows how the circle leads to a very intimate image, drawing the viewer and the subjects together.

But if we look more closely, we can see that there is more than the one circle within the image, I've picked out just two more below, but in fact there are many more. This echoing of form is very common. In this example we are dealing with circles, but more common is the use of curving arcs only, just parts of the circle. In that case the arcs would cross at key points in the image, or sweep together like formation aircraft to lead the eye to a crucial point.

	Single Point: dead centre is static and dull, moving to the middle edge becomes more interesting and dynamic, moving to the very edge becomes odd and eccentric - only do so with purpose.
	Two Points:If placed close together then pull the eye away from background. Two lovers faces would be close together
	Two points: placed far apart create an attention on the space between the points. Two trees on either side would focus on a landscape in centre.
	Two points: of different sizes give a direction, from large to small, the eye will sweep across from the larger to the smaller.
	Two points: which dominate the picture in a balanced way give an unstable equilibrium. The eye wants to keep tracking back and forth between the two pupils.
	Receding lines: imply horizons and distance
	Strong flat line: shows a sturdy base and stability
	Verticals in rows: become horizontal, either in line or plane
	Vertical on its own: is a moving image, there is an inherent dynamic
	Vertical on base: becomes stable, it is grounded and supported
	Discontinuous and Straight Lines form a contrast and add interest
	Intersections: divide the image and also bring a focus to the point of intersection.
	Diagonal Lines: Diagonals always add a dynamic to a picture. The dynamic is increased when they form a stronger angle with the longer side.
	Many Diagonal Lines: add greater energy to an image (but can conflict)
	Parallel Diagonals: reinforce each other and add a strong sense of direction
	Zig-Zag Diagonals: bring the attention to the space(s) pointed at by the diagonals.

Remember, your lines may be implied - created by two points, or by the edge of a plane. It is often hard to think that way and personally I still find it rare for this aspect of composition to come naturally to me.

To conclude, I just want to focus on the qualities of other shapes and forms you might use.

Curves: are inherently attractive, their character is smooth, flowing and natural. They usually imply a strong sense of movement. Where curves are more complete (more than 1/3rd of a circle) they imply circles. Circles are enclosing, intimate, draw the viewer in.

Rectangles: not surprisingly present solidity, gravity, precision. Building blocks is right!

Triangles: in shape as well as in composition give a movement and direction. They can also give perspective and distance - either implied or explicitly. A triangle on its base with point at the top is stable, with point downwards is unstable. Note: three people always make a triangle, make the most of it. Especially if taking photo's try and break the three in a line mould.

Rythmn and pattern: in placing our lines, shapes etc we can also give a rythmn, especially when dealing with repetitive shapes. This can be interesting - or dull... Often breaking the rythmn is what it takes to be really interesting. Just one note about patterns, if they run over the edge of the image they are assumed to continue beyond.

Look at this wonderful picture by Erte. A classic in composition, design and contrast. Strong powerful lines and triangles given by the gentlemens heads are contrasted against the curvy shapes of the woman. The irregular positioning of the blocks of flats add interest against the straight lines implied. Contrast of course is focussed in the colour, but all these other elements go toward making the picture.

And this leads me nicely to the closing point when dealing with people. Notice how all the men are looking straight forward at you? Eye Contact Is Vital! Which is to say that for a portrait of any sort to really engage it is ideal that there is an eye to eye contact from the picture to the viewer.

• Introduction
• Contrasts
• Space and Frames
• Colour Theory
• Creativity