Composition

In Samuel Adoquei's book, How Successful Artists Study, the artist/author tells us that "Composition can make or break a painting."

He also tells us that "behind every great successful painting there is an artist with an understanding of the laws of composition..."

If you're an artist then you're already thinking about this.  On the internet there are plenty of paintings that demonstrate the artist learned (or has not learned) the basic compositional arrangements - perhaps five or seven, there are many books that will give you the diagrams.  I have several in my own library, and I've painted work that follows one design or the other. 

Following along is a valuable learning exercise, like practicing the scales by rote, but in the end all it gives you is the ability to structure a painting using an S curve design and little else.  This is because composition is both very specific - and very ephemeral. 

There is something beyond the basic armature that goes into beautiful and lasting art.  And by studying theories of composition - from all cultures and all styles -  the artist develops an understanding, not a list of recipes. With understanding you can study a work of art that appeals to you esthetically and appreciate why.  You can approach your own work with both confidence and the willingness to experiment.  You have more of an opportunity to produce something beautiful, innovative and successful.

It's a lot easier to go with the recipe.  There's the argument that the public appreciates what it recognizes and understands.  And there are limitless ways to arrange elements within a work of art that still conform to a set structural design. 

But Adoquei also tells the student "All great paintings demand the deepest knowledge, wisdom and an unfailing craft." It's why we practice so much, study so much. 

What books have you found most useful in understanding compositional theory?  Comments?

 

Comments

[Margret Short]

Hi Sue, As usual, you have some very thought provoking subjects to think about. Adoquei's art book has a very interesting approach with information not usually covered. I thoroughly enjoyed it too.
Margret

[sue smith]

Hi John,
Thank you for the recommendation. I looked at the reviews posted on Amazon and placed this book on my wish list. It looks like a good investment for artists at every level.

[John P Garrett]

Hi Sue,
Composition to me always seemed like magic to me and could not seem to bridge the disconnect they teach you in art school to actually implementing it in a finished piece. Well until I found this book:
"Your Artist's Brain" by Carl Purcell. It's much better than Betty Edwards book in my opinion. check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Your-Artists-Brain-right-brain/dp/1440308446.
~John