Composition

Positive and Negative Space

Positive Space

The objects, figures, or areas of interest that the viewer focuses on.

Negative Space

The background or the space surrounding the subject. Negative space gives the subject room to breathe, defines its edges, and can become a shape itself.

Concepts and Examples

Balance

The relationship between positive and negative space is crucial for a well-composed image.

Design

In graphic design, negative space (or "white space") improves readability and aesthetic appeal, while in interior design, it prevents a room from feeling cluttered.

Framing

There a many mediums which framing work with in itself becomes a key compositional element.

Psycho Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Oval with Points, Bronze, 1968, Henry Moore, Kew Gardens

The Courtyard of a House in Delft, Oil on canvas, 1658, Pieter de Hooch

Focal Point

Create a central area of interest that draws the eye first, using contrast, color, or detail.

Leading Lines

Eye Path

A visual pathway inviting the viewer to explore the image and discover the subject.

Against the Gods, Oil on Canvas, 1966, Frank Fazetta

Depth and Scale

Flat scenes appear three-dimensional and emphasize the size difference between foreground elements and distant subjects.

Frame from Sleeping Beauty, gouache on acetate, 1959, Eyvind Earle

Focus

By directing attention, they make the subject more prominent and impactful.

North by Northwest, film, 1959, Alfred Hitchcock

Balance

Arrange elements so the image feels stable, either through symmetry (mirroring) or asymmetry (balancing different visual weights).

Symmetry

Pure Symmetry

Identical Elements on both sides.

Approximate Symmetry

Similar visual weights but not identical.

Asymmetry

Different elements are arranged to have equal visual weight, creating energy, movement, and interest.

Radial Balance

Elements are arranged around a central point, drawing the eye inward.

Crystallographic

Even distribution of similar elements throughout the entire composition, creating an all-over pattern with no focal point.

Simplification

Abstraction

Elements

Uses fundamental art elements (line, shape, color, texture, value) as the primary subjects.

Non-Representational

Avoids realistic depiction, aiming for emotional or intellectual impact.

Focus

Creates a visual experience centered on the arrangement and interaction of elements, not on recognizable objects.

Simplification

Reduces complex subjects to their most basic, recognizable aspects.

Reinforce Composition

Employs traditional design principles like balance, rhythm (repetition), unity, focal points, and directional movement.

Contrast

The juxtaposition of opposing elements to create visual interest and hierarchy.

Harmony

The visually pleasing arrangement of similar or related elements, creating unity, balance, and a sense of belonging.

Methods of Visual Composition

Rule of Thirds

Divide the image plane into thirds vertically and horizontally. Where the lines intersect is where the focal points should be for the viewer.

Empty example with dividing lines:

Cartoon example with two characters:

Golden Mean

Dividing the image plane by Φ recursively until the fractal meets a point where it visually becomes moot to do so. The the arcs created give guidance where to place leading lines of the image and the vanishing fractal point becomes a point of interest or focus.

The math: (A+B) / A = A / B = 1.618 = Phi Φ

Golden Triangle

Instead of using horizontal and vertical to calculate the golden mean, the corners of the image plane are used as the starting calculations.

Below is a simple example:

Rule of Odds

Typically used in conjunction with other compositional methods, the amount of subjects in the image are in odd numbered groups. Example, 3 apples in a still life, 5 birds on a post in a landscape.

Horror Vacui

The Where's Waldo of compositional methods. Fill the image until there is not empty space. As the name implies, in Latin, fear of emptiness (vacuum).