Composition

Let’s take lemons and make lemonade while we talk about the artist’s job of creating composition. There are many
ways to categorize a composition, and regardless as to how you create a composition, you need to be aware of the
fact that you are creating a composition. The use of composition is in every form of art that you create and must
be considered every time you begin to plan your artwork. These are simply examples of compositions and all of
the following types of compositions could be, can be and are created in an unlimited variety of ways.

Open Composition – The objects in the picture Closed Composition - The objects in the picture plane
plane extend beyond the edges of the picture plane. are held within the edges of the picture plane. The
The composition extends beyond what we can see in composition does not extend beyond what we can see
the picture plane. in the picture plane.

No Horizon – The composition has no division that
separates the ground from the sky. The image is
looked down on or it could be looked up at, but there
is no separation of ground and sky either way.
Rule of Thirds – The picture plane is broken into 3
columns and 3 rows. The focal point is located at one
of the 4 intersections that are formed. In this case, the
glass rides on one of the column lines and the lemon
rests on the lower right hand intersection.
Left Heavy - This is a good example of left third Right Heavy - This is a good example of right third
since the focal point is in the left third of the picture since the focal point is in the right third of the picture
plane. plane.

Horizontal - The lemons position are based on the Vertical - By using strong vertical lines and objects,
horizon. They are lined up and even with the edge of artists create the vertical direction of this composition.
the table top.

Diagonal - This image uses strong diagonal with the Frame within a frame - This piece demonstrates
knife blade cutting across the center of the image. frame within a frame by isolating the lemon using the
edges of the glass and the edge of the picture plane.