Composition

Composition
Composition is a structure of organization of a picture. It has nothing

to do with subject and style. It is the selection and organization of
elements of the visual language using principles of design to achieve
a desired effect that communicates a particular intent.
Le Corbusier:
” Geometry is the language of man…he has discovered
rhythms, rhythms apparent to the eye and clear in their
relations with one another. And these rhythms are at the
very root of human activities.
Borobudur Temple, Java, Indonesia
The purpose of Geometry of Design is not to quantify aesthetics
through geometry but rather to reveal visual relationships that have
foundations in the essential qualities of life such as proportion and
growth patterns as well as mathematics. (Elam, Geometry of
Design)
In all realms of our experience, we are finding the need to
rediscover proper proportions. The proportions of nature, art, and
architecture can help us in this effort, for these proportions are
shared limitations that create harmonious relationships out of
differences. Thus they teach us that limitations are not just
restrictive, but they also are creative. (Doczi, The Power of Limits)
The final desired effect of composition is
Clarity, Harmony, and Aesthetic.
•Clarity is achieved through the structure of

organization and order: Balance, the principle of
hierarchy and dominance, and movement.
•Harmony is achieved through the principle of

similarity and variety, and alignment.
•Aesthetic is achieved through proper proportional

relationship among elements of design and between
them and the space.
Clarity is achieved through the structure of organization
and order: Balance, the principle of hierarchy and
dominance, and movement.
Balance
•Balance is very fundamental to
unity. At the simplest level, balance
implies the gravitational equilibrium
of a single mark on a picture plane.
•It can also refer to the gravitational

equilibrium of pairs or groups of
units (such as lines or shapes) that
are arranged on either side of a
central axis.
•In picture making (composition),

balance refers to the optical
equilibrium felt among all parts of
the work.
•The artist balances forces

horizontally, vertically and
diagonally in all directions and
positions.
The Principle of Hierarchy and Dominance
When all of the elements used in a composition are of equal dimension,
the composition will appear lacking a sense of focus and hierarchy. In a
composition there must be a clear sense of dominance and hierarchy,
from how the space is divided to the type, size, and amount of the
elements used.
Movement
Harmony is achieved through the principle of
similarity and variety, and alignment.
•It is a factor of cohesion – relating various picture parts. This pulling together of
opposing forces on a picture surface is accomplished by giving them all some
common element/s: Color, texture, value, etc. The repetition and continued
introduction of the device or elements reconciles that opposition.
•Relationships are essential to harmony. A common element or motif – a repeated
color, texture, value, or a common configuration of line or shape – would be the
connecting force.
•Repetition is a way to create harmony. Repetition means that certain things are
repeated. However, it does not require exact duplication, but, instead, similarity or
near likeness.
•Pattern and rhythm are part of repetition.
Variety and Contrast
Alignment and Configuration
Aesthetic is achieved through proper
proportional relationship among elements of
design and between them and the space.
Two Types of Composition
•Close Composition: Forms seem well contained by the edges of the picture plane.
•Open Composition: images appear unrelated to the size of the paper, creating the impression
that the composition, unlimited by the outer edges, extends beyond the boundaries of the
pictures.
George de La Tour, Mary Monet, Water Lily, Impressionism, 19 th C.

Magdalene, Braoque, 17th C.
Close Composition Open Composition

Spatial Orientation
Each space has its own characteristics and directional orientation and they
determine how the space should be configured and the elements structurally
organized. The dominant organizational structure of a composition must be the
same as the characteristics and directional orientation of the space.
The most common spaces used in 2-dimensional design are rectangular
(vertical and horizontal) and square spaces. Circular, oval, and triangle
spaces are less common. The characteristics of these spaces are similar to
the characteristics of shapes. Characteristics and directional nature of
rectangular spaces are similar to characteristics and directional nature of
rectangular shape.
Spatial Division and Structure of Organization
•The first thing an artist or designer must do before starting executing his idea is to decide what kind of
compositional structure of organization that is the most appropriate to express his idea: Symmetrical or
Asymmetrical composition.
•A symmetrical composition communicates a sense of stability, perfect symmetrical balance, centrally
focus, quiet, elegant, and ominous. In a symmetrical composition the space is divided perfectly in the
middle vertically. The elements are organized identically (or approximately) on the left and right sides
(mirror image).
•An asymmetrical composition communicates a sense of dynamic balance. In an asymmetrical composition
the space is divided unequally vertically. (See section on symmetrical and asymmetrical balance)
The next step is to divide the space into smaller sections. If all divisions are of equal dimensions, the result
is very static. To create a dynamic composition, the division of space must be varied from large to small.
There are six basic spatial divisions
The structure of organization is based on the spatial division. It is
how the elements are placed on or inside the spatial division.
Three compositions with identical spatial division and structure of

organization will appear very different when different elements are
applied.
Variation and Elaboration of Composition
It is another way variety or dissimilarity is introduced to areas that lack visual
interest. It may be thought of as the addition of minute detail or embellishment
to certain areas. The enhancement of the surface with subtle or contradictory
information heightens this attraction. Though elaboration and contrast may
sound like repetition, the intent is not to heighten the relatedness but to
gradually introduce visual differences or opposition.

Composition

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Composition

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Composition

Composition is a structure of organization of a picture. It has nothing

•Clarity is achieved through the structure of

•Harmony is achieved through the principle of

•Aesthetic is achieved through proper proportional

•It can also refer to the gravitational

•In picture making (composition),

•The artist balances forces

George de La Tour, Mary Monet, Water Lily, Impressionism, 19 th C.

Close Composition Open Composition

Three compositions with identical spatial division and structure of

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