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Compositional techniques, Rule of thirds conventional comp for artists tips and technique

Compositional techniques rule of thirds conventional comp for artists tips and technique

There are numerous approaches or "compositional techniques" to achieving a sense of unity within an artwork, depending on the goals of the artist. For example, a work of art is said to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye if the elements within the work are arranged in a balanced compositional way. However, there are artists such as Salvador Dali whose sole aim is to disrupt traditional composition and challenge the viewer to rethink balance and design elements within art works.
Conventional composition can be achieved by utilizing a number of techniques:

Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a guideline commonly followed by visual artists. The objective is to stop the subject(s) and areas of interest (such as the horizon) from bisecting the image, by placing them near one of the lines that would divide the image into three equal columns and rows, ideally near the intersection of those lines.
The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb in photography and other visual arts such as painting and design. The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Proponents of this technique claim that aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.


The image on top demonstrates the application of the rule of thirds. The horizon sits at the horizontal line dividing the lower third of the image from the upper two-thirds. The body sits at the intersection of two lines, sometimes called a power point. The body (power point) draw your attention along the torso up to the finally her face. Points of interest in the photo don't have to actually touch one of these lines to take advantage of the rule of thirds. For example, the brightest part of the image near the horizon where her shoulder and face do not fall directly on one of the lines, but does fall near the intersection of two of the lines, close enough to take advantage of the rule.

The application of the rule of thirds to illustration is considered by many to make them more aesthetically pleasing and professional-looking. The rule of thirds can be applied by lining up subjects with the guiding lines, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line instead of the center, or allowing linear features in the photograph to flow from section to section. In addition, many photographers recommend treating any "rule" of composition as more of a guideline, since pleasing illustration can often be made while ignoring one or more such rules.

Related posts:
-Composition tips simplification
-Composition four basic elements for artists
-5 tips to improve drawing skill for artist.
-Color temperature warm vs cool for artist.
-Basic Color Scheme for Artist, Monochromatic.

Drawing Software & Tools I used and recommended:
-Genius MousePen 6x8
-Wacom Intuos3 6X8 Pen Tablet
-Bamboo (Small) Pen Tablet (new from Wacom!) Economy for everyone.
Softwares:
-Gimp (Free Download)
-Adobe Photoshop CS2 (Professional software)
*You can just use pencil, paper, markers on this one...just practice rendering.

Basic Photoshop tutorial:
-How to Make cool icon in Photoshop by Knuckles930

New tutorials:
-Manga tutorial angry male face expression
-How to draw Manga face expression feeling happy
-How to draw Manga male face
-Manga tutorials draw facial expression mad or angry girl face

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Comments

Chris Reeve said…
This is a useful guide, but I personally tend to ignore it, or don't even think about it. If it looks good, go with it!

...On a completely different note, anyone listened to the new Metallica songs yet? Can't wait to buy that thing.
Anonymous said…
Hi Xia... I just came across a site and at the bottom I saw your name and when I clicked I saw some of your artwork.... well obviously they're amazing (no need to tell you this:). Also I saw some 3D Models, are they your creation too?? or you so only the artwork? well below you'll find the link, please someday post some informaion regarding the gallery work that you have! Thanks brother!

http://artpad.org/

http://www.xiataptara.com/
Chris Reeve said…
Well I can help with that artpad thing - I'm pretty sure Jaime Jones is part of the Guild Wars team, along with Xia.

I had no idea he had another site though. The gallery on that site can also be found on this one. It's just not very easy to find (hint hint :P).
Knuckles930 said…
There are a lot of elements on this site as it is, and Blogspot has its limitations, one has to choose which elements to put up and which ones below. Since the gallery isn't viewed as much as the rest above it might be used. Its not to odd that its more below.
idrawgirls said…
Chris> I never thought about it either, but it's useful to know. Also if you doing some kind of illos mid way (digital), you can apply any of the composition rules *one at the time...it can improve your piece virtually, seriously :)

Luca> Thanks, and yes those are my old personal site, I do 3D also if needed...I start at ArenaNet six years back as a goto and do everything guy. and ArtPad belongs to the Man, Jaime Jones. He is super great artist (He does things that only I can dream of), very good guy (kinda miss him now)!!! Though sadly he's no longer with Guild Wars project. He's now with Bungie (the guys who make Helo). I almost went on Diablo III, but...then...I start my Blog instead while stick with GW II and hoping someday will go full-time blogging. :)

Knuckle> Thanks bro, you have been to basically everywhere above and beyond the internet.
Knuckles930 said…
Eyes and ears of the internet. ;)
But glad if I can help out here.