Composition

Composition refers to the way the parts of a picture are arranged. It is important to consider how all the shapes on the page are laid out. A painting may have great colours and terrific and detailed objects, but if it has poor composition it will never look like a great picture. As art is creative, there are no strict rules on what is right and wrong with composition, but there are some important things to consider.

1. Is the picture balanced? Make sure the shapes don't make the picture appear lop-sided. A picture does not have to be symmetrical but it should certainly give the appearance of balance.

2. Is the picture cluttered? Try not to "over do it". A picture is usually more effective with a small number of main objects so the person viewing it is not confused.

3. Is there a focal point? Your eye should be lead into the main part of the picture. Have only one focal point because more than one will cause confusion. The focal point does not necessarily have to be in the middle. When art is viewed, most people will begin in the bottom left corner, and continue through the picture to the right. A good composition will not allow the viewer to keep going right, all the way off the page.