In your Higher Exam you will be expected to discuss the following areas of Composition:

• placement of subject matter; arrangement of elements in a 3D work

• viewpoint or camera angle perspective, picture plane

• leading lines

• focal point

• pose in portraiture and figure composition

• use of negative space

• balance, symmetry and asymmetry

• description of the composition — for example triangular, circular, linear, cluttered, minimalist, naturalistic, staged

The artist has created a busy and vibrant composition through their use of space and layering, this can be seen in the cluttered, overlapping buildings emphasised by the harmonious colour palette they have done this to create a chaotic atmosphere of a busy city.

• the black dribbles at the top of the composition help draw the viewer’s eye downwards towards the utility pole, highlighting this as the focal point

• the use of hot and cold colours emphasise negative space. This can be seen in the green used in the sky contrasting against the orange buildings making them stand out

• the flat composition and lack of depth reinforce the height of the buildings, creating an imposing claustrophobic atmosphere

In your Higher Exam you may be expected to discuss the following areas of Focal Point:

(While Focal Point is part of Composition you may be asked to talk about it in isolation)

• centre of interest

• point of interest

• how the focal point is created — for example leading lines, colour, tone, lighting, position

The artist has created a focal point by using a large dominating scale and bright light to highlight the rounded piece of machinery, this creates a focal point in the painting by adding drama and contrast.

The artist has used the machinery the woman is touching and leaning towards to create a focal point as the viewer follows the leading line created by her gaze and is intrigued as to what she is closely looking at creating an atmosphere of mystery. 

The artist has made Ruby the main focal point as she is large in scale and is in the foreground of the composition. Her clothing and hair are detailed therefore giving her importance within the piece, this is logical as her name is the title of the painting.

The artist has painted the woman’s face so that it is highlighted from the bright lamp. This is visibly striking as it is illuminated against the dark background drawing the viewers’ attention, this creates a secondary focal point within the piece, and adds to the industrious atmosphere.