Composition - examples of note

[Mike McCarty]

Here is an interesting compositional concept -- the triptych. This one is again by the Spaniard, Juaquin Sorolla y Bastida.

The size of the full painting was a little odd so I've tried to break it up into three to give a better look, but the three together: Tres cabezas de estudio, is the entire painting. He still reminds me of Fechin. I probably should say that Fechin reminds me of him.

[Mike McCarty]

And another interesting variation on the triptych by our friend Scott Bartner.

This not only shows where he ended up, but also the phases in his process.

[Mike McCarty]

I found these comments by a Mr. Damon Denys regarding composition. I don't know anything about Mr. Denys except that he fancies himself an artist and a writer on the subject. I thought some of his comments were interesting so I'll share this excerpt here:

Mr. Denys --

When judging a composition, however, one must keep in mind that the quality of a composition and the quality of the theme being presented are two different issues. It wouldn

[Michele Rushworth]

Nice quote with some interesting ideas.

I wonder about this thought, though:

The word itself, "composition", implies that the painter is composing, i.e. creating a selective, intentional arrangement.

What about unintentional ie. subconscious selection? If an artist points his or her easel or camera at a group of trees he's selecting something. What he chooses to include or leave out, how closely he wants to focus on the trees or their surroundings, etc. The decision may all happen in the blink of an eye and he may not be aware of a "selective, intentional arrangement" but it's still "composing", I think.

[John Reidy]

Michele,

I would point out that wether conciously or subconciously, the choices we make are our choices, they help define who we are.

Mmmmm. It seems that I have condemned myself to all of my sins so let me rephrase, "The devil made me do it."

[Carol Norton]

Mike, this is one of the interesting, informative and enjoyable threads that I have read. Thank you for all the examples and thoughts that you have written as well as elicited from others. Earlier, I had asked for books or other sources of information about composition. Your writings and painting examples have been very helpful.

[Mike McCarty]

You are very welcome Ms. Carol Norton. Just jump in any time.

Michele, John:

[QUOTE]A random selection of elements, or even a specific selection of elements combined in a random manner does not qualify as a selective arrangement.

inclusion of inconsequential elements will inhibit or destroy the unity and hierarchy in the painting, which, as described above, can only harm the composition as a whole. An expert visual composer doesn