Composition Part 2

Last week I discussed composition focusing on color. This week I will discuss other factors to consider when creating your still life composition. First and most important is establishing your concept. What are you trying to say in your painting. Is there a feeling you want to convey? Once you have your concept, then the process of arranging your composition can take place.

Harmony
Consider the objects you are incorporating into the scene. The objects can create a harmonious scene when they are similar in shape. Round fruits of different sizes add harmony to a composition, as do bottles and vases of the same shape. There needs to be some variety of shape to add interest. There can be a large distinctive object, used as the focal point or a grouping of shapes. Using multiples of the same object can provide rhythm and movement within a painting.

Same Shapes with a Center of Interest

The center of interest should be the most unique object, the brightest color and have the sharpest edges.

Texture
Contrast in texture, such as, pottery, flowers and a silver bowl can add interest to a painting. Similar textures can add harmony and cohesiveness.

Contrasting Textures

Pattern

Objects can be arranged to convey a pattern based on value. The objects move the viewers eye through the painting. There should however be a small object or shadow to stop the viewer's eye at the edge of the painting. Taking multiples of the same object and arranging each in a different position can make a compelling still life composition.

Viewer's eye led through painting, from left to right.

Values

Your painting should have a dominant value whether it is light, dark or medium.

Chiaroscuro 

This literally means light and dark. When applied to a painting it conveys the movement of light through a painting, by means of dramatic lights and darks as seen in Rembrandt's painting Nightwatch.

This is accomplished through changes in color, value, composition, and hard and soft edges. The light will lead the viewers eye through the painting.

Misc. Basics

The following are tips that can be used to create a satisfying still life, but by no means are they hard and fast rules. Breaking the rules can make a painting more interesting.

The foreground should be 1/3 of painting

There should be 3 or 5 of something not 2 or 4

If painting at eye level, painting should read horizontally. If painting depth, painting should read front to back with focus being center left.

Objects shouldn't touch, they should overlap or have negative space between them

Objects should be arranged light against dark and dark against light

Only have objects in your still life that add value to your composition, remove everything else.

It takes time to understand concepts and composition. It can be frustrating and time consuming to get your composition right. Sometimes you have to make changes to your painting midway through your painting process. Not following the rules can result in a very dramatic painting composition.