A R T 100 Introduction to Art
WEEK 5: Composition: form, shape, mass and volume. Alphabet of Art: present and discuss examples of the use of symmetrical and asymmetrical composition in art. Sketchbook assignment: create an abstract image in response to listening to sounds, such as music or in nature.
A L P H A B E T O F A R T - composition
symmetrical
Amitabha, The Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light, wikipedia.org
|
Mandala depicting Amitabha, a principle Buddha of the Mahayana and Vajrayana branches of Buddhism. Mandalas have perfect symmetry. Composed of many repeating elements and divisible into equal parts, mandalas are visually harmonious. I learned they actually employ radial balance. Even though often composed of squares or triangles, mandalas have a concentric structure. Spatially it is flat. Though it appears decorative, the intended use is for meditation, to relax the mind and lead it on the journey to spiritual transformation. |
asymmetrical
One of my favorite painters is William Turner. This painting cannot be divided into equal parts and there are no repeating elements. The ship seems to dominate the image but the sky to the right made big by color balances and frames it. Depth is created through the use of perspective relative to the setting sun, dramatic colors and bold strokes stimulate the emotions. Turner often uses color in such a way as to render objects unrecognizable, yet suggestive. |
William Turner, The Fighting Temeraire, william-turner.org
|
S K E T C H B O O K
© 2015 RGS Photography & Design All rights reserved