On Composition

We are studying still life composition at the moment and, although it is probably one of the first subjects that young artists are introduced to, they are told so very little about it. I always thought that still life was very boring. However, since becoming a professional artist, I have learned when done well, it is more challenging than the nude.

Many great minds have pitched themselves against an arrangement of pots and pans, flowers, fruit, skulls, guitars and dead animals borrowed from the butcher. Through this subject, I hope to open the door that will lead my students along the passage of painters into the wide open garden of artists. 

Theories.

Many theories on composition have been aligned with this subject. The theory of thirds (to be ignored), the golden section (always interesting), rhythm (pleasing), mirroring (mysterious) and triangulation (old fashioned but steady) to name but a few.

The golden section (sometimes called Golden Mean)

Rhythm

Front Elevation. In this stule, the object is at eye level which almost removes the need for perspective.

Unfnished story. This old painting only has three objects. The plate is empty, the cup is full, the flower is lying on the margin. 

Only about the light. This painting only has one object but it is not about the object it is about light reflected on and through glass

How many triangles in this painting?

Same objects, same artist, different theory

Close up

Beyond the object