What does composition mean in art?

Think of three words that link to the meaning of composition.

Composition

Composition is the placement or

arrangement of a work of art.

Words you might use when talking about composition.

• Shape and proportion• Positioning and balance• Direction• Viewpoint and perspective• Negative space• Colour• Lines• Repetition

What is the rule of thirds in a composition?

You can see in the Chardin painting below how there are numerous examples of lined up objects within the rule of thirds, the top of the jug aligns with top

horizontal line and sits butted up to the vertical line, even the top of the funny little pot on the far left side sits on the bottom horizontal line. Can you

describe anymore?

What is negative space in a composition?

Negative space is the space around an object. The shape through a cup handle, the shape between two apples on a still life

painting. The negative space here is in white.

What is rule of odds in a composition?

Having an odd number of things in a composition means your eye and brain can't pair them up or group them easily. There's some how always one thing left over, which keeps your eyes moving across the composition. The painting below is by

Paul Cezanne.

Activity…..

• Look at the four paintings by Paul Cezanne.• On your sheet choose the paintings that shows;• Negative space - shade the area in.• Rule of thirds – draw in the grid.• Rule of odds – circle the painting that shows

this.• Which painting is left? – describe the

composition.