1. Composition Dividing the picture plane

2. Before you begin drawing on a surface, think first about how you will place everything on the picture plane . The picture plane is the illusionary flat surface on which you create a drawing or painting .

7. For example:

9. By placing the emphasis in one of the side boxes, the viewer’s eye movement is stopped. In order for a viewer to see all of the work you put into a drawing or painting, you need to keep their eye moving.

10. What is the emphasis of this picture?

11. Do you see how the picture changes with a different composition ?

12. How about this one?

13. Does this picture have the same emotional impact as the previous composition ?

14. The artist, Edward Hopper, tried to capture the loneliness of the city in the 1920’s.

15. With a different composition, Hopper would have lost some of his desired intent. Do these people look as lonely?

18. This method is sometimes easier to use after you have started your composition and need to check a problem area.

19. Can you see how the Golden Section is used in this painting by Seurat?

21. Piet Mondrian was a big advocate of the Golden Section. Can you spot the emphasis ?