This document discusses various compositional techniques for arranging elements on a two-dimensional picture plane, including diagonal, radial, concentric, symmetric, asymmetric, and vertical compositions. It provides examples of each technique drawn by artists like Jim Dine, Ginny Grayson, and Giorgio Morandi. The final sentences assign homework to experiment with compositional techniques using hanging objects and letting light or shadow be an important element.

1. COMPOSING
ON THE FLAT SPACE
OF THE PICTURE PLANE

3. Diagonal Composition

4. Diagonal composition
with crossed axes left &
bottom
(All tool drawings are by
Jim Dine
unless labeled otherwise)

6. Negative space study, radial composition - implied lines come out from center
(artist unknown)

7. Concentric circle composition

8. Concentric ellipse composition with light as subject
(Dine-inspired study by student)

9. Pyramid composition with emphasis on negative space

10. Symmetric composition with crossed axes at center

11. Asymmetric composition, axes on left and top, allowing space
to be an important element
(Andrew Wyeth)

12. Crossed diagonals break
up picture plane
(Ginny Grayson)

13. Symmetric composition with one extra weight at end of a row of objects
that adds interest and calls attention to edges of picture plane
(Giorgio Morandi)

14. Scattered composition
with implied crossed
diagonals

15. Crossed diagonal composition – space is completely filled with value
(unknown artist)

16. Symmetric composition: picture plane divided into vertical segments with
noticeable center

17. Vertical thirds;
asymmetric horizontal
planes

18. Bottom heavy

21. Homework:
Hanging Object or Objects
Focus on letting light or shadow
be an important compositional
element; experiment with
composition.