Course Highlights


Arranging the Drawing Space

Once your drawing space is determined, we need to think about how we are going to arrange the various subjects of our drawing within these borders. This arrangement is referred to as composition and is generally separated into layers known as foreground, middle ground and background. Beyond this general framework, an ideal composition will intrigue the eye by including a variety of tones, textures, shapes and sizes and arranging these elements in a way that achieves a visual balance.

Although variety is an important factor in the appeal of a composition, it must be incorporated within reason and organized to avoid confusion and disunity. For instance, subjects should be related to one another so that they make sense as a concept or setting, but play around with sizes, shapes, and spaces between the subjects to achieve variety and stimulate the eye.

Below are two photographs. Notice the poor arrangement in the first photograph. Certain objects are amputated, meaning the edges of the object are cut off from the side of the frame. If this is done accidentally, the composition looks poorly planned. Also notice the clutter of both objects and colors.

The second photograph uses less distracting elements and colors, simplifying the composition. You will find in sketching that the adage less is more usually stands true. Determine your primary focus and create an atmosphere which supports your main subject. Everything within the four walls of your paper should be well thought out and serve a purpose in the overall concept of the piece.


 

Other pages of interest

Composition
Arrangement
Sketching a portrait
Sketching facial expressions
Shading a face

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