{"id":8915,"date":"2016-03-27T23:55:59","date_gmt":"2016-03-27T23:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/2016\/03\/27\/mylifewithfel-jeanox-digitaltutorials\/"},"modified":"2016-03-27T23:55:59","modified_gmt":"2016-03-27T23:55:59","slug":"mylifewithfel-jeanox-digitaltutorials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/2016\/03\/27\/mylifewithfel-jeanox-digitaltutorials\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"

mylifewithfel<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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jeanox<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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digitaltutorials<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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This article was written by Phil Straub back in 2005<\/a>, and it is as fresh and vital today as it was then. Phil\u2019s tips and trick are timeless, and can help you make your images pop!<\/p>\n

Composition is everything! No amount of detail in an illustration or Concept Painting will be successful without a strong composition foundation.<\/p>\n

Composition in Environment Concept painting can be quite difficult since your focal point usually isn\u2019t as obvious as in a character piece. In this introduction to Composition we will explore the fundamentals used to create exciting and functional compositions along with a variety of composition techniques. Initially I will show some successful examples of iconic composition, formal composition, the rule of 3rds, the golden rule, etc. There will be a discussion on what makes each piece successful and an explanation on why the artist chose to describe the scene using a particular form of composition.<\/p>\n

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When you take the canvas area and divide it into \u2018thirds\u2019 Horizontally and Vertically, where the lines cross in the picture area is a \u2018Golden Mean\u2019, or the best spot in which to place your Main Subject or Object of Interest as it is the Focal Point of your picture. The golden rule originates from the Ancient Greeks, since they were great mathematicians as well as artisans, they came to the conclusion that there needed to be a certain balance in composition for it to be pleasing to the eye. They further developed this theory and defined what they called \u201cpower points,\u201d Power points are located at the point where the lines used in the golden rule intersect. By placing a main subject on a power point, it further defined that subject as the focal point.<\/p>\n

The golden rule can and usually is applied to a paintings canvas proportions. As you read through the following text you\u2019ll notice that most of the imagery presented utilizes similar dimensions and almost all of them fall into the \u201cgolden rectangle.\u201d Today you can find the Golden Rectangle almost everywhere: from credit cards to phone cards to book covers, all are shaped with its proportions. The Golden Ratio (the ratio of the longer and shorter sides of the Golden Rectangle) also appears in many natural phenomena. The ratio between the length of your nose and the distance from the bottom of the chin to the bottom of the nose is the golden ratio. The spiral growth of crustaceans follows the golden spiral. The divine proportions are an in-built (or in-grained) aesthetic parameter we judge beauty by.<\/p>\n

The imagery [above] represents the division of space when the \u201cgolden rule\u201d is applied to a blank canvas. Basically it is the division of a line in two sections, where the ratio between the smallest section and the largest section is identical to the ratio between the largest section and the entire length of the line. In other words A\/B = B\/(A+B). The ratio is about 1\/1.618. Honestly, I\u2019m still not exactly sure what that all means? but, I do know that I used this grid layout a-lot when I first started painting and found it helpful. I still do.<\/p>\n

In the beginning you may find it useful to use this as an overlay for every concept piece you do. Having this grid float over your imagery as a reminder of where to place the objects of importance in the scene may help you as your develop your composition.<\/p>\n

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From the golden rule came the \u201crule of thirds\u201d which is virtually the same concept but slightly altered to fit photographic proportions.I find it a bit easier to follow since it\u2019s very simple in its origin.Here we have a look at the rule of thirds in action.<\/p>\n

Notice that the main focal point sits right almost directly over one of the \u201cgolden means.\u201d Additionally, other objects are placed near the other converging lines (the bird, for example) but, not directly on them, since that would create competition for the focal point.<\/p>\n

There are Four Spots where these lines cross the Upper Left the Lower Left, the Upper Right and the Lower Right. Please note that all the \u201chotspots\u201d are away from the center position in the picture frame.<\/p>\n

The two best \u201cpower points\u201d are the Upper Right and the Lower Right because the eye enters the picture frame at the lower left hand corner of the picture frame, travels to the center of the picture area and then reaches the right hand \u2018Golden Mean\u2019 position where it stops to look at the \u2018Center Of Interest\u2019.<\/p>\n

The reason the eye enters a picture at the lower left side is because we are taught to read from Left to Right. This is a psychological fact that has been proven over the years. Next time you\u2019re in an art gallery or art museum that shows the Old Masters paintings, notice how many have the Center Of Interest in the \u201cGolden Rule\u201d positions.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Implied Forms\u2019 are a combination of \u2018Implied Lines\u2019 and they help to hold a painting together. The eye enjoys these interesting forms and will stay in the picture area to examine each one of them, if they are present. The following text and sample imagery will demonstrate a variety of implied forms and composition approaches.<\/p>\n

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The Circle is made up of a continuous \u2018Curve\u2019 and it\u2019s circular movement keeps the eye in the picture frame. There are many circles in nature and man made objects. You can use the circle in a very obvious way in your composition or simply suggest it.<\/p>\n

\u00a0The\u00a0 image [below] is a very obvious and deliberate usage of circular composition. Notice how the circular shapes created by the dragons also follow a path that leads your eye towards the focal point.<\/p>\n

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Another example of circular composition! Again, I chose this type of composition to enhance the feeling of motion in the piece. You can see how the eye follows the circular shapes across the picture plane to the focal point. Something interesting to note with this image, it actually uses two composition approaches at one time; circular composition and iconic composition.<\/p>\n

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This has a \u2018solid base\u2019 and will show Stability. It also has Height and Strength. The Pyramids of Egypt have survived for thousands of years while other types of solid buildings have crumbled in to dust in less time. With the image below I was very deliberate with my arrangement of shapes so the triangle or pyramid composition is obvious. When I began this piece I simply started with a triangle shape as my starting point\u2026nothing more than an abstract composition. I just let everything flow from there\u2026.and very quickly the painting began to take shape.<\/p>\n

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Is a connection of \u2018Lines\u2019 meeting in the Center and an expansion of \u2018Lines\u2019 leaving the Center. The Radii is usually found in Nature Subjects. The best example of the man made Radii is the spokes of a wheel.<\/p>\n

The eye has two ways to go when it comes upon the Radii. It can either be drawn in to the picture area or it can be led out of the picture area. You must be careful how you used the Radii and try to have the eye led into the picture.<\/p>\n

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A showing of \u2018Opposing Force\u2019 that will give the picture a feeling of Cohesion and Relationship. The horizontal bar of the Cross will act as a \u201cstopper\u2019 while the vertical pole can act as a leading line. The windows in a large skyscraper will form crosses and will keep your interest in the building. The Cross also has religious meaning and the subtle use of the Cross can give hidden significance to an image.<\/p>\n

In the painting below Hong Kuang uses the cross composition subtly. One could argue this piece is also using an \u201cL Composition.\u201d The strong line across the horizontal center that\u2019s being formed by the characters body suggests \u201cThe Cross.\u201d The somber facial expression and subject matter demonstrate an experienced artist\u2019s ability to use symbolic composition to help tell a narrative.<\/p>\n

To the right of that is\u00a0 Daryl Mandryk\u2019s work which\u00a0 successfully combines a Cross composition with iconic composition. This is common composition choice for themes of heroism or comics. Fantasy artists like Brom and Frazetta use this type of composition in their work regularly.<\/p>\n

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This makes an attractive \u2018frame\u2019. It can be used to accentuate important subjects. Many times it is a \u2018frame\u2019 within a \u2018frame\u2019.<\/p>\n

A tree with an overhanging branch at the \u2018right\u2019 side of the picture area will form a \u2018Rectangle\u2019 and help frame the Main Subject in the picture. By doing this you will make the Center of Interest stand out and be noticed clearly.<\/p>\n

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Some Art theorists contend that the most important information in the image should be placed near the center of the picture plane. This may seem confusing to some students since this contradicts many of the major principles of the \u201cgolden rule.\u201d In general iconic composition should and can be used to describe a subject in a certain way. Iconic Composition or \u201cFormal Subdivision\u201d applies best to subjects of a dignified or religious nature. This style of composition was the approach of choice in earlier times and many excellent compositions have been made with it. Usually Iconic composition is used to describe symbolic subjects, heroic subjects, or religious subjects.<\/p>\n

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I\u2019ve taken the liberty of drawing over this imagery to demonstrate the division of space in iconic composition. This is a technique used by many illustrators to help define the division of space and focal point when creating an iconic illustration. Well know and renowned illustrator Andrew Loomis used this technique extremely well and his book \u201cCreative Illustration\u201d to demonstrate this further.<\/p>\n

Notice, that while the focal point is slightly off center, all the converging lines lead to the center point of interest. Additionally, notice how the figures head sits directly in the diamond shape of the overlay lines I\u2019ve created. It should also be noted that I chose this composition to further enhance the regal and heroic appearance of the character.<\/p>\n

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Tong Wu uses Iconic composition perfectly here! Notice how the character again falls nearly at center of the canvas. I\u2019ve taken the division of space a bit further on this imagery and have broken down the image into smaller segments so you can so how the artist balances everything in the piece.<\/p>\n

Notice how the top right corner is almost a mirror image of the top left corner. In fact, look at almost any opposing segment in the painting, they are very similar! When creating iconic composition, it\u2019s not necessary to duplicate each side exactly, but there should be a feeling of complete equalization of the units or masses, the line and spaces of one side with the other.<\/p>\n

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So, there you have it, a variety of ways to deal with division of space when you first begin visualizing a painting or drawing. At the end of the day, theses approaches to composition are guides and simply a place to start. Once you become more comfortable with composing a scene you can begin to push the boundaries of formal composition.<\/p>\n

Since most Environment Concept Artists work in the entertainment industries, its expected you will be asked to create cinematic moments or \u201cmemorable moments\u201d utilizing the environment as a stage.<\/p>\n

\u00a0You\u2019ll want to use your mastery of composition to lead the viewer\u2019s eye and really make the viewer feel like they\u2019re in the scene. The single most important thing you simply must have in any Environment Concept Painting is a clear and dynamic focal point.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Without a place for the viewer\u2019s eye to rest, the painting will lack impact and won\u2019t hold the attention of your audience. It\u2019s the job of the Concept Artist to visualize what can\u2019t be visualized in reality. Concept Artists are the first step in every production and therefore must create dynamic imagery that the rest of the team will be excited to build. There are a few cinematic tricks that you can use as a Concept Artist to make things appear more dynamic.<\/p>\n

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Sometimes all it takes to add an extra bit of drama to your composition is a simple tilt of the camera. In the image to the right the viewer really feels like they are part of the action, simply by slanting the camera a bit. This approach is especially useful when you are trying to depict action in your environment.<\/p>\n

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Many Concept Artists today, myself included, use perspective as a tool to create dynamic compositions that appear to have motion and lead the eye to the focal point clearly and concisely.<\/p>\n

In the painting below you will notice I\u2019ve used many of the objects that appear in the painting as opportunities to further guide the viewer to the \u201cpayoff.\u201d Additionally, I tilted the camera a bit to add to the action.<\/p>\n

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http:\/\/www.cgsociety.org\/index.php\/CGSFeatures\/CGSFeatureSpecial\/phil_straub_composition_tutorial<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

One of the most influential tutorials I ever read when I was first starting out. I still find this insanely useful, actually. So here you go. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

what separates grownups from babies, composition.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

mylifewithfel: jeanox: digitaltutorials: This article was written by Phil Straub back in 2005, and it is as fresh and vital today as it was then. Phil\u2019s tips and trick are timeless, and can help you make your images pop! Composition is everything! No amount of detail in an illustration or Concept Painting will be successful … Continue reading <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[44,12,742,3288],"class_list":["post-8915","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-art","tag-long-post","tag-reference","tag-v-good","without-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8915","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8915"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8915\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8915"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8915"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/archive.gabapple.com\/tumblr\/gabapple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8915"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}