As you are probably aware, still life paintings have changed significantly throughout history; although much of their subject matter has remained the same, composition and style has changed. The term composition refers the combination of all elements in the artwork, including; visual elements, mood, light, shadow and in some cases emotional elements. On the other hand the term composition can simply just refer to how the subject matter of the painting, photograph or drawing is arranged.
Charles Thomas Bale – Still Life of Pears, Apples, Grapes and a Chinese Jar
Composition Effects
The point of a composition is to pull the eye of the viewer across the painting, taking in individual elements to finally focus on the main feature or focus of the painting – this could be anything from subject matter to emotional effects. Compositions are created by the artist. More often than not, the artist will try out several versions of the final painting in sketch form before settling on the most visually pleasing to both the artist and hopefully to the viewer.
Stephen Rose – Cherries in a Foil Container with Glass
The composition provides a structure to the painting and can alter how the subject matter is presented and the whole aesthetic effect of the artwork. A well-thought out composition will control or at least suggest where the eye of the viewer should look, encouraging them to take in everything that the painting has to offer before settling on the focal point.
Compositional Elements
Denys George Wells – Still Life with Teapot, Oranges and Goblets
There are many compositional elements that artists cleverly use to alter the outcome of their painting, including:
Symmetry – Symmetrical compositions create a balanced atmosphere, adding a sense of tranquillity and calm to the painting. Unbalanced or asymmetrical compositions on the other hand can work to create a sense of unease, awkwardness and even nervousness – this technique was used more in the surrealist movement and when tackling uncanny subject matter.
Unity – To some artists it is important that everything belongs together; for example in still life paintings, the arrangement has been placed together by the artist, however it should still appear to be natural as opposed to awkwardly out of place – unless this is an artistic aesthetic that the artist favours.
Proportion – In the past, paintings were very realistic; photography hadn’t been invented or was very expensive, therefore, true representation was exceptionally important. Of course, to get this right the proportion had to be correct. This element refers to how objects in the painting stick together; for example closer objects will be larger than those situated farther away from the ‘viewer’s eye’.
Light Contrast – Light is an exceptionally important part of composition, it helps to give the painting depth and drama. Strong contrasts can help to provide a more dimensional look, which adds to the overall effect of the painting.
Focal Point – Last but not least we have the focal point; this can basically be described as the most import part of the painting where the artist desires the viewer’s eye to rest. This is so that the visual message or aesthetic effect is strongly felt, and the viewer can view the painting as a whole.
Composition is important, especially in realist paintings. It is a huge part of drawing, painting, photography and any other art medium. Even in abstract painting where composition may not seem hugely important, it still has to be considered. Of course, like everything in art, there isn’t just one rule, but composition has and still continues to be a huge part of painting.
