Hi, I'm Bsamsas!

Welcome to this tutorial where I will show you different types of basic composition for illustrations.

1. Horizontal

This type of composition is based on placing the elements following a horizontal line. It is a composition form is quite simple.

It allows a quick and easy solution.

A horizontal composition conveys stability and tranquility.

 

2. In vertical

A vertical composition is achieved by placing all the elements following a vertical line, generally, the axis is located in the center of the image.

This line is also quite simple, however it has a lot more punch. It is the most important line and is related to the force of gravity and to the upright man.

It is widely used in portraits or religious images to focus attention on a single element and leave out any other unnecessary elements.

This type of composition can convey: instability, elegance, lightness.

3. Diagonally

In the diagonal composition the elements are arranged according to a diagonal line. This type of composition is simple but is more dynamic and hints at movement

4. Circular

When it is composed in a circular way, circles or ellipses are followed that define the arrangement of the elements.

In general, the circles are "incomplete" that is, they are hinted at by making incomplete circles and not so explicit circles. This causes our brain to complete the circles with imagination, leading to a sense of satisfaction and harmony.

In this type of composition there is an optical effect called "The return of the eye". That makes the observer look through the entire work, following the circles.

5. Triangular

A triangular composition results in an image of stability that at the same time evokes superiority or an air of elevation.

 

Unlike the circular composition, the triangular composition causes a sensation of impact at a single point in the work, and does not invite the observer to walk through the work.

6. Cross

The cross composition is born from the union of vertical and horizontal lines.

This composition inspires stability and union.

7. Two lines

In the composition of two lines, elements are used that extend along two lines, one that is longer, called dominant; and the other that is shorter and has a different slant to the dominant called subordinate.

The two-line composition is only the most basic form of this type of composition: We can add a third line that will be more cut than the first subordinate and will have a more pronounced slope. Following this pattern we can add as many subordinate lines we want.

This type of composition is the basis of Chinese painting, but we can use it to order the elements in any work that we achieve.

8. In grids

In this type of composition, elements are used that separate the image into rectangular or square grids.

Create a work that is read with a certain discontinuity between each space created by the grids.

9. Radial

In this type of composition there are lines that converge in a concentric point.

A radial composition can facilitate a sense of depth.

10. Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds consists of dividing the work into 9 equal pictures. These produce

4 points at their intersections, and these points are the "points of interest" where the observer's attention will be concentrated.

It is important not to load all the points of interest or all the spaces created by the 4 lines.

Otherwise, an overloaded image would be created with no difference in the relevance of each point.

11. Dynamic symmetry

Dynamic symmetry arises from the natural proportions of living things. It is widely used for all kinds of works for hundreds of years. Great artists have exploited its qualities throughout history.

It is achieved by drawing a diagonal line from corner to corner, then we draw a line perpendicular to this diagonal that passes through the corners adjacent to the corners of the diagonal. We do the same with the following diagonal and we will have a base guide for a harmonious composition.

We can use the lines of dynamic symmetry as a line of action, we can also use the intersections as points of interest, and at the same time the spaces created by the lines to place the elements.

Dynamic symmetry is a complex form of composition that requires practice and training, but the results are worth it.

12. Symmetrical triangles

Symmetric triangles are a result of the simplification of dynamic symmetry. It is achieved using only one diagonal.

Intersections are generally used as points of interest or spaces to make a game of full and empty.

I hope this tutorial has been helpful. Remember that the rules are not rigid, you do not have to follow the composition lines to the letter, they are only tools to achieve a better presentation to the observer.

Thanks for your attention!