THE RULE OF THIRDS AND HOW TO USE IT:

WHICH IS THE BEST COMPOSITION?

Objective: You will analyze artworks in order to define and apply compositional strategies.

A

C

B

WHICH IS THE BEST COMPOSITION?

Objective: You will analyze artworks in order to define and apply compositional strategies.

A

C

B

MIDDLE? NO.

A LITTLE BETTER

THE KEEPER

WHICH IS THE BEST COMPOSITION?

Objective: You will analyze artworks in order to define and apply compositional strategies.

A

C

B

RULE OF THIRDS

1/3 1/3 1/3

1/3

1/3

1/3

DIVIDING THINGS UP

THE RULE OF THIRDS What is the Rule of Thirds?

Quite simply, divide a canvas in thirds both horizontally and vertically, and place the focal point of the artwork either one third across or one third up or down the picture, or where the lines intersect.

The Rule of Thirds is the easiest art composition rule to follow in a painting.

Applying the rule of thirds to an artwork means you'll never have a painting that's split in half, either vertically or horizontally, nor one with the main focus right in the centre like a bull's-eye.

So you can easily check that the placement of the elements in your painting.

ABSTRACT FOCAL POINT AT RULE OF THIRDS

4 WAYS TO USE THE RULE OF THIRDS:

Example on sheet, then artwork in sketchbook.

1. Focal point at cross- sections.

2. High Horizon

3. Low Horizon

4. Cruciform at the thirds.

Objective: You will analyze artwork in order to define and apply compositional strategies.

HIGH HORIZON LINE

Grand Canyon IICarol Nelson

HIGH HORIZON LINE

LOW HORIZON LINE

LOW HORIZON

Clare Kuo

VERTICAL THIRD LINES

CRUCIFORM

Natasha Barnes

Cruciform is creating a cross that connects two of your thirds lines.

Kim Curtis

Brad Hook

Donna Watson

5 WAYS TO USE THE RULE OF THIRDS:Example on sheet, then

artwork in sketchbook.

1. Focal point at cross- sections.

2. High Horizon

3. Low Horizon

4. Vertical Third line

5. Cruciform at the thirds.

Objective: You will analyze artwork in order to define and apply compositional strategies.

RULE OF THIRDS

What is the Rule of Thirds?Quite simply, divide a canvas in thirds both horizontally and vertically, and place the focus of the painting either one third across or one third up or down the picture, or where the lines intersect (the red circles on the diagram).

What Difference Does the Rule of Thirds Make?Take a look at these two photos of a lion. On the one on the left, your eye is drawn straight into the centre of the image and you tend to ignore the rest of the picture. On the one on the right, where the lion's face is on one of the Rule of Thirds 'hotspots', your eye is drawn the the lion's face, then around the painting following the curve of the body.

How Do I Use the Rule of Thirds in a Painting?Until you're confident mentally visualising the lines, draw them in lightly on your canvas or piece of paper with a pencil so you can easily check that the placement of the elements in your painting adheres to the Rule of Thirds. If you do thumbnail sketches first, draw the thirds grid on top to check the composition.

Rule of Thirds in PhotographyWhen you're taking reference photos, remember the Rule of Thirds also applies to photography. See these examples of the Rule of Thirds in Photography from About.com's Photography Guide.

Rule of Thirds in DesignThe Rule of Thirds also works well for creating balance in a design.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Balance

Asymmetry

Symmetry

Focal Point

Center of Interest

Emphasis

Repetition

Contrast

• Radial Design• Movement• Transition• Pattern• Variety• Rhythm• Harmony• Unity

NOTES PAGE:

Can look the same as artwork page.

OR list your notes.

In sketchbook or

On a separate piece.

HIGHER LEVEL COMPOSITIONAL EFFECTS

The rule of thirds

The Golden Ratio

High horizon line

Low horizon line

Circular

Cruciform

Squares

Strata

RADIAL OR CIRCULAR

DRAW AT LEAST 4 THUMBNAIL SKETCHES OF COMPOSITION IDEAS.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Balance

Asymmetry

Symmetry

Focal Point

Center of Interest

Emphasis

Repetition

Contrast

• Radial Design• Movement• Transition• Pattern• Variety• Rhythm• Harmony• Unity

GRIDSEPARATE INTO

SQUARES

CIRCULARRobert Delaunay