The Elements of
Composition
Your imagination knows no bounds when it comes to ab-
straction. Sometimes, though, a viewer will interpret your
painting quite differently from the way you intended. Does
it matter? Only you can be the judge of that. But if you
40 I CREATIVE PAI N T WORKSHOP
really want to communicate a particular mood or idea,
you should gain some understanding of how the various
elements in a painting can be controlled to re-create that
mood or idea. First, it can help to be aware of the main
elements of composition: color, shape, line, and texture.~er to judge your val-
ues, squint. Partially clos-
ing your eyelids minimizes
the color and emphasizes
darks and lights. Alterna-
tively, look at your painting
through a piece of green
or red cellophane. This will
tend to exaggerate the
value contrasts, but it can
help you to judge the bal-
ance of your composition.
To make a bright color re-
ally pop, s urround it with
neutrals. The contrast in
saturation helps to draw
attentio n to it.Sequential, Ann Baldwin,
60" x 36" 1152.4 x 91.4
em). mixed media on
canvas,
This is an example of a
painting with strong value
contrasts. Although some
areas are almost black (low
key), a large area consists
of very light colors. The
reds are mid-values.