By Chris Legaspi
( ImagineFX )
published
The rule of thirds will elevate your composition, whatever your subject matter. This is how to use it effectively.
The rule of thirds dictates that if you divide any composition into thirds, vertically and horizontally, and then place the key elements of your image along these lines or at the junctions of them, the arrangement achieved will be more interesting, pleasing and dynamic.
This rule is used frequently by photographers, but also painters and artists, who use the rule of thirds mostly for landscapes. However, it also works for a variety of other subject matter including still lifes, figures and even portraits.
Learning about rules such as this (and the Golden Ratio, of course) will improve your art and design. If you want more input, check out our roundup of top how to draw tutorials, and this guide to the painting techniques you need to know about.
The rule of thirds gives you a guide for placing focal points. If you design your focal points according to the intersections of any of the nine rectangles, your picture will have the counterbalance needed to make the composition more interesting and more compelling.
You can also design other elements in the picture to lead the eye from one of the focal points to the other, and use the corners to bring the viewer into the picture or keep the eyes moving back into picture again. This kind of eyeflow adds movement and life to any composition.
On this page, we'll look at how artists have used the rule of thirds to create dynamic compositions.
01. Origins of the rule of thirds
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The rule of thirds is a compositional guideline. Its origins go back to classical and Renaissance paintings, but it is mostly known as a compositional tool used by photographers. This painting by Valentin de Boulogne shows how the main characters are all placed on the upper dividing line, creating a dynamic arrangement of figures.
02. The rule of thirds in landscapes
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The rule of thirds is mostly known as a tool for composing landscapes. In this painting by Pierre Henri de Valenciennes, the horizon is placed in the lower thirds, and the large mass of mountains and scenery is placed in the left section, to create a more dynamic scene.
03. The rule of thirds for asymmetric compositions
The main function of the rule of thirds is to help create asymmetric compositions. If the elements in a picture are centred and too balanced, it becomes boring. If the images are offset using the rule of thirds, the asymmetry and counterbalance of elements creates a much more dynamic picture.
04. Place focal points with the rule of thirds
Another great way to use rule of thirds is to help place focal points. In this portrait painting, the eyes fall on the upper horizontal line and leads to the second focal point in the ear. Other points of interest such as the warm triangle of light also fall on an intersection of guidelines.
05. Guide eyeflow with the rule of thirds
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Eyeflow is another great use of the rule of thirds. In this painting by Rubens, the main focal point of the boar is placed at an intersection. Secondary points of interest fall on intersections as well and the action of the poses lead the eye from one focal point or intersection to another.
Next page: How to use the rule of thirds in your artworks (in three quick demonstrations)
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Chris Legaspi
Chris is obsessed with figure drawing and painting. He loves sharing great information on art, picture-making and topics like which paint brush to use.
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As an expert in art and composition, I can confidently discuss the concepts presented in the article "AdviceArt" by Chris Legaspi published on January 22, 2021, in ImagineFX. The article focuses on the rule of thirds and its application in traditional art. The rule of thirds is a fundamental compositional guideline that enhances the visual appeal and dynamism of a piece.
The rule of thirds involves dividing a composition into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, and placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections. This technique is commonly utilized by photographers, painters, and artists to create compelling compositions. The article emphasizes its effectiveness not only in landscapes, a popular application for photographers, but also in various subjects such as still lifes, figures, and portraits.
Key Concepts from the Article:
1. Rule of Thirds for Focal Points:
- Placing key elements or focal points along the intersections of the nine rectangles created by the rule of thirds adds interest and balance to the composition.
- Designing focal points at these intersections provides a counterbalance, making the overall picture more captivating.
2. Eyeflow and Movement:
- Using the rule of thirds allows artists to guide eyeflow within the composition.
- By strategically placing elements and utilizing the corners, artists can lead the viewer's gaze from one focal point to another, adding movement and life to the artwork.
3. Origins of the Rule of Thirds:
- The rule of thirds has historical roots dating back to classical and Renaissance paintings.
- While it is widely known as a tool for photographers, its application in traditional art has been evident in historical artworks, such as the painting by Valentin de Boulogne.
4. Rule of Thirds in Landscapes:
- The rule of thirds is often associated with composing landscapes. For instance, placing the horizon in the lower thirds and arranging significant elements in specific sections contributes to a more dynamic scene, as demonstrated in Pierre Henri de Valenciennes' painting.
5. Asymmetric Compositions:
- The rule of thirds is crucial for creating asymmetric compositions, preventing boredom that may arise from centered and overly balanced images.
- Offsetting elements using the rule of thirds introduces asymmetry and counterbalance, resulting in a more dynamic picture.
6. Examples from Art History:
- The article features examples from art history, showcasing how renowned artists like Valentin de Boulogne, Pierre Henri de Valenciennes, and Rubens employed the rule of thirds to create dynamic and visually appealing compositions.
In conclusion, understanding and applying the rule of thirds is a valuable skill for artists, contributing to the overall improvement of art and design. The article provides insights into the historical context, practical applications, and the impact of the rule of thirds on various artistic genres.
