Exercise 3.1: Illustrating visual space

This exercise continues on in the study and understanding of composition and viewpoint.

The task was to create an image that included a tree, a child running/walking and a building and to arrange these in different scales, sizes in a square frame and then comment on the following:

a. )How does your sense of the image and it's meaning change when the figure is smaller then the other elements?
b. )If the elements are at differing angles to each other and at an angle to the frame, what dynamic is suggested?
c. )If all the elements are completely horizontal and vertical in relation to the frame what dynamic is suggested? What is your opinion about this image and what sensation does it communicate?
d. )Which is your favourite composition? Explain why you feel it is the most successful.

I have done ten variations to comment on and use as examples.

a.) The smaller figure: 

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Fig 4

In the examples above I have varied the size of all the elements but ensured that the figure is essentially smaller then one or both other elements in the composition. 

I feel that when the figure is smaller then the other elements, there is almost instantaneously a narrative that is created simply by virtue of the scale. The figure is a living object and therefore our eye is naturally drawn to it despite the fact that it is smaller then the other elements. As such, when the figure is smaller it can creates a feeling of adventure or curiosity. Also the small figure helps to emphasise the largeness of the surrounding objects which makes the figure seem even smaller and the intrigue even greater.  

Fig 5

Fig 6

Fig 7

When the running child is at an angle a strong sense of movement is created, especially when part of the figure is outside of the frame. 

Fig 8

When the elements are at different angels to each other, there is a sense of unease on the eye and a sense of chaos. In this image the stationary elements e.g.: the tree which is a stationary element rooted in the ground, usually vertical and representing stability is at and angle compared to the running child who is so vertical it looks like she is coming to an abrupt halt. All is not ordered. Because of the angles, there is still a sense of movement.

Fig 9

Fig 10

This image feels particularly stable with the horizontal horizon, vertical house and tree and almost vertical running chile. The scale of the child makes it appear they the child is in the foreground and the house and tree are in the background. 

My favourite compositions are fig 1 and fig 3 as they seem to have a natural narrative within them...and I love a good story!