Step-By -Step to a Figure Composition :

The idea is to show a step-by-step lesson in making a figure composition that is a logical and consistent process. As your skills increase you will be able to take many short cuts, but only practice will help this.

Composing pictures is always a balance between an intellectual assessment of the task and its organisational skills and an emotional response.

Step 1 : - The Format - What shape and size will this composition be? The format will square, portrait or panoramic.

Step 2: There should be at least two figures to make a composition, but it could be three, four, five or even more.

Step 3 : What Space will the figures occupy? Will the composition have a large upper space and the figures in the lower area sweeping up to the right side towards to top.

I decided that a landscape format would be the right one. To make a grid, attach four threads to the card: one from centre top to bottom, one from centre left to centre right and two diagonally from corner to corner. Make sure they are pulled tight so that they all meet at the centre of the rectangle.

Step 4: Use simple geometry, looking for simple geometric shapes such as triangles and squares will help you to see the overall form of the figure and achieve a cohesive composition within your format.

This quick sketch figure, is a simple triangular composition between her feet, buttocks and the top of her head creates a settled-effect.

Step 5: The principle of emphasis is concerned with the creation of areas of importance for the viewer to focus upon nevertheless colour plays an important role in attracting attention for it is seen before form.

The artist can predetermine the focal points of the work in order to convey the message intended. The "Golden Rectangle" grid construction also shows how focal points can be effectively placed.

Mona Lisa, is one of the most great example of using rectangle shape, and is a very good example of Da Vinci's use of the golden ratio in art. If you draw a rectangle around Mona Lisa's face, that rectangle will turn out to be golden. The dimensions of the painting itself also form a golden rectangle. As well, the proportions of Mona Lisa's body exhibit several golden proportion . For example, a golden rectangle can be drawn from her neck to just above the hands.

Step 6: Using space in your composition can suggest as much about the mood of the piece as the pose.