Composition in Art: An Introduction (Dover Art Instruction) - Softcover

Poore, Henry Rankin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486233588 ISBN 13: 9780486233581

Publisher: Dover Publications Inc, 2003

Synopsis

Learn principles of composition, classical and modern, through analysis of works from Middle Ages to present ― Goya, Cézanne, Hopper, many others. Excellent discussion on the importance of balance, entrance and exit, circular observation, angular composition, etc. 148 illustrations, 9 in full color.

About this title

From the Back Cover

A painting's technique, color, and perspective may all be excellent, yet the painting will fail unless its composition succeeds. Composition is the harmonious arranging of the component parts of a work of art into a unified whole. Henry Poore examines the works of old masters and moderns in this book and uses these examples to explain the principles of compositions in art.
All the paintings that the author analyzes are illustrated in the text--166 illustrations, including 9 in full color. Thirty-two diagrams by the author accompany his textural discussion of such topics as the importance of balance, entrance and exit, circular observation, angular composition, composition with one or more units, and light and shade. Balance is the most important of these topics, and it is considered in the greatest detail--balance of the steelyard, vertical and horizontal balance, and so on. A complete index enables the reader to locate his own specific areas of interest.
To see how a painting by Cézanne, Goya, or Hopper, for example, follows definite principles of composition allows the practicing artist or art student to learn composition from the finest instructors--the artists themselves. This book is also very useful to the art devotee, who will find his appreciation of the subject greatly enhanced.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications Inc
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0486233588
• ISBN 13: 9780486233581
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 104