Summary:
The purpose of this article is to explore the importance and techniques of composition in the creation of watercolor painting. Firstly, the role and significance of composition in the creation of watercolor painting are introduced, and it is emphasized that good composition can enhance the expressiveness and attractiveness of the picture. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the common principles and techniques of watercolor composition, including the golden section, diagonal composition, etc., as well as the treatment of perspective and layering. It provides solutions and precautions for common problems in practice, such as crowded or empty images, unstable or unclear center of gravity, monotonous or cluttered colors, perspective errors or distorted images.
I. Introduction
As an ancient and expressive art form, watercolor painting has received wide attention and love in various periods. As a crucial part of the creation of watercolor painting, composition has always been valued by artists. Composition is not only the layout and structure of the picture, but also the artist's grasp and expression of the overall effect of the picture. Therefore, for watercolor creators, it is of vital significance to have a deep understanding of the principles and techniques of composition to improve the quality of their works and enhance their artistic expression.
With the development of society and the evolution of artistic concepts, the creation of watercolor painting pays more and more attention to individuality and innovation, and the importance of composition is becoming increasingly prominent. Artists pursue more expressive works, emphasizing themes and emotions through composition, and achieving a deeper level of artistic expression. Therefore, in-depth study of the principles and techniques of watercolor composition will not only help to improve the quality of artworks, but also help to expand the possibility of watercolor painting, enrich the means of artistic expression, and promote the development of watercolor art.
In addition, composition, as a key part of watercolor painting, is also an important way to cultivate artistic creativity and aesthetic awareness. By learning and mastering the basic principles and practical skills of composition, it can help artists better understand the structure and spatial relationship of the picture, improve the flexibility and imagination of artistic creation, and cultivate the ability of artists to perceive and grasp beauty.
II. The basic concept of composition in the creation of watercolor painting
A. Definition and Meaning of Composition
Composition refers to the process of organizing a picture by selecting, arranging, and arranging various elements such as lines, shapes, colors, etc., in artistic creation. It involves the shaping of the overall structure, spatial relationship and visual effect of the picture, and is one of the important means for artists to express themes and emotions.
Composition is of great significance in the creation of watercolor paintings. First of all, the composition determines the overall effect of the picture. A good composition can make the picture organized and layered, and bring beauty to the viewer. With proper layout and structure, the artist can direct the viewer's gaze, highlight the subject or focus, and create a specific atmosphere and emotion.
Secondly, composition plays a vital role in conveying the artist's intention and expressing emotions. Through the rational use of compositional principles and techniques, artists can integrate their own creative ideas and emotions into the picture, and strengthen the expression through compositional means. For example, by using contrast and symmetry, artists can express very different moods and atmospheres, and by using gravity and balance, artists can express contrasts between stability and movement.
B. The relationship between composition and watercolor painting
Composition is inseparable from the creation of watercolor paintings. As a form of painting with water-soluble pigments as the main material, watercolor painting has unique requirements for the rendering of color, the expression of brushstrokes, and the treatment of light and shadow. Composition provides the framework and support to achieve these requirements.
First of all, the composition provides a definite pictorial structure for watercolor painting. Through the planning and layout of the composition, the artist can divide the picture into different areas, so that colors and shapes can be organically combined to form an orderly and aesthetic whole. Composition can also help the artist determine the position and proportions of the various elements in the picture, making the picture more stable and balanced.
Secondly, the composition provides visual guidance and guidance for the creation of watercolor paintings. The artist can guide the flow of the viewer's gaze through compositional means, so as to achieve a sense of movement and layering in the picture. Using compositional principles such as contrast, repetition, and rhythm, the artist can create a distinct primary and secondary relationship and a dynamic sense of rhythm in the picture, making the picture more vivid and interesting.
C. The role of composition in artistic expression
Composition plays an important role in artistic expression. First and foremost, composition helps the artist convey the subject matter and emotion. By choosing the appropriate composition and arrangement of elements, the artist can integrate his own understanding of the subject matter and the expression of emotions into the painting. Whether it is to express tranquility and peace, or to express vitality and dynamism, it is inseparable from the use of composition.
Secondly, composition can enhance the expressiveness and artistic effect of the picture. Through clever compositional design, artists can highlight the key points in the picture, emphasizing the theme or emotion, making the picture more vivid and powerful. Composition can also create a specific atmosphere and effect through the use of lines, shapes, colors and other elements, enriching the visual language and expression of the picture.
III. Basic Principles of Watercolor Composition
A. Balance and symmetry
In the composition of watercolor painting, balance and symmetry are one of the basic principles. Balance refers to the fact that the visual weight of each part of the picture is balanced as a whole, and there will be no overweight or light on one side, so that the picture appears stable and harmonious. Symmetry, on the other hand, refers to the relative symmetry or regularity of the elements in the picture in terms of shape, size, position, etc., so as to make the picture present a symmetrical beauty.
In watercolor painting, the artist can achieve the effect of balance and symmetry through contrast and balance. By setting contrasting elements in the picture, such as size, shape, color, etc., the artist can adjust the visual weight of the picture to make the picture balanced. At the same time, by laying out the position and size of the elements, and using symmetrical techniques, the artist can make the picture present a symmetrical beauty, enhance the stability and overall effect of the picture.
B. Gravity and proportion
Gravity and proportion are one of the key factors to consider in the composition of a watercolor painting. The center of gravity refers to the position of the visual focus or important elements in the picture, which determines the stability and visual guidance of the picture. Proportion, on the other hand, refers to the relationship between the size of the various elements in the picture, and the artist needs to control the proportion to achieve the visual balance and coordination of the picture.
In watercolor painting, the artist can achieve the effect of composition by setting the center of gravity reasonably and controlling the proportions. By placing important elements at the golden section of the picture or on the main axis of the composition, the artist can make the center of gravity of the picture clear and prominent, enhancing the expressiveness of the picture. At the same time, by adjusting the size and proportion of each element in the picture, the artist can make the visual effect of the picture more harmonious, and the parts present a unified proportional relationship between them, enhancing the overall sense of the picture.
C. Rhythm and dynamics
In the composition of watercolor painting, rhythm and movement are important factors that determine the vividness and vitality of the picture. Rhythm refers to the sense of rhythm presented by the relationship between the various elements in the picture, which affects the rhythm and rhythm of the picture. Motion, on the other hand, refers to the sense of movement or change between the elements in the picture, which makes the picture present a vivid and interesting effect.
In watercolor painting, the artist can enhance the expressiveness of the composition through the use of rhythm and movement. By placing repetitive, alternating or contrasting elements in the picture, the artist can create a rich and varied sense of rhythm and make the picture more lively and interesting. At the same time, by using line forms such as oblique lines and curves, as well as the gradient and gradation of colors, the artist can make the picture present a sense of dynamism and enhance the expressiveness and attractiveness of the picture.
D. Space and perspective
Space and perspective are one of the key considerations in the composition of a watercolor painting. Space refers to the three-dimensional sense of space and depth presented by the picture, which affects the three-dimensional sense and realism of the picture. Perspective, on the other hand, refers to the relationship between distance and size of each element in the picture, and the artist needs to control the perspective to achieve a sense of space and realism in the picture.
In watercolor painting, the artist can express space and perspective through the rational use of elements such as color, line and shape. By using the principle of perspective and the setting of perspective lines, the artist can make the picture present a sense of space from near and far, and enhance the three-dimensional and realistic sense of the picture. At the same time, by using the layers, shades and chiaroscuro of color, the artist can make the sense of space in the picture richer and more three-dimensional, and enhance the visual effect and expressiveness of the picture.
IV. Design and Practical Skills of Composition
A. Segmentation and scale planning
Segmentation and proportional planning are crucial aspects of watercolor composition. Through reasonable picture segmentation and scale planning, the picture can be made more orderly and balanced, thereby enhancing the ornamentation and expressiveness. There are several common methods that artists can use to segment and scale their images:
Golden Section: The Golden Ratio is a common composition method that divides the picture into areas with a golden ratio, making the picture more harmonious and beautiful. Artists can achieve dynamic balance and visual guidance of the picture by placing important elements at the golden section point or on the golden section line.
Diagonal Segmentation: The diagonal segmentation method is to divide the diagonal line of the picture into two parts, so that the picture presents a dynamic balance and symmetrical beauty. Artists can achieve visual guidance and balance by placing important elements or themes at or near the intersection of diagonal lines.
Equalization: The equalization method is to divide the picture into a number of equal areas, so that the picture presents a stable structure and balanced proportional relationship. Artists can achieve the symmetrical beauty and unity of the picture by arranging the elements of the picture in different areas.
B. The use and layout design of points, lines and surfaces
Dots, lines, and surfaces are the basic elements that make up watercolor paintings, and artists can design the layout and composition of the picture through the rational use of dots, lines, and surfaces. There are a few common approaches artists can employ in layout design:
The use of dots: dots are the smallest units that make up a picture, and artists can achieve a sense of rhythm and dynamics through the size, shape and position of the dots. By setting important elements or focal points in the picture, you can make the picture more prominent and vivid.
The use of lines: Lines are an important element in the picture, and the artist can achieve the structure and rhythm of the picture through the thickness, straightness and direction of the lines. By setting the direction and arrangement of the lines, you can guide the viewer's gaze and enhance the expressiveness and attractiveness of the picture.
The use of surfaces: Surfaces are the main parts of the picture, and the artist can achieve the structure and layering of the picture through the shape, size and color of the surface. By setting up faces of different sizes and shapes, you can create a rich and diverse picture effect and enhance the expressiveness and visual impact of the picture.
C. Color matching and visual effects
Color matching is a crucial part of the composition design of watercolor paintings, and artists can achieve the visual effect and emotional expression of the picture through reasonable color matching. When it comes to color matching, artists can consider the following:
Color contrast: Artists can enhance the layering and visual effect of the picture by contrasting the color contrast of light and dark, cold and warm, contrast, etc. Through the rational use of contrasting colors, the picture can be made more vivid and interesting, and the expressiveness and attractiveness of the picture can be enhanced.
Color saturation: The saturation of color directly affects the visual effect and emotional expression of the picture. Artists can adjust the saturation and brightness of colors to achieve emotional expression and visual effects of the picture. By using high-saturation colors, the picture can be more vivid and dynamic, and the expressiveness and impact of the picture can be enhanced.
Color coordination: Color coordination is one of the key factors to consider in the composition design of watercolor paintings. Artists can achieve color coordination and unity in the picture by choosing similar or complementary colors. Through reasonable color matching, the picture can be more harmonious and unified, and the overall effect and visual experience of the picture can be enhanced.
D. Light and shadow manipulation and atmosphere creation
Light and shadow processing is a key step in the composition design of watercolor paintings, and artists can enhance the three-dimensional and realistic sense of the picture by rationally handling light and shadow. When it comes to light and shadow manipulation, artists can consider the following:
The setting of the light source: The setting of the light source directly affects the light and shadow effect and atmosphere expression of the picture. By determining the position and direction of the light source, the artist can achieve the light and shadow effect and emotional expression of the picture. By setting the light source reasonably, the picture can be made more vivid and interesting, and the three-dimensional sense and realism of the picture can be enhanced.
Shadow treatment: Shadow is one of the important light and shadow effects in the picture, and the artist can enhance the three-dimensional and realistic sense of the picture by reasonably handling the shape and brightness of the shadow. By setting the shape and position of the shadow reasonably, the picture can be more rich and diverse, and the expressiveness and attractiveness of the picture can be enhanced.
Color rendering: Color rendering is an important part of the composition design of watercolor paintings, and artists can enhance the atmosphere and emotional expression of the picture by rendering colors. Through the rational use of color gradation and gradient effect, the picture can be made more colorful, and the visual effect and attractiveness of the picture can be enhanced.
V. Compositional Strategies for Different Themes
A. Still Life Composition Techniques
Still life composition is a common subject in the creation of watercolor painting, and artists can express the form, texture and atmosphere of still life through reasonable composition techniques. In still life composition, the following techniques can be considered:
Subject Selection and Arrangement: In a still life composition, the artist needs to select one or more subject objects to serve as the focal point of the picture. The main object can be an item with a unique shape, texture, or color that catches the viewer's eye. The artist can achieve balance and focus by arranging the position and size of the main object reasonably.
Simplification and refinement: Still life compositions often require brevity and clarity, removing unnecessary details and highlighting the subject. Artists can make the picture clearer and easier to understand by simplifying the shape and details of the object. At the same time, it pays attention to the surface texture and light and shadow changes of objects with refined brushstrokes and colors, so as to enhance the realism and three-dimensional sense of the picture.
Background treatment: The background plays a role in the foil and balance of the still life composition. The artist can choose a simple background suitable for a still life, highlighting the subject object by blurring or watering down the background. Or you can use the color and texture of the background to contrast with the main object to enhance the visual effect and expressiveness of the picture.
B. Landscape Composition Techniques
Landscape composition is a common subject matter that expresses natural scenery, and artists can express the magnificence, tranquility or romance of the landscape through reasonable composition techniques. In landscape composition, the following techniques can be considered:
Guidance of foreground elements: The artist can guide the viewer's gaze into the picture by setting guide lines or guide points in the foreground of the picture. Foreground elements can be tree branches, flowers, grass, etc., which can be appropriately enlarged and highlighted, which can increase the layering and realism of the picture.
Handling of near and far shots: In landscape composition, the handling of near and far shots is very important. Artists can create a sense of depth and space in the picture by setting up long-range elements (such as mountains, distant buildings, etc.) and close-up elements (such as trees, lakes, etc.). The staggering and layering of far and near shots can make the picture richer and more interesting.
Sky Treatment: The sky usually occupies a large proportion of the picture in landscape paintings, and artists can create different atmospheres and emotions through the treatment of the sky. For example, adding clouds and birds to a clear sky can add liveliness and lightness to the picture, while adding dark tones and layers of clouds to a gloomy sky can add a sense of heaviness and mystery to the picture.
C. Character Composition Techniques
Character composition is an important subject matter for expressing the image and emotion of the character, and the artist can express the dynamics, posture and emotions of the character through reasonable composition techniques. In character composition, the following techniques can be considered:
Choice of poses and movements: Artists can express the character and emotions of the characters by choosing different poses and movements. For example, by capturing the characteristics and expressions of the characters, and capturing the poses and movements of key moments, you can make the picture more vivid and interesting, and enhance the expressiveness and attractiveness of the characters.
The relationship between the character and the background: The artist can enhance the expressiveness and emotion of the picture through the interrelationship between the character and the background. For example, placing a character in a specific environment and creating a connection to the context can highlight the character's themes and emotions.
Placement and proportional planning of the figures: Artists can achieve balance and focus of the picture by placing the positions and proportions of the characters reasonably. By using compositional principles such as the golden section method or diagonal division method, the relationship between the figure and other elements of the picture can be made more harmonious and beautiful.
D. Animal Composition Techniques
Animal composition is a common subject matter that expresses the image and characteristics of animals, and artists can express the posture, dynamics and characteristics of animals through reasonable composition techniques. In animal composition, the following tips can be considered:
Capture of posture and movement: Artists can express the characteristics and dynamics of animals by capturing their postures and movements. By observing and understanding the habits and behaviors of animals, and capturing the postures and movements of key moments, the picture can be more vivid and interesting, and the expressiveness and attractiveness of the animals can be enhanced.
Expression of the eyes: The eyes of animals are an important element in expressing emotions and characteristics, and artists can enhance the expressiveness and attractiveness of the picture by showing the eyes of animals. Paying attention to capturing the agility of the animal's eyes and the change of expression can make the picture more rich and diverse, and enhance the realism and vividness of the animal image.
Treatment of the surrounding environment: The treatment of the surrounding environment is also very important for the composition of the animals. Artists can highlight the forms and characteristics of animals by setting appropriate backgrounds and environments. For example, when drawing animals, you can add some natural elements, such as trees, water sources, etc., to increase the vividness and naturalness of the picture.
VI. Common problems and solutions in composition practice
A. The picture is too crowded or empty
Problem description: During the composition process, the picture may appear too crowded or empty, that is, the elements in the picture are densely packed or too empty, lacking balance and harmony.
Solution(s):
Streamlining the theme: First of all, you need to review the themes and elements in the picture, keep the objects or scenes that stand out from the theme, and remove or reduce the redundant elements to achieve the effect of streamlining the picture.
Adjust the position of elements: For crowded pictures, you can adjust the position and size of elements to increase the sense of space in the picture, so that there is a better distribution and balance between the elements, and for empty pictures, you can add appropriate elements or add details to fill in the blank space of the picture, making the picture richer and more vivid.
Control the sense of hierarchy: Reasonably control the layering of the picture, and make the picture more depth and three-dimensional through the setting of foreground, medium and long ground, so as to avoid the picture being too flat or monotonous.
Use contrast: Use the principle of contrast in the composition, by contrasting light and dark, color, shape and other elements, to increase the dynamic sense and interest of the picture, and make the picture more colorful.
B. Unstable or unclear centre of gravity
Problem description: The center of gravity of the picture is unstable or unclear, resulting in the picture appearing disorganized, lacking a sense of balance, and poor ornamentation.
Solution(s):
Determine the subject: First of all, the subject of the picture should be clarified, and the subject should be placed in the center of gravity of the picture, so that the theme of the picture is clear and prominent.
Use composition principles: By using composition principles, such as golden section, diagonal composition, etc., to adjust the position and proportion of picture elements, so that the center of gravity of the picture is more stable and clear.
Control the visual guide line: By setting the visual guide line, guide the flow of the audience's gaze, make the structure of the picture more compact and orderly, and enhance the overall sense and visual appeal of the picture.
Add balance elements: Add appropriate balance elements to the picture, such as symmetrical objects, repeated patterns, etc., to enhance the sense of balance and stability of the picture, and make the picture more harmonious and unified.
C. Colors that are too monotonous or too cluttered
Problem description: The color of the picture is too monotonous, lacking a sense of change and layering, or the color is too cluttered, resulting in visual confusion and uncomfortable feeling.
Solution(s):
Adjust the color matching: By adjusting the color matching and proportion, the color of the picture is more colorful, and the sense of hierarchy and visual interest is increased.
Control color saturation: reasonably control the saturation and brightness of the color, avoid the color being too dazzling or too dull, and make the color of the picture more harmonious and unified.
Use of cold and warm contrast: through the use of cold and warm color contrast, to increase the dynamic and three-dimensional sense of the picture, so that the picture is more vivid and expressive.
Pay attention to color balance: pay attention to the balance and unity of color in the composition, avoid excessive concentration or dispersion of color, make the color of the picture more harmonious and unified, and enhance the overall sense and visual effect of the picture.
D. Perspective errors or distortions
Problem description: A perspective error or distortion occurred in the picture, resulting in an unrealistic or inaccurate image of the picture.
Solution(s):
Pay attention to the proportion and size: Pay attention to the proportion and size relationship of the object in the composition, keep the image and size of the object in the picture consistent with the reality, and avoid perspective errors and picture distortion.
Pay attention to the sense of perspective: by reasonably setting the perspective point and perspective line of the picture, the sense of perspective and three-dimensional sense of the picture is enhanced, making the picture more three-dimensional and real.
Pay attention to details: Pay attention to the details when drawing the picture, especially the details of distant objects, to avoid excessive blurring or exaggeration, so as to make the picture more realistic and natural.
Practice observation: By observing the actual scenery and reference materials, you can continue to practice the composition and drawing skills of the picture, and improve the ability to grasp the perspective relationship and the image of the picture, so as to avoid the problem of perspective errors and picture distortion.
Through the above solutions, we can effectively deal with common problems in composition practice, improve the quality and expressiveness of the picture, and make the watercolor painting works more vivid, interesting and expressive.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Cheng, L. (2015). Watercolor Composition: A Guide to Composing Beautiful Watercolor Paintings. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Guo, H., & Gao, X. (2017). Research on the Application of Composition in Watercolor Painting. Art & Design, (2), 159-160.
Disclaimer: All articles (including graphics, papers, audio and video, etc.) under my account can be reprinted or quoted at will after 72 hours from the date of publication, without informing me. If you need to request a manuscript, please contact [email protected]