composition

[XINLAI-UE]

Hi,

What does "composition" exactly mean in this context? I found two definitions for this word in the dictionary - 1. the arrangement of people or objects in a painting. 2. a piece of an art.

I think these two definitions are both suitalbe for this context, and I just can not figure out which one is right.

Then what is your opinion?

Thanks for your help.



Professor: Composition is the organization of shapes and forms into a whole - an expressive whole. The elements of composition - line, shape, tone, and color - need to be well-arranged - need to be ordered. They need to be coherent, just like the words and phrases and sentences in a piece of writing.

All paintings have a compositional element. Successful paintings sort of suggest the third dimension, the sense that the design goes beyond the picture frame. A picture's unity - which includes the shapes, tones and colors - is linked to what the artist has to say. The artist's message is strongest when it's clear. A composition is better if it says one thing strongly than if it tries to say too many things. A crowded composition is sort of fussy and splintered and lacks unity. Even a painting of a single object needs thoughtful composition so the character of the object is present in every shape.

[MaryTeacher]

Hi,

Composition is being used both ways in the paragraph, which could explain your difficulty!

The first two instances that you highlight refer to the elements of a work of art. The second two refer to a work of art, and the last instance refers to the elements again.

I hope this helps!

Take care,
Mary

[XINLAI-UE]

Hi,

Composition is being used both ways in the paragraph, which could explain your difficulty!

The first two instances that you highlight refer to the elements of a work of art. The second two refer to a work of art, and the last instance refers to the elements again.

I hope this helps!

Take care,
Mary

Thank you, Mary. I get it now!