Four Dimensional Composition
I was looking at a couple of paintings of mine that are hanging in my bedroom and I noticed a compositional similarity. They both have a V-Twist to them. I’m posting them here for you to see: “Theseus” (16X20, 2005) was done for a series of Greek mythology books for Carus Publishing by Geraldine McCaughrean. The next painting “Unicorn and Fairy” (21X27, 1999) was done for Franklin Mint for one of their plates. The plate was never made and I spent some extra time working on this painting and adding to it. That’s why it is no longer in a circular format. I’d planned from the beginning to do this, so I left space to expand.
Looking at them made me think that the way I compose has four dimensions. Of course there’s up, down, right and left, the two dimensions of the physical surface and then there’s the added illusion of three dimensions. So what’s the fourth dimension? It is movement. Time is thought of as the fourth dimension and without time there’s no movement. Suggested and implied movement is important in a composition. I know all of this, but I sometimes I don’t know I’ve done it till later. Another day I’ll put up some examples of paintings that have different types of visual layers, yet another important part of composition.
Looking at them made me think that the way I compose has four dimensions. Of course there’s up, down, right and left, the two dimensions of the physical surface and then there’s the added illusion of three dimensions. So what’s the fourth dimension? It is movement. Time is thought of as the fourth dimension and without time there’s no movement. Suggested and implied movement is important in a composition. I know all of this, but I sometimes I don’t know I’ve done it till later. Another day I’ll put up some examples of paintings that have different types of visual layers, yet another important part of composition.
Labels: fantasy
posted by Tom Kidd at 6:48 PM
11 Comments:
Interesting topic, Tom. Some of the most compelling illustration requires the viewer to think about what might have just happen, or what might happen in the next moment.
can you tell me how you made this? the painting of theseus? Acrylic? or oil?
I paint in oils, almost always in oils and watercolor from time to time.
when was the theseus one made?
Anony Mouse, The date on the painting is '05. I'm not sure of the month. This painting also appeared on an audio book produced by Full Cast Audio. They did a terrific job with as they do with all their audio books. I did four paintings for this hero series: Hercules, Perseus, Theseus and Odysseus.
Are there symbolical meanings behind the color choice.
Anony, Any symbolism in my work is likely unintentional. Color is an emotional choice rather than one cloaked in any additional intellectual meaning. Not to push it, but my newest book "OtherWorlds" nicely explains much of my thinking as a painter.
Was there any influential parton for the 'Theseus' painting?
do you know when 'Unicorn and Fairy' was made?
The Unicorn & Fairy painting was done in 1999. I'm not sure what influences influenced Theseus. It's probably an amalgam of many artists, dreams and nightmares.
some of this symbols are wonderful,I think that this kind of things are the most important in our life. so good to know, feel so happy with your pics!
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