Composition in Two Dimensions

Pictorial Space - the illusion of space on the flat plane

Depth

illusions of depth:

Overlapping

Size

Background/Middle Ground/Foreground

Perspective

• point of view of viewer
• eye level

horizon line/vanishing points

one point

two point

three point

aerial

• atmospheric effects - blur/mist in distance
• light foreground, dark background

distorted perspective

Visual Unity / Harmony

congruity or agreement exists between elements of a design - they look as if they belong together.

Gestalt

Psychological perception theory.

• Viewer tends to group objects that are close together into larger unit
• Negative space will likewise be organized
• Our brains will tend to relate and group objects of similar shape
  

Proximity

Repetition

Continuation/Alignment

Balance

We assume a center vertical axis and expect to see equal visual weight distributed on either side. Due to our sense of gravity, we often expect to see greater weight on bottom than on top. By breaking these rules, we get a greater sense of instability or dynamism.

Symmetry

Asymmetry

• Asymmetrical Balance by value and color
  
• Asymmetrical Balance by shape and texture
  

Radial Balance

Crystallographic Balance