II Reading

Exercise 7. Read and translate the text A:

Text A Composition

In the visual arts – in particular painting, graphic design, photography and sculpture – composition is the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art or a photograph, as distinct from the subject of a work. It can also be thought of as the organization of the elements of art according to the principles of art.

The term composition means 'putting together,' and can apply to any work of art, from music to writing to photography, that is arranged or put together using conscious thought. In the visual arts, composition is often used interchangeably with various terms such as design, form, visual ordering, or formal structure, depending on the context. In graphic design and desktop publishing, composition is commonly referred to as page layout.

With the help of composition the artist can create the effect of...

Unity: Elements should be integrated so that the picture has an overall unity, with nothing left isolated or out of account.

Harmony: A peaceful coexistence of elements, if that is wanted, or at least a sense that the elements aid some coherent intention of the artist.

Variety: Differences in tone, color, shapes, etc. create visual interest, and this variety strengthens a painting if not pushed too far.

Contrast: Juxtaposing wide differences in elements create emphasis, essential if the painting is to have focus or make a statement.

Movement: The viewer's eye is drawn round the painting by the individual life and vitality of the elements.

Repetition:Properties that are repeated, usually with slight modifications, or in different elements, give emphasis and unity to a work.

Rhythmis repetition of elements, but at some constant interval — more difficult to achieve that repetition, but more powerful.

The various visual elements, known as elements of design, formal elements, or elements of art, are the vocabulary with which the visual artist composes. These elements in the overall design usually relate to each other and to the whole art work.

"Elements of design" are:

• Line - the visual path that enables the eye to move within the piece

• Shape - areas defined by edges within the piece, whether geometric or organic

• Color - hues with their various values and intensities

• Texture - surface qualities which translate into tactile illusions

• Form - 3-D length, width, or depth

• Value - Shading used to emphasize form

• Space - the space taken up by (positive) or in between (negative) objects

 How are these elements of compositional painting to be deployed? To create the effect desired, of course, but how does the painter go about that? Again it depends — on what's being aimed at, experience, how adventurous the painter wishes to be. But one thing is clear: there is no infallible recipe. Few of the elements can be used in isolation, and the painter is continually pushing one element and then modifying it in the light of unexpected effects in others. Painting is a dialogue, between what the painter hopes for, and what the work is currently displaying.