The principles of and approaches to composition have been intriguing and challenging subjects of study since the beginning of pictorial art. In this book both traditional and contemporary principles and approaches are explored and clearly explained. This lucid, insightful encyclopaedia of how pictures are put together, a classic in its field, is an invaluable book for long-term study, reference, and even browsing. A picture cannot be weighed, measured, and appraised like a sack of potatoes. This book avoids the 'discussion by dissection' method of picture analysis, stressing instead the graphic forces that remain valid and essential regardless of how art forms and fashions may change. In thirty-five short chapters, each devoted to a single important concept, the author covers the basics and complexities of graphic composition, including the illusion of depth, the enigma of surface, manifesting and symbolising force and motion, utilising borders, graphic accents, patterns, handling dark and light, directing the viewer's eye, and creating storyboards. These concepts are illustrated by hundreds of diagrams and the work of great artists from myriad historical ages, cultures, and styles. This book not only contains a section on film graphics, but also consistently reminds the reader that the principles of composition relate to the moving picture as well as the still picture.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A well deserved reprint,
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This review is from: Composing Pictures (Paperback)
This is one of those books artists and animators should really check out. This 418-page book collects the art theories and teachings of Don Graham, who was the art instructor for Disney. The book has been out of print for a long time so it's great that it's being reprinted. There are 35 chapters talking about principles and approaches to creating art. The text is concise, and the principles taught are timeless. Each chapter covers from the basics and complex inner workings of great pictures. These lessons are accompanied by hundreds of illustrated examples and paintings of great artists from different cultures and styles. Through these examples, you can see the principles as applied by various artists, and the common graphic elements and techniques used. Basically, with this book, you understand why some pictures work, and why some don't. While watching animation on TV, you'll probably begin to see the reasons why scenes and characters are staged in a particular way. This is an invaluable book for reference. Highly recommended to artists and animators.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Indispensable,
By Stop Motion Maniac "Elroy Jetson" (Toonville) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Composing Pictures (Paperback)
If you are an artist this is indispensable for the library. Graham is a veteran and teaches the principles of composition to be applied to the static and moving image. This is a thick book with over 400 pages. The pages are laid out in an interesting way with about the bottom 1/3 containing the text, the top 2/3 containing the examples and illustrations. I like this format and it makes it easier to read. Highly recommended.
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Art School in a single volume,
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This review is from: Composing Pictures (Paperback)
This is the single best, most comprehensive volume on the practice and theory of art that I have ever read. These foundations are applicable across all mediums, and even subjects, from abstract to representational. One of the few true "must read" books in the field.
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