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Triangles and Triangular Paths

Triangles are three-sided, three-angled enclosed shapes, with all sides being straight lines. Triangles are a classic form of composition and can create a visual path. Triangles can be implied by the use of color, contrast, edges and line. A triangle can be the large triangular shape of the main subject or object, or a triangle shape made by a few main objects that are overlapping each other. They can also be represented by three similar objects or colors placed on a triangular path that can lead the eye around the whole of the composition. In a two-dimensional composition you might see three distinct areas of a light yellow-green color; a slice of lime in one corner, a chartreuse silk scarf on another side and a branch of new spring buds out the window in another corner. Or you might see three sources of light being portrayed; a lightbulb, a lit candle and the crescent moon. In an abstract piece you might see two patches of red, and then another patch of orange-red in a composition that is predominantly made of cooler colors.

Any kind of triangle will do, depending on the individual piece; equilateral, isosceles, scalene, acute, equilangular, obtuse or right triangle. A tiny little triangle alone in one corner will not cut it when it comes to making a compositional path. Neither will any form of triangulation that is located completely over to one side. It must cover the space to the extent that the eye is enticed to travel the course of the picture plane. Of course, you may use triangles however you like. Just be aware of which ones are useful as paths.

Triangular things to do:

• Using your cardboard composition window (see August 4th entry) take note of the triangles that you see, whether by complete shape or by trios of visually alike objects. Move your window around until you see all kinds of triangles. Use one or more sets of the triangles that you have observed in a new composition of your own.
• Do an abstract piece based on actual triangles and trios that you have seen.
• Use triangular shaped objects or forms in a three-dimensional piece.
• Portray a single object, subject or color three times as triangle angle-points in a two-dimensional composition. Do another one where the same three items are placed in new locations on the picture plane, to make a different sort of triangle path.
• Arrange a figure into a large trianglular shape, or combine a few overlapping figures for the same effect.
• Just look - Look at other artwork, especially 2-dimensional work in any medium. Look for the triangles. The better compositions will have them; whether by color, distinctive contrast, object, shape, path or linear elements within the whole composition.

Excerpted and paraphrased from the book;
Creatively Unblocking Creative Blocks
Author: Alexandria Levin
ISBN: 0-9743267-1-2
Published by Painted Jay Publishing
www.paintedjay.com

posted September 3, 2010

All images and content ©2009-2010 Alexandria Levin