PictorialCompositions
Introduction
As an artist or illustrator, you exercise total control over a picture area by
using the basic principles of composition and dot, line, tone, direction,
shapes, motion, color, texture, and scale. No other format offers such
limitless control of content.
Picture depth
in pictorial
compositions
It is impossible to include in a flat two-dimensional picture all you can
perceive about an object. When working in pictorial compositions, each two-
dimensional representational image is the result of many decisions. One of
the early decisions to make before beginning final artwork is whether or not
to portray an object in two or more dimensions. Study the works of M. C.
Escher, a master mathematician and draftsman. No other twentieth-century
.
artist displays such mastery of image interdimensionally and illusion.
TWO DIMENSIONAL: Two-dimensional images have height and width but
no depth. Two-dimensional images are often called decorative images. The
images float superficially on the substrate surface and do not invite the
viewer inside.
THREE DIMENSIONAL: Three-dimensional images have height, width, and
depth. Referred to as plastic representations, shapes in three dimensions
appear to be in-the-round. The viewer perceives three-dimensional images as
more realistic.
FOUR DIMENSIONAL: Four dimensional imagery contains height, width,
depth, and the element of time. Computer-generated imagery may
incorporate time as an element in image creation or image evolution.
INFINITE DIMENSION: Images drawn in infinite dimension appear
endless. The picture plane acts as a window through which the viewer
observes the subject.
SHALLOW: Shallow images are sometimes called Limited depth images
because you can control the visual elements and limit the amount of depth in
the picture area.
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