Post 184: Composition 18. For Depth and Dimension Use Layering

Composition: For Depth and Dimension Use Layering

This is Part 18 of my series on Composition

Try adding layering to your artwork and photography. Composition with layering is stacking 3 or more elemental layers to your design that adds depth, dimension, a sense of space. These layers include whatever is closest to you in the foreground, a distinct middle ground and finally a background.

Foreground

The details, textures, and colors used in the foreground can include objects and/or people. It could be including the beach sand and footprints in the design of an ocean scene. The foreground could be seeing details of rocks and/or flowers before going into the middle ground.

Middle Ground

Whatever is between the foreground and background can be just as interesting as the foreground and can include the actual object or person that is the subject.

Background

The background may or may not be out of focus and is obviously whatever is the furthest away from you. The background may be the sky and the farthest mountain line in the distance. A layer of fog behind the foreground detail and mid-ground subject may emphasize the design and give that depth needed.

 

Photo by Robin Melliger on Unsplash  

I spot about 4 layers in this photo above, how many do you see?
 

 

Photo by Patrick Bald on Unsplash 

 

A dark wooded foreground leads into several layers of blues in the mountains then to the orangey sky in this photo. The sense of space is fully felt in both of these photographs. Although simplicity in design is typically a very great way to capture and show you subject, looking for a way to layer the design can make for an impressive photo or art piece as well.

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This is part of a series of blog posts on the guidelines, or rules of composition. Look for all of them in the Search this Blog feature at the top right by searching for the word "composition". I hope you enjoy the posts!

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Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

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Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.