Detail Contrast In Art Composition

Last time, we had a brief look at how the color contrast plays a role in composition. This time around, we will have a look at the role of details and contrast in details in any artwork.

For this study, I did not want to bring colors into play, and wanted to experiment with just the details and overall texture. Thus, the example materials will be just line art.

Here is an abstract artwork with nature as a theme.

Notice how the intricate details are only in the bottom left corner.

In terms of the overall texture of the image, only a small part has a lot of details. And a lot of the area is kept blank. There is a stark contrast in the amount of details. The areas marked with red and orange have heavy details, and the area marked out by green has almost no details.  This creates a balance to the composition of the artwork. The eye of hte viewer is pulled into the flowers and leaves, and the thin extending twig just has a lingering feeling.

This sort of composing the artwork in terms of detail may seem a bit hard to achieve for everything. But once you think a little about placing the details, you will not find it that hard.

Consider a scene of a city by the sea.

Here the detailed area is kept to the right. The eye is led into the city, and the large blank area of the sea balances it out. To further pull the eye towards the city, I placed few clouds to lead it to the right – but notice that it is quite devoid of details other than the outlines. The cloud closest to the city has a bit more of details.

Having the details in corners and a large low detail area, has a soothing or calm effect. On the other hand, if the details are kept in the center, it gives an intense effect. For example, a portrait gives quite an intense effect, and leads the eye of the viewer towards the face. This is usually because, a lot of detail is put into the face to bring out the character.

As with the concept of color contrast, the concept of contrast in details and textures is something I am experimenting with. Keep drawing a subject in different texture composition and see how it effects the mood and overall look. Also, study works of the masters. Go to your local art museum if there is one.