Research the ‘Golden Mean’ (also known as the ‘Golden Ratio’ or ‘Golden Section’) and its application to artistic composition. Don’t get bogged down in the maths of this!
The Golden Mean:
During my research I discovered numerous sources that provided a definition of the Golden Mean. The Tate defines the Golden Mean or Golden Section as “a line divided so that the smaller part is to the larger part as the larger part is to the whole. It works out at roughly 8:13 or a bit over one third to two thirds. In one way or another the Golden Section can be detected in most works of art. It so named because it was considered to have some special aesthetic virtue in itself. (Tate, n.d.)
The theory behind the science is associated with Fibonacci numbers which, derives from the nickname of an Italian mathematician called Leonardo Pisano Bogollo (1170-1250). This may have first arisen as early as 200 BC and in early Indian mathematics thereafter, but Fibonacci introduced the sequence to Western European mathematics. While I found no evidence to oppose this theory, some mathematicians would suggest that this theory is misleading and indeed flawed when applied in art, architecture and literature. (Falbo, 2005) Whilst I do not whole-heartedly agree with this sentiment, during my research I did discover a number of ‘photographs’ that had been superimposed with the Fibonacci Spiral – which in my opinion had been used incorrectly.
The Golden Ratio, or Divine Proportion as referred during Renaissance, is a balance or fraction occurring in nature and design which is both aesthetically appealing and functional. The actual number is 1.618. The divine proportion is the geometric relationship that is seen in nature, used in art, architecture and modern design. Proportion by definition means balance or symmetry. So basically you want to create elements with pleasing or ideal proportions.
Since Renaissance, artists have been seeking for the perfect proportions that are most pleasing to the human eye. Known as the Divine Proportion artists such as Leonardo da Vinci The Last Supper (1495–1498), Michelangelo The Creation of Adam (c. 1508–151) Raphael School of Athens (1509-1511) and Botticelli Birth of Christ (c. 1445-1510) were based on the Golden Ratio.
https://www.pablopicasso.org/images/paintings/the-dream.jpg
Rule of thirds:
The rule of thirds is perhaps easier to understand, and identify as it relates to the placement of the main subject. Renaissance artists realised that placing the main subject near in the centre of the composition tended to lead to unsatisfactory results. Dividing the image into thirds by drawing lines horizontally and vertically with the main focus/subject along one of the four intersecting lines, a more balanced composition is achieved. This can also be applied to foreground, middle ground and background when composing a landscape painting.
Turner makes great use of the Rule of Thirds. The Fighting Temeraire (1838) is a great example, placing the ships slight off centre gives the piece a sense of dynamic movement.
While artist have continually pushed the boundaries and broken the rule many still observe the fundamentals of good composition. Renoir’s On the Grass (1873) is an example of this with the careful placement of his subjects along the vertical and horizontal lines in the grid, creating a natural grouping of people within a composition.
My key take away from this research is the use of the rule of thirds or the Golden Spiral to achieve balance and harmony in a composition. It can also draw the viewer’s eye before exploring the surroundings of the main subject. I applied this principle to some war propaganda posters and modern day media advertising I found online – and subconsciously it works. The rule of thirds is perhaps more practical as it allows a support to be divided into thirds to aid plot a composition. Regardless of which method is used I feel their use enhances the aesthetics and visual harmony of a painting.
References:
Esposito, E. (2018). The Golden Ratio – What it is and How to Use it in Design. [online] Invisionapp.com. Available at: https://www.invisionapp.com/inside-design/golden-ratio-designers/ [Accessed 14 Aug. 2019].
Falbo, C. (2005). The Golden Ratio—A Contrary Viewpoint. [online] Web.sonoma.edu. Available at: http://web.sonoma.edu/Math/faculty/falbo/cmj123-134 [Accessed 14 Aug. 2019].
Flickr. (2019). vanwilde: Art // The Golden Ratio. The Great Wave off Kanagawa – Hokusai // The Kiss – Klimt // The Persistence Of Memory // Dali The Starry Night // Van Gogh. [online] Available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ungnicky/34545097963 [Accessed 14 Aug. 2019].
Padayhag, N. (2019). This Divine Ratio Is Found Everywhere In Nature And Might Be The Blueprint Of The Universe. [online] Life Coach Code. Available at: https://www.lifecoachcode.com/2018/09/26/divine-ratio-is-found-everywhere-nature/ [Accessed 14 Aug. 2019].
Tate. (n.d.). Proportion – Art Term | Tate. [online] Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/proportion [Accessed 14 Aug. 2019].
YouTube. (2019). How to create Golden Ratio – Tutorial. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eTw5lKKzmk# [Accessed 14 Aug. 2019].
OCA BA(Hons) Painting Degree - Level 1 
