At the turn of the twentieth century, Arthur Wesley Dow literally "e;wrote the book"e; on composition—and this is it! Dow's Composition exercised an enormous influence on emerging modern artists of a century ago. A thought-provoking examination of the nature of visual representation, it remains ever-relevant to all the visual arts.A well-known painter and printmaker, Dow taught for many years at Columbia University and acted as a mentor to countless young artists, including Georgia O'Keeffe. His text, presented in a workbook format, offers teachers and students a systematic approach to composition. It explores the creation of freely constructed images based on harmonic relations between lines, colors, and dark and light patterns. The author draws upon the traditions of Japanese art to discuss a theory of "e;flat"e; formal equilibrium as an essential component of pictorial creation. Practical and well-illustrated, this classic guide offers valuable insights into modern design.
Beginnings
The Three Elements: Line, Notan, Color
Line Drawing: Japanese materials and brush practice
Principles of composition: Ways of creating harmony
Line: Composition in Squares and Circles; Composition in Rectangles—Variation Pottery forms; Landscape Composition; Composition in Representation
Notan: Harmony-building with Dark-and-Light; Two Values, Variations—Design; Two Values, Landscape and Pictures; Two Values—Gothic Sculpture, Japanese Design books, Applications of two values; Three Values; More than three values
Color: Color Theory; Color derived from Notan; Color schemes from Japanese prints and from textiles
Composition: In Design and Painting
Conclusion