
Rules are the prescribed guides for conduct or action, and they can take many forms, from laws and regulations to customs and habits. The concept of the rule of law is particularly significant, entailing a system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitment that delivers universal principles of accountability, just law, open government, and impartial justice. Artistic presentation, on the other hand, involves the selection, analysis, and interpretation of artistic work, often utilising various techniques, methods, and venues. It is a means of conveying meaning and influencing ideas, beliefs, and experiences. Both rules and artistic presentation play a role in shaping our understanding of the world and our interactions within it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rules | Helpful guidelines that can be broken |
| Artistic Presentation | Composition, perspective, values, design principles |
| Composition | Putting together different elements to create a whole artwork |
| Includes rules of thirds, simplification, odds, space, focal point | |
| Perspective | Creating the illusion of three dimensions in a two-dimensional image |
| Values | Aesthetics, balance, harmony, expression |
| Design Principles | Golden Ratio, Rule of Thirds, focal point, movement, lighting, colour |
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Rules are meant to be broken
The notion that "rules are meant to be broken" is not a rule in itself. Breaking rules can be good, as it challenges norms and pushes boundaries, leading to new ideas and progress. This is especially true in art, where breaking the rules can lead to unique and innovative creations. Pablo Picasso is famously quoted as saying, "Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist." This highlights the importance of first understanding the rules before breaking them.
In art, there are various "rules" or guidelines that artists may follow, such as the Golden Ratio, the Rule of Thirds, and the Rule of Space. These rules are based on mathematical principles and are meant to create aesthetically pleasing and balanced compositions. However, some artists may choose to break these rules to create unique and unconventional artwork.
For example, in visual arts, the rule of odds suggests that an odd number of subjects in an image is more interesting than an even number as it creates a sense of naturalness and informality. However, an image of a person surrounded by two others can evoke feelings of comfort and friendliness. This "breaks" the rule of odds but serves a specific artistic purpose.
In writing, there are grammatical and spelling rules that provide a standard for communication. However, breaking these rules can be a stylistic choice by an author to create a certain effect or to better convey a message. Rules in writing also include formatting and genre conventions, which authors may choose to break to stand out or express their individuality.
Breaking rules can also be beneficial in business. Research by Vanderbilt Business School professor Rangaraj (Ranga) Ramanujam suggests that the way rules are designed can impact an organization's likelihood of violating them. Complicated rules with multiple components or connections to other rules are more likely to be broken and less likely to be remediated.
However, it is important to note that breaking rules should not be done arbitrarily or for personal gain. Rules provide order and direction, and they should only be broken if they are oppressive or unjust, and breaking them betters society and does not infringe on the rights of others.
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Fundamentals of art
The concept of rules in art is intriguing, and it is often said that understanding the rules is necessary to break them creatively. This notion is attributed to Pablo Picasso, who allegedly said, "Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist." While the validity of this quote is uncertain, the idea is significant. Rules in art can be viewed as guidelines or principles that artists can follow or deviate from to create unique and expressive works.
The fundamentals of art refer to the core principles that artists generally abide by, regardless of their style or medium. These fundamentals act as building blocks, shaping artistic careers across different creative fields. While some artists may choose to break free from these fundamentals, they remain essential for achieving a required level of realism and expression in artworks.
The six fundamentals of art are:
- Anatomy: This refers to the accurate depiction of the human body and its proportions. Artists often study anatomy to understand the ideal proportions and perspectives of the human form, ensuring their artworks convey the intended expressions and movements.
- Perspective: Perspective is the technique of creating the illusion of depth in a two-dimensional image. Artists use perspective rules, such as objects appearing smaller as they move further away, to create a sense of three-dimensional space. One-point perspective, also known as linear perspective, involves creating an imaginary "vanishing point" where all objects converge.
- Form and Structure: Form refers to the three-dimensional shape of objects in an artwork, while structure describes how these forms are arranged in relation to each other and the overall composition. Understanding form and structure helps artists create realistic and visually appealing arrangements in their works.
- Lighting and Shadow: The use of light and shadow is crucial in creating depth, texture, and mood in an artwork. Artists manipulate lighting to draw attention to specific elements, enhance realism, and convey emotional tones within their compositions.
- Color: Color theory plays a vital role in art. Artists use color to create harmony or contrast, evoke emotions, and guide the viewer's eye through the composition. Understanding color interactions and color theory is essential for artists to effectively convey their intended messages.
- Composition: Composition refers to the organization and arrangement of elements within an artwork. It includes principles such as the Rule of Thirds, which suggests dividing the artwork into a 3x3 grid, placing the focal point at the intersection of the lines. The Rule of Odds suggests that odd-numbered subjects in an image are more interesting than even-numbered ones. Composition also involves techniques like simplification, where less important elements are de-emphasized to focus on the main subject.
In conclusion, the fundamentals of art, including anatomy, perspective, form and structure, lighting and shadow, color, and composition, serve as guidelines for artists to create impactful works. These fundamentals provide a foundation for artistic expression, allowing artists to explore their unique styles while ensuring their creations resonate with viewers. While rules can be broken, understanding and mastering these fundamentals empower artists to make deliberate choices that enhance the overall artistic experience.
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Composition
Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is a widely recognised principle in composition, suggesting that an image is divided into a 3x3 grid, with the key elements placed along the lines or at their intersections. This helps establish a sense of balance and prevents the composition from appearing too symmetrical. The Rule of Thirds can be observed in Leonardo da Vinci's "The Vitruvian Man," where the proportions of the human body adhere to the Golden Ratio, a mathematical concept expressing the ideal relationships between parts.
Rule of Odds
The Rule of Odds suggests that an odd number of subjects within an image is often more interesting and aesthetically pleasing than an even number. An arrangement with at least three subjects can create a sense of naturalism and inform the narrative of the artwork. For example, an image of a person surrounded by two others can convey a sense of comfort and friendliness.
Rule of Space
The Rule of Space is particularly relevant in conveying movement or creating a contextual bubble. This rule involves leaving white space in the direction a person is looking or adding space in front of a moving object to imply direction and focus the viewer's attention on the intended subject. Reducing clutter and extraneous content can help emphasise the primary objects and enhance the overall composition.
Simplification
Simplification is a technique used when specific realism is not the primary goal. It involves reducing the level of detail in certain areas of the artwork, such as background elements or less important subjects. This can be achieved through silhouettes or by utilising techniques like a wide aperture in photography to limit the depth of field, ensuring that only the essential components remain in focus.
Perspective
Perspective is essential in creating the illusion of three dimensions in a two-dimensional artwork. Objects are depicted as decreasing in size as they move further away from the viewer, creating a sense of depth. One-point perspective employs a single "vanishing point" where all objects converge, guiding the viewer's eye and creating a sense of distance.
These rules and guidelines provide a foundation for artists to build upon and occasionally break, allowing for creativity and individual expression while maintaining a sense of balance and visual appeal.
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Perspective
In visual arts, perspective is used to direct the viewer's gaze and create an illusion of depth. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as the use of lines, lighting, and framing. For instance, the rule of thirds suggests dividing the image into a 3x3 grid, with the focal point at the intersection of the lines, creating a sense of balance and directing the viewer's attention. Similarly, the rule of space applies to artwork that aims to create a sense of movement or context. This can be achieved by leaving white space in the direction a person is looking or running, adding a sense of depth and drawing the viewer's eye to the primary objects.
Another important aspect of perspective is the Golden Ratio, a mathematical concept that artists have used to create aesthetically pleasing and balanced compositions. This ratio, also known as the Divine Proportion, is approximately 1:1.618 and was famously illustrated by Leonardo da Vinci in "The Vitruvian Man." Artists use this ratio to create harmonious and pleasing compositions.
While rules in art, such as those governing perspective, can provide a foundation for artists to build upon, they are not always set in stone. Artists may choose to break these rules to stand out, express their individuality, or create unique effects. However, understanding the rules of perspective allows artists to make informed decisions about when and how to break them to achieve their desired artistic vision.
In conclusion, perspective is a fundamental aspect of art that involves creating the illusion of depth and directing the viewer's gaze. By understanding and applying principles of perspective, artists can create compelling compositions that draw viewers into their creative world. While rules of perspective provide a framework, artistic presentation may involve breaking these rules to achieve unique and expressive outcomes.
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Rules of odds
The "rule of odds" is a principle in art composition that suggests that an odd number of elements or objects in an image is more interesting and aesthetically pleasing than an even number. This is because our brains naturally want to pair things up to create visual symmetry, and having an odd number of elements means that there is always something left over, which keeps the viewer's eyes moving across the composition. This can be applied to any form of art, from painting to photography, and to any subject, from landscape to still life.
The rule of odds is not specific to photography but includes it as a form of art. It is a simple way to create a dynamic and active composition that raises the aesthetic value of an image. For instance, in a painting of three jars, the rule of odds was applied to the number of objects and the number of colours. The rule of odds was also applied in the painting "May Contain Pits" by Carrie Waller, where the colour teal was strategically placed in five different areas at the bottom of the composition.
The rule of odds is related to the "Golden Ratio", a mathematical concept that illustrates the ideal proportions of the human body. During the Renaissance, artists applied this theory to their compositions to create aesthetically pleasing and balanced work. This can be seen in Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Vitruvian Man", which uses a rectangle with sides measuring in the 1:1.618 ratio, also known as the "Golden Number".
The rule of odds is also connected to the "Rule of Thirds", which is a simplification of the golden ratio. This rule suggests that an image is more balanced when its subjects are positioned at the intersections of dividing lines that split the image into nine equal squares. For example, in a painting of a castle, the three towering sections of the castle serve as the main structures and are positioned along the vertical lines, with the focal point being the clock tower.
While the rule of odds is a useful principle, it is not always necessary to follow it to create a successful image. There are times when adding a third or fifth element to an image may spoil its look and feel. It is important to use common sense and not get too caught up in following rules, as this may cause you to miss out on a memorable shot. Ultimately, the decision of whether to follow the rule of odds or break it is up to the artist.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several rules that artists generally abide by, including anatomy, perspective, form and structure, lighting and shadow, colour, and composition. These rules are more like guidelines or fundamentals that artists can use to improve their skills and create a sense of balance and unity in their work. Some people believe that art has no rules since it is a form of self-expression meant to convey a message.
Composition refers to the organisation of art and can be applied to any work of art, including music, writing, photography, illustration, animation, and VFX compositing. It involves arranging the elements of a picture or artwork in a way that directs the viewer's eye and creates a sense of balance and movement.
Some common composition techniques include the rule of thirds, simplification, and the rule of odds. The rule of thirds suggests dividing your artwork into a 3x3 grid and placing the focal point at the intersection of the grid's rows and columns. Simplification involves reducing the level of detail in less important elements of the composition. The rule of odds states that an odd number of subjects in an image is more interesting and natural than an even number.
Rules and artistic presentation are closely related. By learning and mastering the rules, artists can develop a solid foundation in their craft and then choose to break or bend them to create unique and memorable work. Artistic presentation involves interpreting and applying the rules in a way that adds meaning, distinctiveness, and personal expression to the artwork.

























