Diagonals and Triagonals
Have you ever heard of a triagonal? No? Well, me neither. I just made it up. But, my silly linguistic mash up (triangular + diagonal) so well describes the concept of composition I want to talk about today as well as making it much more memorable. Let me explain.
On the Diagonal
If you read the April VAB you may remember our time contemplating line and the unique ability of diagonals to convey a sense of movement. The impression of movement creates energy and intrigue in art which is why they come up in so many discussions about design.
A diagonal composition would have you arranging the elements in your composition along one or more diagonal lines.
Single diagonal compositions are created by having all elements lean on or parallel to a single diagonal line which may be an actual line or may be implied. These can be quite dramatic since the line of the single diagonal moves the eye from one side to the other without interference.
In the piece opening this post, Jeffery Lloyd Dever used a single diagonal composition with this pin with everything arranged on an implied line.
You can also play with more than one diagonal. Intersecting diagonals which cross each other are a classic version of this. It is strong but may be less dramatic than the single diagonal since the lines that would draw your eye across gets disrupted.
Clayman’s Wolf and Raven journal cover uses intersecting diagonals in combination with a centered focal point. This is a great example of implied lines (the very straight lines from head to tail in both animals) that you don’t see as lines but recognize in its visual direction that diagonals are the structure for this composition.
Triangular Triagonals
Ok, onto my mythical new word. We’ll need to start by discussing why triangles also make such great compositional templates.
Triangular formats don’t necessarily follow the shape of a triangle, the way a diagonal composition might, but more commonly elements or subjects within the piece come together to form a triangular shape or sit at the corners of an implied triangle.
These compositional triangles can create a visual sense of stability and strength. If you remember from the posts on shape, triangles are the strongest forms in nature. Each side supports the other two so the shape will not collapse under pressure. But, not only that, but a triangle also has one or more diagonal sides. So, it has movement as well as strength and stability – that’s why I think triangles in composition would be best described as triagonal! It’s more than just that strong shape you are creating, you are creating diagonal movement.
Barbara Umbel’s Turban and Tusk Necklace has triangular arrangements all over it. The body of the necklace fills a triangular space but then related elements are arranged in triangles as noted by the lines I added in the second photo. The largest and most textured elements make a primary triangle with the swoops of metal make a secondary one. The interlocking triangles within a triangular space makes for a very dynamic piece but it still feels solidly cohesive and balanced.
So, this week, keep an eye out for diagonals and triagonals (or triangular composition if you want to be understood by others). See if you can identify compositions where elements or subject matter is arranged on diagonal lines or in a trio of three points, not in a line. Then try some in your own work!
What Else Did You Miss?
This past week in the club content, we delved a little deeper into diagonals and triagular compositions than I did as well as continuing the month-long series on ways to increase your focus and get work done in the studio alogn with a Design Refresh self-quiz that dug even deeper into grid composition ideas.
These more extensive lessons and effortless ways to build on your design knowledge is only availble in the mid-week mini-mag. Don’t miss out on any more intriguing ideas and serendipitous info.
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