Rating: 
Summary: Classic Rules of Compositon Told.
Review: This book tells the classic rules of composition "that no one wants to tell you" and that others say "everybody knows" when in fact they don't. It covers the subject from the old school of classic composition. It is a masterpiece of information that I wish I had read years ago. Very highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Really Deserves 6 Stars
Review: This is one of the most thorough books in the teaching and analysis of composition I've ever had the fortune to read. All my other art books mention the neccessity of sound composition and eye movement but none give the detailed breakdown of how that's accomplished or why it fails. This book does. You aren't just told - it's broken down for you explicitly with dozens of examples from famous paintings. All kinds of compositions are examined.Here is a list of the chapter titles and some (would be tiresome to include it all) of what they teach
1. Balance - rules, scale of attraction, vertical/horizontal balance, natural balance, apparant/formal balance, balance by opposition of line, balance by opposition of spots, transition of line...etc, etc, etc.
2. Entrance and Exit - getting into the picture, getting out of the picture
3. Circular Observation - circular composition, reconstruction for circular observation
4. Angular Composition - the triangle, the vertical line in angular composition, angular composition based on the horizontal, line of beauty, structural line
5. Composition with One or More Units - 2 units, 3 units, groups, the figure in landscape
6. Light and Shade - pricipality, gradation
Color Plates..... If you really want to learn composition and get it down cold - get this book. It's a priceless gem.
Rating: 
Summary: I found it very helpful
Review: Through elaborate use of master works, this author was able to communicate to me important compositional points that have eluded me for a long time. Or...maybe I am just dense. I would appreciate suggestions from others on compositional books of this type....thanks
| 
