Joe “The Artist” Paints & Sketches

It’s an interesting mathematical relationship (0.0618) that has been used for thousands of years from the days of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. It is seen in the natural growth of sunflowers, seashell spirals, pinecones and cells.  This relationship seems to be the most visually pleasing division of space in a painting (photograph, etc.)  Interestingly, however, the paper manufacturers did not take this into account when they created the standard sizes (15×22, 22×30, etc.)  Hence most artists and photographers use the 1/3 2/3 rule as described in a previous article.

However, each artistic composition can create its own demands, and then the artist, as indeed the engineer or architect, must decide to break the rules.  The way in which the rules are to be broken will depend upon the number of repetitive shapes, objects and patterns the artist wants in his composition.  It is here, that thinking outside the box is necessary to create innovation, originality, and in spite of the rules, a pleasing painting.