Compositional Structures in Art-The Cantilever

There are a number of compositional structures that artists use. The cantilever structure is when any large formation enters the art work from a side and ends within the work. Normally the cantilever connects with other positive shapes/formations in the art but it can stand alone. Sometimes cantilevers meet with similar ones entering from the other side. The heavy visual weight of a cantilever usually must be balanced by another positive shape. Artists such as Cezanne and Matisse frequently used the cantilever structure in their paintings. A chapter on compositional structures is in the excellent book by Nathan Goldstein, Design and Composition.

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Fine Art Painting-Waterfalls

Waterfalls

Orginal Fine Art Painting
Acrylic on wrapped canvas on wood stretcher bars
8 by 10 by 0.75 inches, 20.4 by 25.5 by 1.9 cm

My objective in this painting was creating the appearance and movement of the waterfalls. I did this with repeated layers of thick paint and colours.

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My Sketch of Painting by Augustus John

Drawing after Augustus John's Painting, The Marchesa Casati
Graphite on Paper Darkened in Photoshop

I did this quick sketch from a painting by Augustus John. The painting done in 1919 is called “The Marchesa Casati”. It is oil on canvas and hangs in the Art Gallery of Ontario. I darkened my drawing in Photoshop to make it more visible. John was born in Wales in 1878 and studied and died in England in 1961. John was considered a master graphic artist and his drawings are worth studying. He did this painting in oranges and blues and his use of complementary colors results in a luminous portrait. My site has a link to the Art Gallery of Ontario where you can see this wonderful work of art.

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