Design is content with intent. Content without intent is noise. Intent without content is decoration. – Joe Sparano
The previous tutorial covered a general overview of the Movement Composition and eight variations. This art design tutorial describes the Structure Device plus all the variations.
Structure Composition
When choosing structure as a design device, its rendering style becomes the backbone of a composition, organizing elements into a deliberate arrangement that enhances clarity and impact.
Unlike other devices emphasizing dominance, contrast, movement, etc., structure focuses on the spatial relationships between elements, creating a sense of order, rhythm, and cohesion.
It can manifest through grids, modular layouts, symmetry, or carefully plotted alignments that guide the viewer’s eye in a controlled and intentional manner.
The Structure device provides a framework supporting stability and complexity, allowing for intricate designs that remain visually accessible.
Structure One Dominant
In this example, two ideas are present, and both incorporate rendering with a sense of Structure.
From the viewer’s gaze, this compositional device’s structured nature influences how information is processed and understood.
It’s easy to notice the hierarchy; the design incorporates lines and grids in the background, and the light complements the One Dominant focal point.
Even the light bulb contains rendering that is structured and the illuminating feature causes the eye to pause and examine the fixture.
Structure Two Dominant
This example shares the same rendering style as the previous one. However, in this case, the two light fixtures create the subordinate Two Dominant device.
Structure can either subtly support, as seen in the background corrugated metal effect, or overtly define the composition’s overall impact, like the beam detail and fixtures adding the subordinate Two Dominant light feature.
Structure is so versatile yet a fundamental compositional device in visual design. Many offshoots of modern art stem from this style of rendering.
Structure Pattern
Combining Structure with Pattern as a subordinate feature is another combination that builds on form and flow.
Imagine a composition of interlocking linear fields arranged in a precise grid, where the structured layout creates a strong sense of order and stability.
Within this framework, repeating patterns of subtle color variations or decorative motifs adds rhythm and texture, enhancing the design without disrupting its underlying organization.
Structure Negative Positive
When it comes to adding Negative Positive rendering as a subordinate device to Structure, the empty, negative spaces create visual points to pause and contemplate the artwork.
Picture a composition defined by a strong structural framework, where precise lines and geometric divisions create a clear, organized layout.
Within this framework, areas of negative and positive space subtly enhance the design, providing contrast and depth without overpowering the structured arrangement.
Complex designs, such as those in modern and architectural art, lend to this combination. Simple artwork, like logos and branding designs, are also standard in this style.
Structure Movement
Ah, the playfulness of Structure Movement.
Imagine a composition where structure shapes the design through a framework of intersecting angles and measured alignments, creating a sense of order and intention.
Within this foundation, movement emerges through subtle directional shifts or flowing elements.
The subordinate device adds energy and invites the viewer to explore the image with curiosity and playfulness.
Structure Structure
The combination in this example could almost be mistaken for Structure One Dominant, or even Structure Frame. Ask, how to distinguish the difference?
The key is the entire grid like Structure flows over the entire canvas. The subordinate Structure is rendered to overlap and appear like it is placed upon the base Structure.
The color variation is added to the subordinate Structure to add interest and hold the attention of the eye.
Creating artwork that explores design variations can take your artwork to a whole new level. Look back at previous creations and notice if your creativity is repetitious.
If you’re supporting a style that feels pleasing you might be building on a theme. But, if you’re doing the same composition style because it’s easy then change it up, and expand your imagination!
Structure Frame
Adding Frame as a secondary device again builds on the Structure composition without becoming a dominant element.
Structure defines the arrangement through precise alignments and spatial relationships, creating a clear and intentional design.
A framing element, whether through borders, contrasting edges, or implied shapes, reinforces this structure, drawing focus to the artwork’s core while subtly enhancing its overall impact.
The Frame device can be rendered with interest. In this example, a tonal frame was sufficient to act as a structural container, yet it still has a structured form.
Structure Perspective
Structure Perspective may have birthed several of this last century’s compositional styles.
Imagine a composition where Structure establishes a strong framework through deliberate alignments and spatial organization, guiding the viewer’s eye with clarity.
Perspective, whether through linear depth or atmospheric shifts, subtly enhances this structure, adding dimension and a sense of spatial immersion without overshadowing the composition’s foundational order.
In the 20s and 30s Precisionism was the first real indigenous modern art movement in the United States and contributed to the rise of American Modernism.
American Artist, Charles Demuth
Precisionist artists incorporated the Structure of geometric shapes yet eliminated much of the detail.
They often incorporated planes of light, adding perspective, focus, and form.
Charles Demuth, an American artist from Pennsylvania is well known for this style. His image, The Piano Mover’s Holiday sits in the Demuth Museum to this day.
Artist’s like Georgia O’Keeffe probably inspired his artworks. Precisionistic art often incorporated urban imagery.
Painting incorporating office towers, apartment houses, bridges, tunnels, subway platforms, streets, the skyline and grids of the modern city where popular themes of that timeline.
Art Play
As usual, play with all the variations of the Structure rendering devices. And now it’s time to explore these compositional strategies in greater detail.
Take some time to browse through art history books to identify how art styles evolved over time. List the themes that invoke appreciation that you’d like to explore!
Maybe it’s the era of Art Deco or Modernism. Advice: Just have fun adding inspirational images and sketches to your art journal. Play, Practice, Play, Practice, then repeat!
Downloadable Art Reference Sheet
The next tutorial covers variations for the next set of eight devices, and how the Frame Compositional Device is expressed in each one.
To find links to every lesson, click > Art & Design Tutorial Table of Contents
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