9 DEVELOPING DYNAMIC SYMMETRY

Great compositions use geometry. Here’s an example of how dynamic symmetry helps to take this piece to a deeper compositional level…

A Line art

Using my initial sketch, I draw a line from the top right corner to the lower left corner. Then, from the top left corner I draw a line at right angles to the first line. This is the primary point of interest, and where I’ll paint the dragon’s eye.

B Identify edges

I draw a line straight across at the primary point to establish the dragon’s eyeline. Then I place a line from the bottom right corner at a right angle to the original line. These help me establish important elements like the edge of the platform, the orc’s side and the dragon’s wing.

C Checking placement of elements

Next, I repeat these steps, starting at the top-left corner. Using these guides, I locate the edge of the platform, the left wing and the warrior’s hands. This enables me to see that the warrior is right in the middle of the diamond shape. The dragon’s head, shifted right, is now in the upper diamond.