A good basic composition will often either be asymetrical or will lead the viewer's eye around the work. Some standard compositional layouts are shown above.

• Quadrant - In this simple composition a dynamic balance is created by the changes in value from dark to light. There is not equal amounts of dark or light on each side.
• Sequential - This simple composition is completely reliant on rhythms. Rhythm is important to all compositions in any discipline and visual art is no exception. The changing sizes and values lead a viewer across the page like changing notes lead a listener through a piece of music. Notice that there are not any two areas that are the same size. This helps to create an asymmetrical balance. Other types of sequential compositions rely on mathematics, like the Fibonacci Sequence.
• Asymmetrical - Also referred to as Dynamic Balance. This sort of composition relies on creating balance between the two sides of the picture. In this picture the negative space, or area on the left where there is no rectangular object, has equal visual weight to the right side. Think of it as you would a scale. On one side of the scale there is eight one-ounce cubes and on the other is two four-ounce cubes. They both weigh eight ounces, but look different. In a compositon this could be shown as two large dark squares and eight light squares. Try to move the elements around the compositon to lead the viewer around the composition. The use of one shape, color, line etc. is called repetition of an element and helps to create connections between objects in a composition. This compositional style also shows up in sculpture.
• Golden Mean (or Fibonacci Sequence used in a spiral) - This mathematical composition is created from a 1 to 1.618... ratio. You will find this particular ratio works well in creating an interesting balance in a picture. The system is made up of a series of square areas which diminish in size and curve in toward the center, much like a snail's shell. One can recreate a similar instance of this by starting with a 10 inch by 16 inch rectangle. Divide a square section on the left side with a vertical line. Draw a line from corner to corner. At the point that the diagonal meets the vertical line draw in a horizontal. Draw another diagonal from the top right corner to the bottom of the vertical line. Draw a vertical from the point where the diagonal meets the horizontal line and continue the process until the squares become too small to work with.

Most compositions do not adhere only to one of these models, but use a combination of two or three to help carry a viewer through more complex pathways.

Hint: Look at other artist's compositions. You will notice that Repetition of an Element occurs as a way of holding the composition together. One may see a small hint of orange on one side of a painting that is there to balance and compliment a larger area on the other side. A curved or straight line that is reproduced in different sizes, thicknesses, and places throughout a work can visually hold the piece together.