Composition defines the placement of brushmarks around that canvas that move in a distinctive direction. This is a key element when building a painting as different compositions can be more or less satisfying to look at for the viewer.

Whilst this often comes intuitively to artists, it is important to have an understanding of balance, rhythm, focal point and direction when building a painting.

We asked artist Emma Howell to create some examples of these in her studies book to show you some composition ideas inspired by classic and iconic abstract works.

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Horizontal is one of the most common compositions. It refers to the direction of the brushmarks going in a left and right motion along the canvas.

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Cruciform is a crossover of elements which appear overlapped and heading in different directions.

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Diagonal composition is a sense that the brushmarks are moving from corner to corner across the canvas. These can either go from left-to-right, or vice versa.

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Curvilinear is a very circular composition where brushmarks will often contain lots of curves and overlapping circles. These could all be of the same scale, or varying sizes.

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Along with Horizontal, Vertical is another of the most common compositions, in which you will see brushmarks heading in an upwards and downwards direction.

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Group Mass refers to a cluster of brushmarks in a certain area whilst other areas of the painting remain clear. This is a very striking and distinctive composition so it is important to consider where your main cluster will sit on the canvas.

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Radiating, as the name suggests, gives a sense that the marks are emitting from a focal point and exploding across the canvas. This is a very dynamic composition and allows the colours to dance across the painting.

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3 Point paintings will have three areas of interest, which form a triangular arrangement. These could either be in solitary, or have a visual link between them.

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Balanced means two key elements of the painting are of equal size, colouring and dominance. It can sometimes be achieved by symmetry, or just that two areas share equal importance on the canvas.

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The opposite of Balanced, Unbalanced also uses two key areas of the painting, however one is a lot more dominant than the other. This can provide a focal point and allow room for more breathing blank space.

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