The focus on "pleasing" proportions in art is a very old controversy — do people naturally prefer the visual proportions of the rectangle over the square?
Generally speaking, rectangular shapes are more pleasing to the eye than square shapes. So many of the things we love are rectangle shaped; most houses are rectangle, books are rectangle, pillows are rectangle, even the Stauffers lasagna is in a rectangle pan.
Why then would the artist choose a square canvas rather than a rectangle? I think it’s “Dare to be Square.”
But even though we are daring enough to paint square — we have to be very aware of the composition, make it compelling enough to allow for the square.
All the shapes in the composition must be harmonious. Use vertical lines to suggest formality and dignity. Horizontal lines are restful, relaxed, and casual. The diagonal line creates a sense of drama, and the curved lines add interest and relief.
But still, despite the daring square canvas and the harmonious composition — without even trying — there will still be a “pleasing” rectangle somewhere in the square painting — the square just seems to need it.
Generally speaking, rectangular shapes are more pleasing to the eye than square shapes. So many of the things we love are rectangle shaped; most houses are rectangle, books are rectangle, pillows are rectangle, even the Stauffers lasagna is in a rectangle pan.
Why then would the artist choose a square canvas rather than a rectangle? I think it’s “Dare to be Square.”
But even though we are daring enough to paint square — we have to be very aware of the composition, make it compelling enough to allow for the square.
All the shapes in the composition must be harmonious. Use vertical lines to suggest formality and dignity. Horizontal lines are restful, relaxed, and casual. The diagonal line creates a sense of drama, and the curved lines add interest and relief.
But still, despite the daring square canvas and the harmonious composition — without even trying — there will still be a “pleasing” rectangle somewhere in the square painting — the square just seems to need it.
Judy Grupp
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