Can you recommend me any books specifically on composition?


#1

I went to a few bookstores and not one of them have any books on composition (although there are a ton of books on Leonard Da Vinci - due to his popularity now). I checked Amazon and there were a few listed on the website.

The problem I have is that I hate buying a book without having looked through the pages.

So can anyone recommend one that I should hunt for? Thanks.


#2

Hm… I don’t know of any books SPECIFICALLY about composition, but Johannes Vloothius’ landscape composition is really good :

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Articles2/135/120/

I also found this tutorial useful:
http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=260368 (by kirt)


#3

well, i’m not sure if this is what you’re looking for, but “film directing shot by shot” has been recommended over and over to me when it comes to storyboarding and the like… and composition is king afaik in that aspect of storyboarding.


#4

The Fantasy Art Techniques of Tim Hildebrandt(amazon.com link)

Not expressly about composition, but I have found it quite useful and interesting. And it’s nice that it is, as stated in the title, a book where he discusses his techniques, not just a bunch of shots of his art.

-mike

(edit - i went back and looked at my copy of this book again this morning. He’s got an entire chapter on composition, a whole section on color, annotations on the thoughts behind most of the images in the book, it’s really a great book! Now I’m totally inspired…! :slight_smile: )


#5

Those are all interesting suggestions. I was specially looking for books that deals with more philosophy of composition. Like the rule of thirds, use of forms, etc. I wanted to get a book as a reference. Still, I will will check out all all of your suggestions. Thanks!

EDIT: I’m sorry if I wasnt clear before.


#6

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