Most creatives, from painters to photographers, will have come across theRule of Thirdsat some point.
But what is the Rule of Thirds?
And where does it come from?
What is the Rule of Thirds?
Important compositional elements should then be placed either on the lines or at their intersections.
This results in dynamic, interesting compositions that draw the viewer’s eye across the scene.
‘A Maid Asleep' by Johannes Vermeer (ca. 1656–57). (Photo:The Met, Public domain)
This technique is often employed inlandscape paintingand photography, but really can apply to any genre.
It would later be transformed into the grid system we know today.
If you don’t feel like making the simple calculations, you candownload a grid.
Rule of Thirds in Painting
Photographers aren’t the only ones who use the Rule of Thirds.
Johannes Vermeer
A Maid Asleep' by Johannes Vermeer (ca.
Even the door cracked open has a compositional purpose.
‘The Fighting Temeraire' by J.M.W. Turner (1838) (Photo: National Gallery viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
The door itself falls exactly on the right vertical line running through the painting.
Turner
The Fighting Temeraire' by J.M.W.
Turnermakes great use of the Rule of Thirds.
Less technical than the golden ratio; it’s a nice beginner’s rule of thumb.
And while it’s often associated with landscape photography, the guideline works across any photographic genre.
In doing so, the landscape seems more dramatic.
‘On the Grass' by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1873) (Photo:Barnes Collection, Public domain)
By placing the starburst slightly off-center, the photographer creates visual interest without overpowering the viewer.
Applying the rule doesn’t always mean positioning the subject off-center.
