Tangents?

[Zapp!]

Could someone please explain to me what a tangent is in a painting?
I sometimes see drawings and paintings in the critique forum described as having bad tangents in them but don't know what that is, except that it makes them seem flatter somehow. I've tried using google and the search button here to find out, but didn't find much.
So if someone could please explain to me what a tangent is I would really appreciate it.

[jcpahl]

Check dis out, yo:

http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2009/05/tangencies.html

[Derek the Usurper]

I've always heard of this being referred to as two objects "kissing" each other. It's generally a bad idea. Separate the objects or place one in front of the other.

[KarylGilbertson]

yeah that link has pretty much the whole story.

[Zazerzs]

the examples in the link are good ones, as well as the "kissing" description.

Basically if two objects or line are sharing the same point or are butting up against each other, its a good idea to change the composition so the objects overlap a little.Doing this lets the eye know which object is in front of the other.

[Zapp!]

awesome, thanks very much :)