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JustinBeckett
January 24th, 2006, 01:41 AM
Books on Composition.

Is there any good ones, that really help you out. And i mean really. Like not just some lame ass one that was put together quickly. Is there even such a book? I can't find any. Im not sure what is good - for composition books.

This is something where i struggle most. As i haven't studied anything on it. Except some very basic principles.

So are there any good ones you can recommend? Maybe even some links to some websites.


Thanks.


Justin
MoP
January 24th, 2006, 02:27 AM
http://www.fineart.sk/index.php?s=16&cat=13

Start here - Andrew Loomis' "Creative Illustration" book.
Read pages 30-40, they deal purely with composition - personally I found them an invaluable resource, as did many people I know. I can't find anything better all in one place.

Also if you do a search of the forums for the "Loomis books" thread which was up recently, you could probably find a PDF version for download to save having to visit the website every time you need to read it.
Dizon
January 24th, 2006, 03:22 AM
I hear a book by Hereward Lester Cooke is good. Search in Amazon.


I want one too...But the subject of composition is very complex. I don't think a book is enough for you to master it. But a good book should start you off analyzing works by your favorite painters, especially the old masters.
fishw
January 24th, 2006, 03:25 AM
cyril pearce, Composition: An analysis of the principles of pictorial design.
well out of print, but not hard to pick up cheap at all (abebooks)
dogfood
January 24th, 2006, 07:40 AM
I just got this one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486233588/qid=1138109937/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-9763812-0828164?n=507846&s=books&v=glance) from Henry Rankin Poore (and have wanted it for a while). It's tremendous and helped me on a cover I'm working on now.
Elwell
January 24th, 2006, 07:51 AM
Molly Bang's Picture This:How Pictures Work (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009ZKWR). Best introductory book on compositon and visual storytelling out there.
Kian
January 24th, 2006, 10:46 AM
Great thread! I was gonna post this very question. Thanks everyone, I'm gonna check these books out straight away :)
dogfood
January 24th, 2006, 10:52 AM
Molly Bang's Picture This:How Pictures Work (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009ZKWR). Best introductory book on compositon and visual storytelling out there.
That one's on my wish list, but I haven't heard any feedback. Cool!