Yael Maimon’s series on successful composition continues with advice about placing objects and using colour to achieve maximum effect, including combining photos and the Rule of Thirds

COMPOSITION: 2ND OF 5

Yael Maimon

Bon Appetit 3, pastel, 171⁄2x231⁄2in (44.5x59.5cm).

This is a good example of the Rule of Thirds at work. As I watched my street cats eating, I tried to figure out what made it an extraordinary scene in my eyes. I wrote some notes about colour and mood and took several photos to use as reference. I decided to take the simple concept of two cats eating and aimed for it to have a strong powerful design

The Rule of Thirds states that if you draw lines on your surface, basically dividing your composition into thirds vertically and horizontally, then place your centre of interest either along these lines or at the junctions of them, you will achieve a more pleasing composition. With practice you won’t need a ruler when figuring out where the lines go, on any format; you can simply approximate where the lines should be placed in your mind’s eye.

Using colours

Colours can be one of the most effective elements for creating a strong composition. They tell a story and evoke emotions, so the choice of colour and its application within the composition must be taken into account.