Composition isn’t just about rules, rules, and more rules. There are also plenty of nifty devices and tools that make an artist’s job a lot easier.

Over the centuries, artists have invented clear, user-friendly devices as stepping stones to creating great works. Future artists will no doubt benefit from the latest hi-tech developments, in the same way that many art inventions from the past still have relevance today. If you like taking photographs, you’ll be familiar with the notion of a viewfinder, a “window” in the camera that you look through to frame your subject before clicking the shutter. Without it, great pictures would not be possible. Artists use a similar device to help frame their subject and a basic grid to help place the elements making up a composition. Proportions can be measured accurately without the need for clever machinery through shortcuts that are simple to use and work. They don’t constitute cheating so don’t be afraid to try them!

Making a Viewfinder:

It’s easy to construct a totally adjustable and completely portable viewfinder. You can use it whenever you need to make the compositional decisions that are an essential part of producing good art.

1. You will need two L-shaped brackets that are 3 inches wide and 10-12 inches long. Make sure the corners are perfect right angles. Use stiff dark gray or black cardstock that won’t distract your eye from the subject.
   
2. Place your L shapes together so they form a rectangular window that frames your subject. You can hold them together with masking tape or bulldog clips.
   

Viewfinders and the “rule of thirds”:

Create attention-grabbing compositions quickly and easily with the “rule of thirds.” Divide your picture area into three horizontal and three vertical segments (picture the grid in your head or sketch it lightly on paper). Use the lines in each direction to create a dynamic asymmetrical composition (much more exciting than a boring symmetrical arrangement)!

Apply the “rule of thirds” with the help of your viewfinder. With a black marker and a ruler, divide two acetate sheets into three equal columns. Line them up to form a grid of nine equal rectangles. Clip them together between your two L-shaped brackets and you’ve got an instant see-through grid! Wow!

1. Hold the viewfinder grid out at arm’s length, close one eye, and look at your subject through the window. Move the frame around until you find an interesting and balanced composition.
   
2. In this drawing, the viewfinder helps create a balanced composition using the “rule of thirds.” The apples are placed in the outer thirds of the frame, leaving the center empty, so that the eye is compelled to keep on moving from one apple to another. If the pieces of fruit were centrally placed, the piece would look far more static and dull.