The Art of Composition

Inspiration from other artistic mediums

“Three Summer Cottages” by Ed Hill

As a print contest judge, I'm often asked what I look for first as I review entrants' submissions. Judging, done right, is a complex activity, but what stands out for me on first impression is composition.

To me, paper choice, print quality, tonality and the myriad other components of a great print take second place to composition. If the composition is unintentionally way off, nothing else matters. We are a visual medium, after all. And that's why I was gobsmacked when I received an email from my dear friend Ed Hill. In fact, I had intended a totally different article this week, but the timeliness of Ed's email had me change direction immediately.