Formal and Informal Composition

Formal design is symmetrical

Focal point on a square canvas is placed high.

    Above is another example of formal balance in a rectangle. There are ways of breaking rules with more rules. In an informal design it is advisable not to take line to the corners. A formal design is opposite.

    This formal design is two nearly square fields upper and lower The focal point is set high in the composition with a counter focal point set below. Divide the canvas at the most center point, disregard what is below for a moment. You will discern the focal point is her forehead, right above her eyes. Now look below in the bottom half and find the stop point  which is the crucifix  "GIVE" opens up and out, and the hands direct back in framing "give" as focal. The veil does the same  to direct your eyes back out and back in. The triangle sitting from the rim of the offering plate points you right to the focal area of the eyes and brows dead center. If you divide the canvas into two canvases, it is easy to see the focal point is set high, then counter balanced low at matching junctures.in the two halves.. The formal balance has multiple focal points each subservient to the other. 

Informal Design

Informal design is asymmetrical with a whole set of different rules guiding us to understand how to make good compositions.Here is an  example.to explain the placement of asymmetrical composition  within a glance in the manner of simplest design. 

So The first question you ask yourself before you paint is WHAT IS MY LINE?

.