The Rule of Thirds vs the Golden Ratio: Which to Use?

Both of these compositional ideas hover enticingly as the magic solution to how to make better paintings. I look at both the ideas and show you how I, based on my experience, use them. Not in theory. But in practice.

Link to some recent paintings by Ian Roberts for Sale:

#ianroberts #masteringcomposition #ruleofthirdsvsgoldenratio

[annipetratos]

The golden ration is naturally appealing to the eye. Whether the old masters were masters because it appealed to their eyes, and so thats how they painted their pictures...or if they knew and used it purposefully...is a open to discussion.
Thanks for video😊

[Elaine-jcbe]

I use the rule of thirds in my paintings. Sometime ago I spent an entire day in nature with my camera, sketch book and pencil. I was totally amazed at what I saw using the Fibonacci sequence and the rule of thirds. By the the end of the day my brain was totally exhausted, in a very good way!! :)

[samp]

As a self taught novice artist, I've never heard of these things until just paint, and learn tips from you and other artists. 😄

[justinwilliams]

The mystery (finally) revealed! Thank you!

[chamarama]

You nicely explained it the golden ratio..agree with you..Most of times intuition is the better way than the calculations when we do a painting... thank you for teaching us through your experience..

[yeshonestly]

Your paintings are the best and lessons are so very useful. Thank you. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[oliviasabeska]

That's so interesting! I've been learning about composition for many years and it's the first time I hear this! thank you

[gregautryphoto]

I remember out nighttimes in Provence, where I first began to understand about the design of a painting, while listening to your talks. This is a great enabler Ian, keep up the great work.

[marieradi-nahas]

Thank you, Ian. I knew and understood the rule of thirds but was not so familiar with the golden ratio. Thank you for your clear explanation. A great lesson - as always. Thank you.

[serhumano]

You are the only person that helped me understand the golden ratio, Thankyu😊
That thing is so confusing 😅

[k.b.woodworker]

Another reason that following this might work (either GR or 1/3rds) is that it prevents a person from having more than one area of interest. Said differently, it calls attention to having a single area of focus and everything else supports that. Perhaps it also prevents some "errors", in that it keeps an artist from putting things in the center or tangent to the sides. It's easier to create balance with other parts of the painting/drawing as well if the focus is not along the perimeter somewhere. Of course, there are those who successfully break the "rules" by putting things in the center or along the perimeter. Great video, thanks!

[SJQuirke]

Nice thinking
I started using Golden Ratio - in a very disciplined way because my intuition was not producing attractive shapes - with the shapes blocked out in the design I have been able to break the rules then to create the tension
Thanks
This has been a useful reflection on design

[Souldesouse]

What a relief 😅
I’ve always felt guilty not completely understanding and utilizing the golden ratio

[danielyork]

Seeing through your eyes...invaluable, and freeing! Thanks for teaching👍👍

[DannySabraArt]

This was really fascinating. I’m more and more discovering things like these as simple tools but they aren’t magic recipes. I just ordered your book and I’m excited to learn more about these concepts! Thanks Ian!

[BlackNick]

Very interesting option and pushing design beyond boundaries. Thanks as always,
Nan

[thisandthatdailylife]

Hi I researched the golden triangle etc and had the same thought you expressed that at times people were really making a stretch to suggest it was consciously used in the paintings by the masters. You see what you want to see!
I have found dynamic symmetry useful in improving my compositions. They lacked punch and by laying the grid over my sketches i could see opportunities to add a wow factor but you can’t just place everything by the grid you have to be selective. I found it just improved my discipline of planning and applying it with discretion
Enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[kirstynewbery]

Thanks you Ian, I recently joined in your email tutorials and I'm enjoying what I'm learning. Watercolour is my chosen medium, so there are times of course when watching your oil painting is frustrating, but I'm learning more about composition than I thought I would. Thans again

[viviandibrell]

Glad to hear this. It is more sensible to use these as a tool or not with awareness of why or why not you are using them.

[alisonhendry]

Hoorah! Going outside that blasted focal point cross hair! I do it often and then hear a silly voice telling me... uh uh uh... but then I listen to that feeling you talked about and ignore that annoying voice and it can work! I love how you describe these methods and I LOVE the golden mean and often do it without measuring as it “ feels” right. You have the greatest and BEST way of approaching how to teach mastering of composition. I am SO happy to have found your gifts.