IMPORTANCE OF CANVAS POSITION

Kandinsky refers to the canvas as the Basic Plane.

“Every part of the basic plane possesses a proper affective coloration which will influence on the tonality of the pictorial elements that will be drawn on it, which contributes to the richness of the composition which results from their juxtaposition on the canvas.”

The four areas are:

The above of the basic plane corresponds to ‘looseness’ and to lightness, while the below evokes ‘condensation’ and heaviness. The left is ‘movement into the distance’ or ‘going on an adventure’. Right is a movement towards home. Moving to the right is slow and languid, ending in rest.

So in addition to the colour and shape of an object, we have to consider how its position on the canvas can affect an interpretation.

Again, some class discussion at this stage will be worthwhile.

Project a copy of Kandinsky’s Swinging - use any internet link, but you will find it on the Tate Modern website at http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork? cgroupid=999999961&workid=7816&searchid=8430&tabview=image

Back to the importance of colour ...