Elements of Design - Direction

Objects, shapes, and lines can all point.  The directions can be vertical, horizontal or oblique (slanted).  A dominant direction can provide a restful feel (horizontal), a dignified formality (vertical), or an energized, exciting feeling (oblique).  Directions can also point out the focal point or direct the veiwer's eye through the painting.

In this painting of an old fort in St. Augustine, the obliques will guide you into the painting from almost every corner.  The shadows zig-zag through the center of interest.  The perspective of the turrets also form an implied directional path. Even the figures line up in an oblique direction.

Consciously designing objects and lines that have a dominant direction is a very helpful technique in creating an interesting painting.