What is a horizon line? Where do you never put it?
a horizon line is the line where you see the land meets the sky or the sea meets the sky. never put it....?
Never? I never knew that never existed in any art form.
In drawings expressing reality, I would not put the horizon line below things you see the tops of, or above the things you see the bottoms of. The horizon line is at eye level. above that, you see the tops of things, below that, you see the bottoms of things.
Now in art, thinking of Dali, I am not so certain these rules are fixed with certainity.
http://www.olejarz.com/arted/perspective/intro2.html
In a traditional landscape the horizon line is most visually pleasing at either the top third or bottom third of the picture depending on the subject matter. IF your picture is a seascape about crashing waves and big boats, the horizon would be in the top third (or less of the pciture). But if the picture was about a thunderstorm, and the violence ofthe weather, i would put it in the bottom third of the picture. Hope this helps.
Both will give you horizontal line because you eyes sees it that way. Perspective of visual distance.
A horizon line is a common element in artistic and photographic composition. It refers to the horizontal line that delineates the boundary between the earth and the sky. The placement of the horizon line in an artwork or photograph can greatly influence the overall look and feel of the composition.
When positioning the horizon line, there are general guidelines to consider. However, there is no absolute rule for where to place it, as it depends on the desired visual effect. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Balance and symmetry: Placing the horizon line closer to the center of the frame tends to create a sense of balance and symmetry. This can work well for serene or harmonious scenes.
2. Rule of thirds: Applying the rule of thirds often produces visually pleasing compositions. In this case, the horizon line would be placed either in the top third or bottom third of the frame. This can create more dynamic tension and visual interest.
3. Emphasizing the sky or land: Depending on the subject matter, you might want to emphasize either the sky or the land in the composition. If the sky is more interesting, consider placing the horizon line lower in the frame to give it more prominence. Conversely, if there is a captivating landscape, placing the horizon line higher helps showcase it.
As for where you should never put the horizon line, there are no hard and fast rules, but there are certain instances where it may be less visually appealing. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Cutting through the subject: Avoid placing the horizon line in a way that it cuts through the main subject of your composition. This can be distracting and disrupt the overall flow of the image.
2. Creating visual confusion: Placing the horizon line too close to prominent vertical elements, such as buildings or trees, can create visual confusion and make the composition appear crowded or cluttered. Pay attention to the relationship between the horizon line and other elements in the scene.
Remember, these are guidelines, not strict rules. Experimenting with different placements of the horizon line can lead to interesting and unique compositions. Don't be afraid to explore creative options and find what works best for your specific artistic vision.