"Icy Tree" – A Case Study in Balance and Composition
The phrase “It is written” often evokes a sense of certainty and finality. Interestingly, the idiom traces its roots to the United Kingdom during the revolutionary war, where the English would say, "United we stand, divided we fall." It’s a sentiment that suggests strength in unity—hang together, or face the consequences of disarray.
Painters often hear variations of this message, albeit in a more specific form: "Balance is key." To an artist, balance represents much more than symmetry; it’s the relationship between design, composition, and the careful placement of elements to guide the viewer's eye toward a cohesive direction. A central theme or subject often provides this direction, helping the viewer to interpret the painting as a whole.
But art isn’t always about following the rules. Sometimes, an artist will deliberately throw the viewer off balance, forcing them into a state of confusion or discomfort. It’s a choice that challenges expectations and makes the viewer engage on a deeper level. In my painting "Icy Tree", however, the composition intentionally seeks harmony. Or, does it?
When you take a look at "Icy Tree" (which you can view in the Tree Gallery section), you may wonder: Does this painting hang together or not? The answer, as I’ve come to realize, is kind of, sort of, maybe. While I certainly followed most of the rules of design and composition, I might’ve strayed just a little too far into abstraction in terms of the colors and layout. The result is a piece that may appear slightly unbalanced at first glance.
But here's where the title makes a difference: "Icy Tree." By naming the painting, I created an anchor, a bridge between the abstract forms and the viewer’s expectations. The title invites you to engage with the work, bringing it down to Earth, so to speak. The ice may be painted in unusual colors, but the title suggests something familiar—a tree, frozen in time. It provides context and meaning to what might otherwise feel like chaos.
In this instance, I turned to my brother, Dan, for help. I asked him to contribute a title that would bring a sense of cohesion to the composition. With just a few words, his suggestion did exactly that. It provided the necessary "hang togetherness" that transformed a fragmented piece into a unified whole.
Sometimes, it’s not just about the brushstrokes or the color choices. It’s about the story we tell through the title, the viewer’s perspective, and the way everything comes together. "Icy Tree" may break a rule or two, but it still manages to convey a sense of unity in its own, unique way.
So, does it hang together? In the end, I think it does. And if you look closely, you might see that even in the abstract, there’s a bit of order waiting to be discovered.
Peace and love. Russ Myers