The triangle has been a part of our lives forever. Even the ancient beings were intrigued by this shape. Today we’ll see just how much this simple shape has inspired designs, paintings, architecture, jewelry, sculptures, and even movies.
The diagonals of a frame can easily create triangles. How does this relate to the Canon of Design? Well, take a look at our basic armature. It promotes the use of diagonals and triangles within your art. See all of the triangles??
Can you see the geometry we can create with just a few simple lines?
There are three simple geometric shapes artists use in their work…the circle, square, and triangle. But which one has more visual appeal?
I’m leaning towards the triangle. There’s something about diagonals that seems to be visually pleasing not only to me, but to everyone it seems. Where did the concept of the triangle originate? Who knows! Does it matter? Were the Egyptians inspired by crystals in the ground, or was it pure math and geometry? Again, who knows…not me. But we can see this shape in their art as well as many master paintings (also used as enclosures), and modern designs. Let’s take a look at the many examples below and you’ll begin to see what I mean.
This is the Greek alphabet. See all of the geometric shapes…the triangles.
The Louvre, Paris.
Concept architecture by Juan Carlos Ramos.
Our Food Pyramid.
Photo by Annie Leibovitz…diagonals creating triangles.
A prism shaped sculpture with many triangles.
A crystal…lots of triangles.
Photo by Harry Gruyaert…strong diagonals creating triangles.
One of my favorite beers.
The way light travels through a prism.
The shape of her dress creates a triangle as well as the small ones found in her fingers.
Connecting points creating triangles.
Photo by Eliot Lee Hazel with a triangle shape seen in the lower rock formation.
Diagonal from corner to corner equals two triangles.
Many triangles found in this painting of a crystal.
Triangle shaped logo as well as seen in the diagonals of the design.
Hungry yet? They use a triangle to represent a chip.
Can’t forget our money!
Maybe this is why women love diamonds…so many triangles…hypnotizing them.
Logo of a clothing company.
New logo.
Pyramid with the eye…just like the dollar bill.
Pink Floyd logo
Triangles, diagonals, unicorns…
A great movie by Stanley Kubrick.
One of my favorite movies as a child!!
I figured I would end with this image. Triangles in the costume design, but isn’t Fizzgig the coolest?
Hope this brings some awareness of the designs around you, especially the triangle. It will continue to amaze us as has for centuries. Whether it’s ancient or futuristic, the triangle which is created by diagonals (and within your rectangle’s dynamic symmetry) is a very important part of your art. Try to incorporate it in your next piece and see what you come up with!
Can you see the geometry we can create with just a few simple lines?
There are three simple geometric shapes artists use in their work…the circle, square, and triangle. But which one has more visual appeal?
I’m leaning towards the triangle. There’s something about diagonals that seems to be visually pleasing not only to me, but to everyone it seems. Where did the concept of the triangle originate? Who knows! Does it matter? Were the Egyptians inspired by crystals in the ground, or was it pure math and geometry? Again, who knows…not me. But we can see this shape in their art as well as many master paintings (also used as enclosures), and modern designs. Let’s take a look at the many examples below and you’ll begin to see what I mean.
This is the Greek alphabet. See all of the geometric shapes…the triangles.
The Louvre, Paris.
Concept architecture by Juan Carlos Ramos.
Our Food Pyramid.
Photo by Annie Leibovitz…diagonals creating triangles.
A prism shaped sculpture with many triangles.
A crystal…lots of triangles.
Photo by Harry Gruyaert…strong diagonals creating triangles.
One of my favorite beers.
The way light travels through a prism.
The shape of her dress creates a triangle as well as the small ones found in her fingers.
Connecting points creating triangles.
Photo by Eliot Lee Hazel with a triangle shape seen in the lower rock formation.
Diagonal from corner to corner equals two triangles.
Many triangles found in this painting of a crystal.
Triangle shaped logo as well as seen in the diagonals of the design.
Hungry yet? They use a triangle to represent a chip.
Can’t forget our money!
Maybe this is why women love diamonds…so many triangles…hypnotizing them.
Logo of a clothing company.
New logo.
Pyramid with the eye…just like the dollar bill.
Pink Floyd logo
Triangles, diagonals, unicorns…
A great movie by Stanley Kubrick.
One of my favorite movies as a child!!
I figured I would end with this image. Triangles in the costume design, but isn’t Fizzgig the coolest?
Hope this brings some awareness of the designs around you, especially the triangle. It will continue to amaze us as has for centuries. Whether it’s ancient or futuristic, the triangle which is created by diagonals (and within your rectangle’s dynamic symmetry) is a very important part of your art. Try to incorporate it in your next piece and see what you come up with!
