A spread of eye-catching skirt hem occupies the lower part of the photo like a mountain range. A pair of blue slippers, one in front and one behind, point to the upper right of the picture, thus extending the two-dimensional picture and cutting it into contrasting spaces. These intriguing elements form a multi-dimensional composition. From beneath the yellow main element (fallen leaves), the fiery red (skirt) erupts like lava, but stops at a cold juncture (the slippers) that turns the whole picture to a warm composition. This is similar to the dramatic leap in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (Fate) from the slow and hovering decline of the third movement to the exploding chorus. The viewers cannot help but follow the direction of the footsteps to look at the dazzling brightness ahead.
It seems to be ordinary scenery, but if appreciated carefully, creates a gentle yet powerful energy shinning radiantly and continuously, which clears all the fears and darkness in the viewers’ hearts.
One will never tire of viewing this tranquil, yet dynamic, picture.
The acute angle formed by the tall trees, small path, and staircase grabs the viewer’s attention at first sight.
The small path and the end of the staircase make one feel calm and peaceful.
The red creeper on the small white house is especially eye-catching in the vast expanse of springtime green.
“A dot of red shines amidst an expanse of greens.”
Here is the convergence of many visual elements, resulting in outstanding serenity and bliss, as if creating an impression of “home” in everyone’s heart.
The central point of this photo is the corner of the wall.
The lines of the walls, the creepers, the fallen leaves and the bush form lines at an angle with the ground, creating an undulating pattern over the whole picture, with gorgeous colors and a surging dynamic.
We feel the exciting, beautiful inner communication between the photographer and the whole creation.
Featuring extraordinary tension and the superb use of color and ratio, this is indeed an outstanding piece of art!
Traditional Chinese painting emphasizes the harmony of Yin and Yang, that is the use of void and solid, shades, density, contrast, ups and downs, slanting and upright, vertical and horizontal, obscure and obvious, as well as relativity. Likewise, this seemingly very simple photograph conveys a very profound message of Yin and Yang.
Most conspicuously in the center of the photo are three tree trunks whose crowns are not visible. They cut the picture vertically into four parts. The largest section, in the middle, occupies more than 50%. The one on the right occupies about 15%. The one on the far left is 10% while the one on near left 5%. If you start counting from the middle to the right, then to the far left, and finally to the near left, you will find the proportion is 10:3:2:1. The rhythm is a bit like a 4/4 time beat progressing from strong to weak, and then strong to weak again, a passionate but gradually progressive rhythm. You may ask: “Why do we start counting from the middle?” Firstly, it is the habit of human vision to focus first on the biggest part; secondly, in the picture, on the second tree from the left, a branch stretches out horizontally, which breaks the vertical dissections, while it also guides our vision to follow it naturally to the far right, and then continue to go to the far left.
This is a very abstract freehand photograph. Theoretically, the blooming yellow flower in the center should be the focus of the picture. The charming yellow color is especially eye-catching against the whitish background. Nevertheless, the photographer didn’t keep it completely in focus, thus leaving room for the viewers’ imagination to wander. Misty like a dream, it reminds people of Bai Ju-yi’s verses: “Flower or not the flower, mist or not the mist, stealing in at midnight and vanishes in the morning. When it comes, it is like a dream in spring that doesn’t last. When it leaves, it is like the cloud at dawn that is nowhere to be found.” Following the curve of the green stalks, the viewers’ attention is drawn towards the upper right corner where a young bud emerges to symbolize youth and hope. The slim stalk looks like a ballet dancer striving to keep her back straight, extending to the fullest as if freed from gravity, under the admiring eyes of a group of enchanted spectators – the little grasses on one side. Beyond this tender, natural foreground, there is a rigid metal-like “T" shape. While rendering a stark contrast to the foreground, the fence also cuts the white background dramatically into three sections, reminding people of the abstract geometrical paintings of Piet Mondrian - extracting the abstract and obscure beauty from reality, and paying tribute to all the inconspicuous yet unique life forms with a dance that lasts forever in the universe.
This is a heart-warming photograph with a subtle triangular composition. There is no doubt that the center of focus is the lettuce. The most striking color in the picture comes from the red beaks of the parent swans pointing towards the crispy green lettuce. Of the five young swans, only the one in the middle reaches out its beak to eat the lettuce, thus creating a very dramatic scene. This is an extremely touching picture depicting the love of parents.
All the wild geese bury their heads in their feathers, combing them; only the main one looks up, looking at the light coming from the upper right corner, forming a T-shaped pattern.
It is a very interesting and beautiful composition; at the same time, it extends the perspective to the right, representing hope, while leading the viewers into deep contemplation.
The shadows under the two trees on the left and right form a frame similar to a stage, so that the two main characters can perform at their best.
They appear to be taking a stroll back to back, matching the posture of the two trees with light, harmonious movements, as if in a waltz by Chopin.
This photograph features a touch of mysticism. The shadow of the tree travels from the top right corner to the bottom left corner in an “S” shape, similar to the Yin and Yang image symbolizing harmony. An adult swan and some baby swans are coincidentally located on the edge of the “S”, while the swan on the right is swimming towards the furthest edge of the picture. Both swans have reached a boundary. Knowingly or unknowingly, the photographer has thus implied a mystical sense of inner connection. At the same time, the concern, the trust, and the bliss between them is illustrated by a vast stretch of mirror-smooth lake water in the center of the picture.
A young goose is swimming towards an “S” shaped light floating on the water, as if it is going to become one with the harmonious sea of light. It seems to be floating in the universe all alone, yet it is partaking of the warmth shared by Heaven and Earth. It seems to have invoked a quest for love and brightness in my heart.
~ Xiao Xia
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