Simplicity
This photo is of an old Chevrolet truck parked in a field near a local shopping center. The red is what first drew my attention. Besides the color red itself being a powerful component, I notice several other design elements that make this an appealing image.
The grass stalk is positioned on a third of the image, demonstrating what’s commonly referred to as the “Rule of Thirds,” a “rule” which is sometimes helpful in arranging a composition. The stalk’s yellowish color also nicely contrasts with the red door.
Then there’s the slightly bowed reflection of the stalk. It not only falls on a third, but it demonstrates the design principle of repetition.
The other lines and rust elsewhere in the image, as well as the rusted bolt, help break up the remaining space, asymetrically. Similarly, the water drops near the top of the image add visual interest to the dark recessed area that they interrupt.
The more I look at this image, the more intriguing it becomes. It’s easy to overlook simple scenes, yet they are often some of the most visually compelling.
