The Magic of S-Curves in Painting

by | May 13, 2011 | Blog | 5 comments

What is an S-Curve?

Take advantage of an S-Curve to elevate the viewing experience of your paintings. The term S-Curve originated with William Hogarth, a British painter from the 1700’s. In general, art education for painters usually revolves around a painting’s composition or design. These include underlying geometry or design patterns, that can be found with scrutinized eyes, such as angles, curves and symmetry, to create order and movement in an image. Of significance is the S-Curve, which seems to be a well-kept secret for some reason. Once I learned about it, I realized that I tended to use this “S” thing quite a lot in my own paintings, and what a great painting tool it is!

William Hogarth wrote a book called The Analysis of Beauty where he writes about the S-Curve, and other design ideas in depth. A search online revealed this definition of Hogarth’s curve; “Notion in compositional theory that objects arranged on an S-shaped line suggest grace and beauty.”

And here is more from Hogarth I found in an article by Terry Grant.
“Hogarth proposed that the essence of beauty of line in painting, drawing, nature and design is not the simple geometry of a straight line or circle, or more subtle shapes such as the ellipse, but of curves that modulate from one gradient to another. Such a curve, the S-Curve, is such a structure and he called it “the line of beauty”. According to his theory, S-Shaped curved lines signify liveliness and activity and excite the attention of the viewer as contrasted with straight lines, parallel lines, or right-angled intersecting lines which signify stasis, death, or inanimate objects. He goes on to say that the S-Curve is the basis of all great art.”

Here is an illustrated example of how I used an S-Curve in one of my paintings.

Painting with an S-curve adds beauty in this gold leaf and acrylic painting by Nancy Reyner
Nancy Reyner, Blue Danube, acrylic and gold leaf on panel, 48″ x 60″
Painting with an S-curve adds beauty
A blue line overlays this painting to define its underlying S-Curve
Additional Resources

Secrets of Geometry in Painting

View Nancy’s paintings, many with noticeable S-Curves

More information about Hogarth with his paintings.
 

Special Offer

Complete Painting Instruction

Learn everything you need from your first brushstroke to the finished painting. Acquire techniques and ground breaking concepts to shape your artistic vision.

Special Offer

Complete Painting Instruction


Learn everything you need from your first brushstroke to the finished painting. Acquire techniques and ground breaking concepts to shape your artistic vision.
 

5 Comments

  1. Christine A. Davies

    Thanks for this Nancy. I am studying level 2 in Art in Design at Coleg Cambria over here in Wales, UK. I am using your Blue Danube’s example of the ‘S’ shape / Hogarth’s Line / Line of Beauty in my assignment om Composition.

    Reply
  2. nab the great

    Yes nancy, i'm in that same thought. Our greatest ideas come at the least expected times. an awesome way to get the imagination running is to get involved in a recreational activity (procrastinate). so that our minds can re-create (duh) grandeur, beauty, magnifisance (winning). I have spoken.

    Reply
  3. Mary Manning

    Nancy, Your work is inspiring me to ground a series of "leaf" (copper and gold) with Southwest colors called "Hidden Treasures." It is quite an adventure, and I am working on three pieces at this time.

    Reply
  4. Art Epicurean

    Nancy – Beautiful work! Art is healing and this piece speaks to that!

    Reply
  5. Marianne Hornbuckle

    Thanks for the thoughtful commentary and links – clarification of different compositional approaches are always great food for thought! Sorry to have missed talking with you last weekend…
    Marianne

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The maximum upload file size: 5 MB. You can upload: image. Drop file here

About Nancy

Professional fine artist Nancy Reyner’s blog about art, painting and creativity. Her career spans over 30 years. She lives in Santa Fe in the US. Subscribe below for free tips on art and painting.

Join Mailing List

 

SPECIAL COURSE OFFER

Painting Courses

 

Nancy’s #1 TIP FOR PAINTERS

Free pdf

 

Nancy’s YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Watch Painting Videos

Left Menu Icon