When we see similar shapes in a picture—or in life—we relate those shapes to each other: they seem to belong together. (Location 124)
Psychologists have found that people tend to get into more fights in bright-red and hot-pink rooms (Location 233)
But the picture was made to feel scary to the viewer because of the colors, shapes, sizes, and placement of the pieces that make up the picture. (Location 282)
Pictures that affect us strongly use structural principles based on the way we have to react in the real world in order to survive. (Location 287)
pictures that emphasize horizontal structure generally give an overall sense of stability and calm. (Location 304)
Vertical shapes are more exciting and more active. Vertical shapes rebel against the earth’s gravity. (Location 308)
Objects in nature that are on a diagonal are either in movement or in tension. (Location 323)
The upper half of a picture is a place of freedom, happiness, and power; objects placed in the top half also often feel more “spiritual.” (Location 375)
The bottom half of a picture feels more threatened, heavier, sadder, or constrained; (Location 388)
if we want to put more emphasis on an object, we tend to place it in the upper half of the page. It tends to feel freer, less attached to the earth, (Location 400)
If a picture is meant to be explored, it is better to keep the main emphasis away from the center. (Location 438)
The closer an object is to the edge or to the center, the greater the tension. (Location 464)
We feel more scared looking at pointed shapes; we feel more secure or comforted looking at rounded shapes or curves. (Location 502)
We associate the same or similar colors much more strongly than we associate the same or similar shapes. (Location 553)
As soon as two objects overlap, the overlapping object “takes the space” of the covered one. (Location 595)
The questions to be asking yourself continually are: What does this element add to the picture? Does it help the picture feel stronger, or does it dilute the emotional message the picture is trying to convey? Does this clarify what I want to say or does it distract from it? (Location 744)
If you can’t find live animals, use pictures and photographs. Don’t concentrate on highly realistic renderings; instead look at abstract paintings of birds or sharks, and of flight and movement. In every case, look for the essence and for what you feel and why. (Location 770)
Color’s effect on us is very strong—stronger than that of other picture elements. (Location 533)
our association of these colors with certain natural objects—that is, we associate red with blood and fire, white with light, snow, and bones, black with darkness, yellow with the sun, blue with the sea and sky, etc. (Location 535)