Depends on artist choices or choices imposed on artist due to spacial constraints (e.g. canvas space and other artworks in vicinity) - Everything is taken into account.Format can be determined by ratios (phi, golden section, pyramid & frieze) These determine points of the canvas that draw viewer's attention. High vs low, character gaze etc. Symmetry draws attention to centreThis can be seen by drawing lines to show paintings organisationCan also be seen through size and proportions + Depth of field and perspective
Empty vs Full Composition
The balance of space in the painting - be it around the subject to make them stand out or in the more general sense of the painting with space and stuff Open vs closed Composition
Rubrica: : Until 20th Century; art was figurative; grounded in realism and often religious. Secular subjects began bit by bit in 14th Century and became more prevalent over time - due to growing appreciation for Nature & Architecture & Common folk as subjects
Rubrica: : Colour use also includes the use of shadow and light. Shadows denote darkness or badness; Light adds to realism if sun perspective is noticeable or goodness.