Three compositions
Compare expression by changing placement and empty space.
Draw the same cup three times without aiming for photographic realism: centred, near an edge, and partly cropped. The object stays the same, while attention and the sense of space may change.
Composition organises relationships within an image. Empty space also guides attention. An edge placement is not inherently sophisticated, and a centred one is not inherently dull. Judge the arrangement against your intended expression and its actual effect.
Ask someone to describe what they see and feel before telling them what you intended. If the intention is unclear, change one feature: size, position, or light and dark. Making art can be a cycle of observation, expression, feedback, and revision.
Make your understanding visible
Make three cup sketches. Choose one, explain why, and name one change you would try.
Compare with a reference response
For example: I choose the edge placement because the empty space suggests waiting. Next I will make the cup smaller and compare the effect. Assess the connection between choices and observations, not photographic likeness.
Sources & further reading
Further exploration · National Gallery of Art educational resources