The Principles of Two Dimensional Design

I really like this book. There is so much invaluable information. This chapter focuses on composition. There is so much packed into this chapter, that I don't have time to talk about it all. Rather, I'll just focus on a couple key elements that really caught my attention. When discussing the various principles of composition, the principle of Closure "the minds inclination to connect fragmentary information to produce a completed form" reminded me of a piece I created using a similar effect used in the example given in the book (3.14) In this piece, I created a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, using the text from his famous speech "The Gettysburg Address"

The concepts of balance and symmetry have always had a special place in my heart. While I was out shooting some pictures of the winter landscape the other day, I came across what I feel is a good example of radial symmetry and balance. The second image was adjusted in Photoshop (levels and exposure).

The twisted bush seems to swirl in a counter clock-wise motion. This effect is heightened by the grass in the lower portion of the canvas being blown to the right, by the wind. The focal point of the bush is balanced by the symmetrical division of the soft gradient sky and the harsh winter landscape.