Seeing an aquascape like an artist

[Art]

Aquascaping is an art form. As such, it follows many of the techniques that great paintings follow as they are both visual art. To grow as an aquascaper, it’s important to see an aquascape with a critical eye and learn how the aquascaper used these technique to create a work of art.

I wrote about these techniques about 10 years ago on my old blog, ScapeFu. I was in a phase where I wanted to understand why some aquascapes were stunning and others, well, not such much.

One I was proud of was my Analysis of the 2010 IAPLC Winner. Stunning work but you need to go deeper to understand all the techniques used to make it look so natural.

I also enjoyed analyzing Project Ryuboku. This one looks simple at first but really hides some good use of techniques to shine.

But probably the one I enjoyed the most was my Analysis of George Farmer’s One-Pot Iwagumi. On its face, a simple iwagumi but such great positioning!

Have you thought about these techniques when you look at some of the works produced today?

 

[Tim Harrison]

I think it's helpful to understand why some scapes work and why others not so much. Especially if you’re interested in improving.

Even for those who might be considered natural artists. For instance, those who have an innate feel composition: including proportion, and negative space, the rule of thirds and the Fibonacci sequence, etc.

In actual fact I think those with natural talent tend to benefit the most. They instinctively understand what works but not necessarily why.

Sometimes thinking about it in a little more depth helps develop the necessary understanding and vocabulary needed to improve, and help out fellow scapers. Especially, those just starting out.