While watching Super Bowl commercials or any other ads (whether moving video or still photo) an interesting concept to keep in mind is the content of the following YouTube video. The narrator explains the Fibonacci Series and how it relates to the Rule of Thirds in composition.*
The video is 5 1/2 minutes in length. The first 2 minutes are about mathematical theory, including referring to The Da Vinci Code. The last 3 1/2 minutes are specifically about the Rule of Thirds.
Also interesting is analyzing how Mother (Marion Gunderson) applied the Rule of Thirds in her watercolors. At this link which of Mother’s watercolors catch your eye the most? And, do you think your preferences regarding Mother’s watercolors, or any other artwork, have anything to do with the Rule of Thirds? Is there artwork in your home that over time still keeps your interest, but other artwork you own seems blah? Do you think the Rule of Thirds has anything to do with your continued interest, or declining interest? Even if you prefer to remain private with your response, the concept is certainly interesting to ponder.
*I understand the Fibonacci Series and I understand the Rule of Thirds. For me to understand more thoroughly how the two theories connect is going to require further study.
(Click here to go to Louise Gunderson Shimon’s blog’s home page.)
Marion Gunderson Art (and the Farmer's Daughter) 
February 6, 2011 at 10:36 am |
Interesting…a good explanation. I remember Mother telling us about the rule of thirds.
Hal will like this clip because of the Fibonacci and DaVinci Code references. I hope the SuperBowl commercials hold still long enough for me to think about the rule of thirds.
February 6, 2011 at 11:01 am |
Clara: Maybe Hal can explain to me more thoroughly the relationship of the Fibonnaci Series to the Rule of Thirds.
I know what you mean about hoping the commercials hold still long enough to think about the rule of thirds. The past couple of years so many of the commercials had so many images that seemed to last just split seconds before flashing to entirely different images. Flashy but hard for me to follow.
The commercial that made me think about the rule of thirds in video is one on Fox. I don’t know if it is on many times a day or not. It is a Men’s Wearhouse commercial. I started noticing it during Megyn Kelly’s (sp) show in the early afternoon, but I think I have seen it at other parts of the day, as well. Maybe part of the reason it caught my eye in the afternoon is because I would see it while I was treadmilling. When treadmilling I’m a pretty captive audience!
Sweet!…to know that you remember Mother telling about the rule of thirds. Being such an accomplished artist, and having studied art, it only makes sense that she was well aware of the rule of thirds, but I’m so excited to know one more aspect about her — that being that she told you about the rule of thirds.
February 6, 2011 at 12:12 pm |
The site below is pretty good about explaining the Fibonnaci number and art. It’s neat when you realize the math behind the spiral design.
http://www.ultimate-photo-tips.com/photography-rule-of-thirds.html
February 6, 2011 at 3:04 pm |
Louise: Thanks for the video to explain the rule of thirds. Had never heard that for pictures and photography. Will give it a try. The ad about Men’s Warehouse, I know which part you really like, it is when that young man is running downhill trying to get to the store before it closes. Glenn
February 6, 2011 at 9:45 pm |
Clara: Thank you for searching for the link you provided. It does give me a better understanding of the Fibonnaci number and art. Even so, I think I’m going to have to go back and reread it to have it sink in even more. The whole spiral thing is so interesting.
Glenn: Tomorrow while I’m treadmilling to burn off some of my Super Bowl snacks/supper calories, I’ll see if the Men’s Wearhouse commercial is shown and look for the part you described. You’ve got me curious!