The Golden Ratio is one of the most fascinating mathematical concepts there is. It’s simple in theory, but its applications are endless. In this article, you will learn what the Golden Ratio is, where it comes from, and how artists and hobby artists can use it to create harmonious artwork.
What is the Golden Ratio?
The golden ratio was already used in ancient times. It is a special number obtained by dividing a line into two parts, so that the longer part divided by the shorter part is equal to the total length of the line divided by the longer part.
This value, about 1.618, occurs in geometry, art, architecture, and even the human body: For example, the belly button marks the vertical division in the Golden Ratio from head to toe, and on the fingers, the finger joints mark it.
Why is it Called the Golden Ratio?
Some think because this ratio creates particularly appealing proportions. The golden ratio has been used by artists throughout history because they felt it created aesthetically pleasing proportions in their works.
Some of the most famous examples of artwork using the Golden Ratio include Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Marat
Fibonacci Spiral
The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. It starts with 0 and 1, and each following number is the sum of the previous two.
The Fibonacci numbers are: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144 and so on. The Fibonacci sequence has many interesting properties. One of them is that you can get very close to the golden ratio by dividing any two consecutive Fibonacci numbers:
Goldene Spirale mit Fibonacci-Zahlen
Advantages when Drawing or Painting
When drawing or painting, using the golden ratio can help create aesthetically pleasing proportions in a work of art. It is believed that using this ratio can help artists achieve a more harmonious composition. In addition, using the golden ratio can help create a sense of balance and symmetry in a piece of art.
Using the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Golden Spiral
We now know about the golden ratio and Fibonacci numbers, but how can we use them in our art?
The Fibonacci sequence can be used to create a Fibonacci spiral, which is a series of connected arcs whose radii increase according to the Fibonacci sequence. This spiral can then be used as a guide for the composition of your artwork. You can do the same with the Golden Ratio.
What do you think about the golden ratio and the Fibonacci spiral? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Title Photo: Mona Lisa (1503 bis 1506), Leonardo da Vinci
Similar Posts
