2 Answers

composition is a reference to where things are places on the sheet of paper or within the space the items are not.

Think about the space that has to be filled.

Think about the space that does not have to be filled.

Think about your subject matter........and you may not have to think about these things in this particular order...I don't.  It comes naturally after a while.

When you are looking at historical art...think about the subject matter.  Think about what is there and then think about what isn't there.  Then, when all things are in place, note light, colour and the over all feeling, meaning and words unspoken.

Art is glorious.  I love it!

The elements or things used to make a piece. Such as light source, shadows, technique.