Beginning at the bottom of the painting with the dying survivors, it slowly develops energy as you approach the top, known as The Pyramid of Hope . One sole figure at the top of the pyramid is full of hope and energy. A smaller pyramid accompanies The Pyramid of Hope. This smaller pyramid is formed by the small sail guidelines to help draw the eye to the face full of emotion in front of the sail. If you were to look closely you would see a x-shape across the raft.
Lighting is an important element in the forming of the x-shape.
The two lines cross in the middle of the raft. One really dark line, a dark shadow and the other a dim light is casting on the raft. With both of these design elements the viewer s eye easily moves through the painting. Check out the nifty concept map for an overview.