Nautilus Spiral

Variable logarithmic spiral Variable logarithmic spiral

A variable canvas with a logarithmic spiral overlay. The classical golden spiral and a useful compositional flow guide for curved subjects.

About this size

The golden spiral is built by arcing through Fibonacci or golden rectangle subdivisions. It is mathematically related to the nautilus shell's spiral but not identical: nautilus shells follow a slightly different logarithmic curve. Both produce visually balanced curves that work as compositional aids for subjects with implicit rotation or flow.

Spiral guides
Golden ratio studies
Composition

Pro tips

1 Useful as a compositional overlay. Trace focal flow along the spiral to check the rhythm of a curved subject.
2 The golden spiral and an actual nautilus spiral are not identical, but both produce visually balanced curves.
3 Works best on subjects with implicit rotation: water, hair, smoke, draped fabric. Less useful for rigidly geometric subjects.