Composition is the term given to a complete work of art, meaning the arrangement of the visual elements and principles of art and design to produce an overall effect.  It uses elements of art and principles of design to create meaning in an artwork. An artist uses them as tools to help them express their ideas. The way the artist arrange elements and principles in an artwork helps lead the viewer's eye across the composition.
 

The elements of art are the individual basic qualities of visual art, such as line, shape, form, colour and values. Elements of art are like the individual words that make up a sentence. Principles of design are like sentences. The elements of art are arranged in various ways using principles of design.

Composition =  Elements of art + Principles of design

As we analyse art we ask the question: What elements or qualities are used to build the form of the art work?