A large dark shape can surround a lighter focal area and help guide the eye toward it. In this study on paper, I use that surrounding value mass to hold the composition together.
Read the large mass first
The trees and foreground form a broad dark area around the brighter central passage. I think of that area as hugging the subject. It occupies much more space than the opening, which helps the lighter passage stand out.
There are small details and bits of color within the darks, but they are secondary to the overall value. If you mentally simplify those details into one mass, the structure of the design becomes easier to see.
Give the subject enough room to speak
Size and color can also attract attention. Here I am concentrating on value as one particular way of guiding the viewer. The smaller touches of color outside the main area do not need to become competing subjects.
I also let the trees continue beyond the top of the picture. I have already given enough information below for the viewer to understand them. Showing every tree from top to bottom would not add to the story I want this study to tell.
Continue with Pick a dominant shape and The Importance of Values.
