“Design” is a concept that I often see artists avoiding. I used to not think of design myself, especially as a young painter when I was learning how to draw and mix colors. I thought “well, it will just fall into place itself.” This is just so far from the truth! Generally, when I look through the lens, even just photo references for a landscape painting, I am looking for certain things. I like to hone in on light, a strong color or building, and the value differences being further apart from each other. It could be any “thing” but there has to be a thought-out process. We can get stuck taking that reference photo, or standing in life painting, without having a road map. Maps are used so we can go from one place to another and be guided along. Design is like this for the viewer too. The viewer is going to look at the painting in the way you lead their eye. It doesn’t happen by accident.

Putting down your ideas and stepping back to look at them before you commit to painting will save you a huge headache. No amount of color or value will save a bad design. Even if you have a beautiful frame, it won’t save a bad painting. Spend time on design before you commit to the painting. I see a lot of my students struggle with design even when they are an amazing painter. Most of the time, it is just a basic, fundamental design problem that could have been solved before the painting ever started. Take your time with design!

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