Composition and design

I use design to decide what leads the painting and how the other shapes relate to it. Before adding detail, I want a clear reason for the arrangement. The lessons here show different ways of making that decision, using small studies and reference photographs.

Start with the dominant-shape study. I explain that size, value or color can make one area lead, while the road and smaller shapes support it. The square building painting then shows how unequal widths and sizes help me avoid an overly centered arrangement.

The photo examples open up more choices. Cropping the barn changes the emphasis from the long shadow to the light inside. Moving a tree changes its overlap with a mountain ridge. These are tests of possible paintings, rather than instructions to change every reference. Compare the alternatives and ask which arrangement supports what first interested you.

Start here

1. Pick a Dominant Shape

   Begin with a small study organized around one dominant shape.

2. Balance of Shapes

   Compare unequal shapes within a square painting of a building.

3. Looking at Design Options

   See how several crops turn one barn photograph into different design possibilities.

4. How to Move Objects

   Examine how moving a tree changes its overlap with the mountain behind it.