What makes a good composition?
Do you plan the composition and how important is it? For me the design of the composition is everything and must have structure and balance. The aim is to create a focal point by using the rule of thirds, landscape lines, edges, values and colour. I see composition as the relationship between shapes so by simplifying and connecting the shapes of the subject, it creates a stronger composition. The aim is always to have as few shapes as possible. These two small studies for a larger painting are about varying the composition to create a stronger focus. Please add your comments about composition and also indicate which design you prefer. Thanks.
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Thanks for your comments Lenka. As I said in my reply to Howard, these are just two small quick sketches looking at the different effects of vertical and horizontal formats. A finished painting would be different in terms of colour and value, but the direction of the sun was from the top left, so that is why that cliff was casting a strong shadow, while the cliff on the right was in full sunlight.