Postage-size pencil studies

(C) 2015 Dale DiMauro

When preparing for a painting it is important to consider alternative compositions, such as the combining of many elements into just a few. Sometimes a little refinement can provide great impact in a composition before you even start painting. A few doodles or simple pencil studies while you are waiting at the dentist's office for example, get the juices flowing. You may change from a horizontal to vertical format because it strengthens the overall layout or enhances the focal point.

The above pencil drawings are two of four I drew on the back of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper I received at a meeting. These sketches are about 2 1/2" x 4" and were completed in about five minutes. 

In the top sketch I considered shifting the entry drive so that it sweeps across the foreground from the left to the right of the picture while making a more pleasing approach along the contours. In contrast, the existing drive diagonally cuts across the foreground in such a linear fashion that it divides the picture into two.

In the lower sketch I considered positioning the entry drive so that it sweeps into the scene from the lower right with subtle shifts in the lay of the land to create greater variety and depth as you arrive at the focal point, the barn. 

In addition, I considered adding a fruit tree along the drive to add more depth to the picture. Should it be in the foreground where it would be very visible or to the middle ground where it has less presence?