Settling on a composition

(C) 2016 Dale DiMauro

When preparing to lay out a painting I try to make the composition as strong as possible. On occasion, if it is a natural scene, there is nothing I feel I can do to improve on the composition. For example, the natural light can be spectacular, casting brilliant reflections on the water, and these abstract patterns I can't make up. There are times when I sketch what is literally in front of me, and I develop the picture from this initial start. 

I often take a photograph as a reference because of time constraints or because the outdoor light is continually changing. When I take photographs, I am thinking of the composition in advance by framing my picture to take advantage of a particular angle or subject.

As depicted in the above sketch, I consider the placement of elements of great importance. Should the focal point be in the center or off-center? What is the value range of the composition? In another words, what is the darkest or lightest subject in the picture. These questions lead to further questions based on my subject matter, which may lead me to paint at a certain scale. A larger painting takes more time, provides more impact to the viewer while requiring greater detail. Sometimes I evolve slowly by starting out with a small study, and then I realize some modifications would make a big difference. This is when I become inspired to start a larger painting.