Composing a still life painting is easy because you are in control of the scene and the lighting. You choose the items and create the arrangement.
Composing a landscape outdoors is much harder. Nature puts everything on display - the good, the bad and the ugly - all fighting for attention. And she isn't concerned with their placement, color, size, shape, value, etc.
Painting landscapes from photographs is even harder. Not only do you have all of nature's tricks, you also have the camera's interpretation. We know that the camera alters colors and values, and flattens perspective. The camera doesn't pick and chose the best items - it captures them all, even giving them a bit of a twist.
If you include everything in your scene you will have a painting full of bits and pieces that are just that - a bunch of stuff. No story, no definite focal point. You can say, "But it was there" or "See, I copied the scene exactly." But that's a poor excuse. The painting just doesn't work.
So what to do? Become a magician. Decide what the painting is about and where the focal point will be. Then choose just the objects that help tell your story and make the rest of the clutter disappear. If there is something missing, add it. If something needs to be emphasized or modified, do it.
Just as a magician makes you see what he wants you to see, you can make the viewer see what you see. Feel what you feel. You can make them stop and look, mesmerized by the play of light and shadow. Fascinated with the brushwork and lively colors. Captured by the subject matter. Intrigued by the mystery. They won't care that you left out all the clutter.
How to get rid of the clutter? Seriously look at the scene and decide what caught your eye. Was it a certain feeling, the mood, a light effect, the colors, an object, a person, the weather? Whatever. Then, like a magician, make the clutter disappear by eliminating everything that detracts. A successful artist once said, "A painting is finished when you have taken out all that you can."
And like the flamboyant magician - paint confidently and boldly. Be generous with your paint. Let your brushwork show so the viewer can see and actually feel your energy. This adds a special dimension to your work that further connects you to your audience.
Don't be afraid to push the extremes and paint out of your comfort zone. You may surprise yourself. It's only paint, you can always wipe it away and try again. Like the magician, you have to keep practicing and taking chances. Simplify. Intensify. Add more excitement and drama, unexpected color, strong contrasts - more magic to your work!
After all painting, like magic, is just an illusion!
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