to use for paintings. Digital reproductions of any kind other than sharing this video

are not allowed without permission.

Painting is about understanding

How will you successfully paint a scene if you don't know what you like about it?

A pretty picture does not make a pretty painting.

Photos can make their success easily in detail.

Painters have to be more careful with composition and color.

Strong light is a great subject. Color in the light and shadow areas are very interesting.

L compositions are effective since they add a lower support and odd numbered division.

Triangular compositions are also effective due to that strong lower support.

Aerial Perspective is the shifts of value and color seen with distance. Distant objects

have less value contrast and more color contrast. They're usually lighter and more blue.

Paths are very effective tools. Sometimes it's a literal path. Other time it's the shapes

and groupings that make interesting diagonals and curves. Think of the diagonals more than

the curves since very smooth paths look unnatural.

People talk a lot about diving the canvas into thirds. It's more an odd numbered division

that makes it interesting. Most canvases are too small for 7 major divisions, so that's

why thirds is so popular. Avoiding doubles is a better rule. For example, two identical

trees spaced at thirds is still boring.

Capturing people in the middle of something is a sure way to create a connection. People

love to watch other people.

The Circular Composition is not as common. Basically all edges of the painting are framed

and multiple focal points are set up. It's a bit like the triangle composition, but with

more focal points.

To wrap it up, you need to understand why a scene should be painted, and know your own

limitations. Generally, a scene that looks great because of detail is going to be hard

to pull off in paint. Focus on the composition, colors, and lighting effects in the scene.

Happy Painting