When it comes down to it, a painting is just a series of shapes and lines of varying tone and color, applied to a blank sheet of paper. How you arrange those shapes and lines is important, and how spontaneous and free your approach to the the activity is, there must be a satisfying underlying structure. If it isn't, then the vision you are hoping to convey, may be severely compromised. The art of picture organization is known as composition. Refer to the previous discussion on Principles of Design to cover Focal Point, Contrast, Balance, Graduation, Variation and Alteration, and Tangents.
Drawing and Painting Trees
There are a few things in the landscape more fascinating than a winter tree. Winter seems to bring out a curious combination of vulnerability and strength in trees; they are so bare in their skeletal form and yet have the ability to withstand almost anything and everything that the elements might throw at them.
Successful sketching is all about observation. Once I am satisfied with the basic outline, I look at where the light appears to be coming from, and then apply an even shading accordingly. Very often, it is not until you sketch a subject like this that you really begin to understand it; I find I have to draw it.
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| Photo reference of Winter Trees |
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| Sketch of outline and shadows |
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| On location painting of Winter Trees |
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