Composition - examples of note

Mike McCarty · 10-07-2006, 01:55 PM

When I first began reading the forum I read a statement by Karin Wells which went something like -- Anymore, it's much more important what I paint than how I paint.

I thought at the time -- what a curious statement to make. Some things get stuck to my brain and won't dissolve away, this was one of those things.

As I have tripped merrily along in my education I have come to appreciate the meaning of this more and more. My conclusion is that it is all about the design choices up front (be as I say, not as I am). Painting is crafty stuff and can be caught up.

I would concede that at some rarefied elevations, after such matters of design have been overcome, the application of paint could become an art form. But if it were acquired from a menu, in a sequence, it would come somewhere around the dessert cart for me.

Mike McCarty · 10-13-2006, 05:29 PM

Below is a link to a thread which goes back to December of 2002. For some reason this thread is positioned in the Cafe. There is a lot of good information in this thread which is offered primarily by Peggy Baumgaertner but also with help from friends. It's certainly relevant to this discussion of composition:

Top ten ingredients in any painting

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-13-2006, 08:35 PM

Ah, Mike, this thread was just what I needed. Peggy's 3 value massing was a good reminder to reevaluate the painting I am currently working on.

Thanks for bringing it out of the archives!

Mike McCarty · 10-13-2006, 09:09 PM

Enzie,

I haven't forgotten our dinner and walk on your California beach, and what a gracious host you were. Surrounded by beauty and talent such as yourself, Peggy B, Chris S., Linda B., Johanna Spinks and others, I was but a thorn in the company of roses.

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-13-2006, 09:17 PM

Mike, you are funny! I enjoyed your company as well and hope you come back and visit soon.

This thread has been very interesting to read and I appreciate all your hard work. I am going through the archives looking for information how to deal with a person and a horse composition. It is half way done, but the value massing was a good reminder to go check and make sure everything is where it needs to be. Chris's input about horse and rider was pretty interesting, but I am looking for a circular composition. The horse tilts it's head down towards a girl. Any ideas where to look further?

Mike McCarty · 10-14-2006, 09:48 AM

Enzie,

You might want to post your painting in the WIP section.

Speaking of the equestrian, here's a few compositions. The first two by Janet Shearer and then: Iberian Dance by Lesley Humphrey.

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-14-2006, 10:55 AM

Thanks Mike!

I love the white horse, beautiful! I can't use these images, but thanks for taking the time to look these up for me.