WHAT
TO INCLUDE AND WHAT TO EXCLUDE
Whether
you work on location or use photographs, to produce a
successful painting many decisions must be made.The
framework on which these decisions are based is the
elements and principles of design. Objects can be
rearranged, subdued or emphasized, included or excluded.
The time to make these decisions is at the planing stage
of the painting. Once you have decided on a subject and
what sort of mood, concept or message you wish to convey,
a few rough thumbnail sketches will help arrange
information.
 
In this
painting in order to keep attention focused on the red
car and the activity in the yard, strong tonal contrasts
outside this region were subdued or eliminated.
The dark bush under the window on the right and the tree
behind the house were left out. The heavy foliage on the
left was softened and the shadow in the foreground
removed. The tone of the road was lifted, and its size
and shape made to echo that of the sky, concentrating
detail in a diagonal band through the painting. This
dominant diagonal emphasizes the hill and adds to the
chaotic feel of the subject.
By
emphasizing the richness of the terra-cotta roof and
eliminating the confusing background, a warmer more
relaxed atmosphere is created. Filling the empty chairs
and opening the umbrellas adds life to what is a fairly
lifeless photograph. The center of interest is created by
increasing the tonal contrast on the building and figures
below the copper roof dome and is balanced by
silhouetting the palm trees on the right.
© JOHN
LOVETT 1998
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