Directing The Viewer's Eye Is Important For Your Landscape Painting

From the start of our painting we have to decide what will stand out the most, detail or light. More importantly we need to decide what to leave out, leaving a focal point that receives the most detail that will direct the viewer’s eye to the area we want them to focus on.
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[@MB-kf3yx]

Love the format, reference photos and discussion of how you would crop and simplify. Thank you for the great tips you provide in this video.

[@philstarke.artist]

You're welcome, glad it was helpful

[@marywebb1138]

Lots of great information. Thank you 😊

[@philstarke.artist]

You're welcome Mary

[@jayrock4696]

The use of black guides and control the viewers eye.❤

[@didgeridooblue]

I like the big tree as the focal point (located on the right third), but the addition of a woodland flower against the dark bark would make a good primary focal accent.

[@philstarke.artist]

Good observation, thanks

[@---Dana----]

Thank you Phil. Love the study and I like the tree where it is. Why shouldn't the star of a painting be in the center? I've seen many paintings with a center focal point that I admire. Certainly not a good idea most of the time but it can be very powerful. No?

[@philstarke.artist]

You are right, I've seen some good paintings with the focal point in the center but most of the time a centered focal looks static and a bit boring.

[@yvonnewyke6897]

Love the tutorials Phil, what app/software are you using for the posterize effect?

[@philstarke.artist]

Thanks, I used photoshop

[@audiobaglioni]

My problems are that often I just can't decide what is my focal point plus I just simplify and now I'm not capable of doing details anymore

[@philstarke.artist]

The focal point is wherever you add the most detail, what makes you want to paint the subject.

[@audiobaglioni]

Sometimes I look to a photo, I find some beauty in it but it's like I can't find one specific center of interst. I think I will have more clear ideas as I accumulate experience. Thanks a lot

[@BUY_YOUTUBE_VIEWS_m004]

This shi Fire

[@philstarke.artist]

You're welcome