Continuing Your Self-Critique: Refining Your Artwork

In Part 1, we discussed essential questions to consider about contrast, visual interest, design elements, and eye movement. Now, let's delve into more specific elements related to landscape and cohesion in your artwork to further refine your piece.

Know the Following:

5. Basic Landscape Elements: If you want to create a landscape, have you included basic elements of landscape design?

   • Is there a horizon line, real or implied?

   • Are there shapes within the painting evocative of landscapes?

6. Value Distribution: Are there darker values in the ground and perhaps lighter values in the sky? This can create a sense of depth and realism.

7. Texture Illusion: Is there an illusion of textures that feel like elements found in landscapes (grasses, rocks, water)?

8. Emotional Connection: Does the emotion of the piece remind you of a place, real or imagined?

9. Unity and Variety: Does my piece have the right balance of both unity and variety?

   • Unity: When the elements of your art speak and relate to one another, making up a cohesive whole rather than a jumbled set of unrelated elements.

   • Variety: You can create variety in many aspects. Consider variety in color, shape, values (light to dark), texture, and transparency. Without enough variety, the piece may present as boring and not capture the viewer's attention.

Final Questions:

10. Give it Time: Your piece, give it some time – and when you return to it, consider:

    • Does it say what I wanted it to say?

    • Did a piece of my heart speak to the paint on the canvas?

    • Did I convey that feeling to the viewer and to myself?

Art is subjective – there is no right or wrong. It's about being brave enough to boldly, unapologetically share what is inside of you and feeling perfectly accepting of those thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Sure, all these rules of design help guide us, but some of the most powerful works of art are the ones that break the rules.

By asking yourself these questions, you can step back and ensure that your artwork conveys your intended message and emotion. Remember, every artist's journey is unique, and your self-reflection is a vital part of creating meaningful art.