Old church - please help me with composition

[kiwicockatoo]

Here's what I'd like to do next in oils. I pretty much like this as is - I like the diagonal clouds, and the large evergreen on the left. However any suggestions on how to improve this would be appreciated.

It's something I've wanted to paint for a while. It's the focal landmark of the small town we just moved to, and it also has significance to my family - my husband's parents were married here. The front of the church is not very nice - it's very plain and marred by a succession of wheelchair ramps. It's hard to tell from this photo but there is a large circular window on the side with nice brick detailing on the peak above it. The roof is brilliant shiny silver metal. Not a conventional view of a church, but I like it.:)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Jul-2002/oldlasallechurch.jpg

[BRIDGES]

I would see if I could get a ligher brighter pic of church. Or just paint it lighter. Is it brick and sand color? tree is nice but you can m-ve a tree. there is no rule!!
Or maybe get at different angle. Bridges

[kiwicockatoo]

Bridges, thanks...

This shot was just to get the basic composition - I know it isn't a very good photo. This church is across the street from me so it will mostly be painted from life once I get the major shapes down. The brick is actually pale tan and there are tonnes of details you can't see in the photo - but I'll get to those later. Right now I just want to get the major composition down, it looks just fine to me right now but composition isn't my strong point.

The one tree I will definately move is the bare one immediately to the right of the big pine - I'll move it over a bit toward the church.

[ArcticRose]

Well I'm seeing what appears to be a painting. There is a gate towards the front of the picture. The strange part is that you and Taghera have the same picture posted. Mix up?

[kiwicockatoo]

Oh shoot - Tag must have posted a jpg with the same name as mine! I'll go fix it up!

[kiwicockatoo]

ArticRose - thanks for pointing out the mix up. I had originally called the picture I uploaded "church", but I guess Taghera uploaded a picture with the same name as mine and it canceled mine out. I should have known better and used a more original name. Anyway, the proper picture should be showing now.

[ArcticRose]

Glad you have the right picture in there now. I thought I was going crazy when I saw you and Tag do the same exact picture, and that's a short trip.
It's a beautiful church. Can't wait to see what you do with it. Composition is not my strength; was checking out info on the Golden mean and any other info I could get my hands on regarding composition. Thank God for WetCanvas and all the talented and helpful people. I'm sure whatever you decide will be great because it has special meaning for you.
:D

[glazedover]

Hi kiwicockatoo -

Perhaps letting the feelings you associate with the church may be the best guide for you.

If the the church (building itself) is the focus then IMO the biggness of that left evergreen is stealing the show, so cropping some it may help.

4 things pop out as being a distraction
1) the tree really over powers the church
2) glare on roof
3) distracting chimney shadow
4) overly dark foliage (with explanation)

You mentioned strong emotional ties and wedding, this got me to think of a more lighter happy (non-mortuary look, that the photo relays to me). So I did a bit of fiddling and am attaching some ideas that hopefully might give you even better ideas.

My Gamma is different from yours;-)

[glazedover]

sorry 3rd try at this attachment

[BRIDGES]

glazedover that/ s really neat and beautiful.So light and perfect.Can we just blow it up and frame then won'thave to paint.Ha. that will make a beautifl painting. Bridges

[perry31415]

Use the photo for inspiration, take what YOU like and do it. You seem to like the round window. Make the window be the focal point and not the very bright roof.

Not sure of the time of day. Is there any time that the sun hits the window?

I see lots of possibilities. Good luck removing the noise!

[cobalt fingers]

I agree with what was said, I'd suggest you do a drawing of just the church. Maybe make 5 or 6 zeroxs of the drawing. Then tinker with the clouds to make a nice design. M. Dixon and some of the East coast painters used clouds very well to punch up structures and designs.

[kiwicockatoo]

Originally posted by glazedover

You mentioned strong emotional ties and wedding, this got me to think of a more lighter happy (non-mortuary look, that the photo relays to me).
Eerie- I took the picture standing in the church graveyard! thanks for taking the time to fiddle with the picture for me - I like the first one very much.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

Tim - that has been suggested to me before but I had forgot about it - so much easier than trying to sketch it out different ways. Thanks!