So…what is your story in this painting? What’s your intent? Not everything in a painting can be of equal importance. Something must be the “star”, and everything else falls into a secondary, supportive role.

The more your composition is a 50%-50% ratio, the less clear it is as to what you consider truly important. That’s because you really have two paintings in one here.

Sling paint,
Virgil

I understand your design search. I’ve been there. When it comes to these subjects, I’ve come to the conclusion that a portrait orientation may be stronger. That’s because the rule of thirds becomes much stronger and it’s becomes much clearer if the sky or the ground plane is the important story.

Here’s an example painting of mine, where the sky is the story:

Isn’t watercolor painting wonderful? Always more to explore and learn!

Sling paint,
Virgil