Problem with composition

[Tripod]

This is a 40 x 30cm canvas I am working from a sketch also attached.

I am concerned about the big figure just right of centre in the foreground. Should it remain or should I break it up with more figures and smaller to fill the space?

[Avena Cash]

I think that figure balances the dominant building well. The tension between the two needs to stay in balance though. The smaller figures actually seem a little too large. I want that front one to stand very firmly alone in this composition.

Extra thoughts: The fact that you have trimmed/squeezed the bottom of the picture makes the painting have a much different feel than the the sketch. The figures all look lower and thus you have a shallower space. I don't know if that is good or bad but it's quite noticeable. I do wish the tree had a little more definition--I notice in the sketch it has a diamond shape and although it doesn't look important like negative space it is making quite a difference in the composition. I'd say just think about that tree, too.

[Tripod]

Grateful thanks for this helpful view point.

I can certainly consider altering the main figure to leave more space below and therefore reduce the other figures accordingly.

Not sure about the tree though, but will sleep on it and work at it later in the week.

[Avena Cash]

Just to clarify I do not think you should alter the figures that but do notice what you are changing. I tend to avoid altering the basic composition after the sketch stage because it forces one to rebalance everything else with the new components. Others are okay with adding a figure later but for me that is like starting a new painting.

Before you change it even to be more like the sketch you may want to weigh out whether the benefit is something you want. It need not copy the sketch. But I think a tree that hints at a diamond shape is much much different than on that hints at being a rectangle, and affects everything else in the balance.

I'm sorry that I am not good at explaining what I think but mainly just think you should notice the power of small changes while they are happening.

[Keith2]

I think the original pen and wash painting is lively and interesting. In my view there's perhaps not enough detailed information in it to transfer it to a larger painting done in the studio. When I try painting from quick sketches done on site, often the copy looks dull and lifeless.

[Tripod]

Thanks Keith, I am working with my own photo ref too, so that helps.

Avena - On the question of the main figure, should it be walking away or towards the viewer?

[Cariboo Bill]

In your sketch (which I absolutely love by the way) the tower is the focal point, because of the size of the person and their placement they are starting to take over attention and compete as the focal point. If you decided to keep the figure it would need to have more detail I think.

[Tripod]

This is where I am now with it.

[Cariboo Bill]

Nicely done and now more balanced in a sense. None of the figures dominate but as a collective they hold the attention (or at least my attention), the tower is still important and wonderful but a secondary benefit of looking at the painting. Nice work.
Bill