In this lesson, I focused on how to refine and resolve some of the compositional issues in a painting. Using Photoshop, I explored ways to simplify and enhance the elements in a scene, showing how even small adjustments can make a big impact.

Breaking Down Repetition

One of the first things I noticed was the repetition in the scene—thicknesses and lines that mirrored each other too closely. Repetition can make a composition feel static, so my first move was to break up these patterns. For instance, I adjusted the level of the waterline, pushing it further back in some areas. This simple tweak helped create a sense of depth and variation.

I also knocked down some of the reflections in the water to better distinguish where the rocks met the water. I wanted a clearer graphic read, where positive and negative spaces stand apart. By breaking up the shoreline and introducing distinct sections, I created a more dynamic flow throughout the scene.

Simplifying Shapes and Adding Depth

Simplification is a recurring theme in my process. I often start by reducing complex areas into larger, more unified shapes. In this case, I decided to treat a cluster of rocks as one big light shape and then worked out which parts would fall into shadow. By defining these simplified areas, I could explore how bigger chunks of light and shadow interact.

I’m always curious about how subtle changes can influence the overall dynamic. For example, adding a larger shadow shape here or a cluster of light shapes there can completely shift the composition. The key is to strike a balance between simplicity and interest.

Watch my MasterDemo to learn more.

Drag the slider left and right to see how I simplified the brush on the rocks.

Borrowing Elements to Enhance Flow

Landscapes offer endless opportunities for borrowing and rearranging elements. I used the foliage in the scene to break up monotony and guide the viewer’s eye. Introducing patches of gray and green allowed me to create contrasts that made the composition more engaging.

I paid close attention to rhythm—how the shapes and lines lead the eye through the painting. By creating a flow that connects the brush, rocks, and water, I brought a sense of cohesion to the piece.

Considering the Rule of Thirds

When refining a composition, I often think about the rule of thirds. I adjusted the cropping of the image to see how different elements could align with these key points. For instance, positioning a prominent rock near one of the intersections added balance and focus to the painting.

Cropping is such a powerful tool. It’s amazing how much stronger a composition can become with a simple adjustment to where elements sit within the frame.

Seeing the Landscape as a Stage

One of the most liberating mindsets I’ve adopted is viewing the landscape as a stage. Everything in front of me—rocks, water, bushes—are props that I can rearrange to create the ideal scene. Photoshop makes this process incredibly intuitive, but even a simple sketchbook and some gouache can help you practice this on location.

This perspective allows me to break free from the constraints of copying exactly what I see. Instead, I treat the landscape as a starting point, shaping it into something that feels uniquely mine.

Drag the slider left and right to see the adjustments I made.

Making Every Element Serve the Painting

At the end of the day, every element in the composition needs to serve the painting as a whole. I decided that the bright white rock reflected in the water was too overwhelming, so I toned it down. By reducing its dominance, I brought attention back to the larger shapes of water and rock, ensuring that the main focal points stood out.

This process is all about editing—deciding what to keep, what to enhance, and what to let go. It’s like sculpting, chiseling away the excess to reveal the essence of the scene.

Moving Forward

This lesson reinforced the importance of having mental editing tools at your disposal. Whether you’re working digitally or traditionally, being able to reimagine the landscape and simplify its elements is invaluable. It’s about taking control of the composition, rather than letting it dictate your decisions.

So next time you’re out in the field or at your desk, remember to play. Move elements around, experiment with shapes, and see what possibilities emerge. The landscape is your stage—make it your own.