Placing Elements in a Painting

If you can't decide where to place the elements in a painting, make some quick sketches of them, cut these out and then move them around on a sheet of paper until you get a composition that works. Then stick them down so they don't accidentally move again!
Tip from: Crissy McDuff.

Don't position the objects you want in a still life in a straight row -- they'll look like soldiers on parade. Rather stagger them -- but not at equal distances from each other! Or if you really want them in a straight row, overlap them or paint them from an usual angle, such as straight on or from above.
Tip from: Anon.

If you have difficulty determining the placement or size of an element without overworking a painting, sketch an outline in permanent ink on clear acetate. Move the acetate around on the painting until satisfaction is achieved.
Tip from: Fredia Cox

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