How To Adjust The Composition of Your Picture

Lewis has sent me his painting of two dogs and has asked for feedback, Lewis writes:"Attached is one of my pictures that I have completed so far, and I just wondered what you thought of them and what areas I should look to improve in the future."First off I would say that Lewis has done a good job of this painting with such a difficult subject. The problem I have with this work is the area marked with a red arrow is not clear as to what the detail is. I assume that it is the dogs back leg but this is indistinct.I am sure that this was represented as such in the original photograph but something like this can spoil a painting.However, there is an answer to this as seen in the charming cropped painting on the left; changing the composition of the picture.I would also suggest that the top and bottom edges be filled in with the black and blue tones continuing the background, see white arrows.This now turns a good picture into a great one.For feedback on your artwork, look into joining Colin's membership and enroll in pastel pencil art courses.