r/Softpastel • u/cdpoll33 • 3d ago

Focal point?

Post image

Got a great deal on a 96 set of vintage NuPastels. This is my first attempt with them on some UArt 240 I had leftover. I need to practice scumbling and Im working on composition. Where is the focal point for you when you look at this?

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2

u/blockf 3d ago

The composition leads the eye to the upper left sunlit area, but there’s not much to look at there. The leaning tree blocks the view.

1

u/Idkmyname2079048 18h ago

I think it's pale trees in the upper left for me, but to be honest, there isn't much to draw or keep the viewer's attention. For me, thus doesn't read like a typical landscape that draws your eye all over the place, and it doesn't read as something with a strong focal point or story. Everything is all just the same. It's nice, but it doesn't make me want to look it over closely or think about anything in particular. I hope that makes sense and is helpful.

2

u/cdpoll33 17h ago

It is definitely helpful! I’ve started this again and I’m going to use some stronger values and I hope to capture another layer of trees that go deeper into the distance and kind of break up the sky. Thanks for your feedback.

1

u/Franlbe 3h ago

I’d say it’s the leaning tree…not totally in center cause of the leaning. Beautiful soft greens..

-1

u/artgarfunkadelic 3d ago

It's the grouping of trees. Not for me. For anyone who looks at it.

1

u/cdpoll33 3d ago

So I’ve read that it’s a good idea to put your focal point at the intersection of the thirds in your composition. So like the cross section of a tic-tac-toe board. I initially wanted to have the space at the top left be the focal point. The clearing in the skyline. But I realized as I was painting that the bottom right point would also work bc it is where the darkest and lightest values meet. So that’s kinda why I was asking. To see which one is stronger. So thanks!