Contrast equals focus in picture making.

That is why the dynamic duo of our lightest light and darkest dark are always under scrutiny while composing our picture. Where is the focus? That is the question. What do you want to tell your viewer? Do I want to make it soft? Do I want to make it strong? These are all our cards we play with while creating pictures.

I like to view creating art like playing many games of chess on top of each other all at the same time.
1. Creating compelling pictures

2. Using line, shape and tone to create your elements.

3. Story telling. Moods and feelings can be conveyed by seeing your art as a communication of a feeling, an emotion or a mood as a criteria of emphasis in your picture making process.

So your playing three games right there, all complex in there own right, building pictures with form and space thru line, shape and tones along with controlling how you want the picture to look, and feeling or mood of the piece, all at the same time. I think artists seek to find the place where this all comes naturally and the experience is as enjoyable and fulfilling as seeing the results of a well thought out piece.

Bob Peak created this image. I just think it is a fabulous example at what a master Bob was of so many picture making techniques like storytelling, using contrast to enable a strong focus along with such a sophisticated and tasteful sense for shape making. Also apparent in this example is how Bob always was in control of his picture and left beautiful negative spaces in his art. He was able to carefully eliminate the unnecessary elements to make the picture that much more visually appealing. While all artists can struggle with creating the perfect picture and increasing sensitivity while creating art, let us not forget that the journey is just as important as the final product. Many times just letting the viewer see how your picture was created by giving them the clues that you left for them to discover. Your creative process becomes evident and allows the viewer to take the journey and explore your vantage point. Your multi layered game is visable even if you don’t quite know all the different levels. Enjoy making art.