Secrets to Composition

When it comes to creating breathtaking landscapes, capturing the beauty of nature can be challenging. in this step-by-step guide, accomplished artist barbara nuss takes the guesswork out of the equation. featuring simple techniques to add more drama to your work, this must-have primer includes 14 easy formulas for pinpointing and translating eye-catching details. from sunsets to wildflowers, nuss shows you how to capture evocative. in this book, you will learn to master the art of moving or eliminating real-world features to improve your paintings. it also features clear instructions in oil and watercolor, as well as thumbnail sketches and photos. you will come away with all the knowledge you need to create stunning works of art. review introduction getting started formula 1: the cross format formula 2: the l format formula 3: the balance scale format formula 4: the u format formula 5: the o format formula 6: the diagonal format formula 7: the pattern format formula 8: the s format formula 9: the triangle format formula 10: the steelyard format formula 11: the three-spot format formula 12: the overlapping shapes format formula 13: the radiating lines format format 14: the tic-tac-toe format presenting and critiquing your work final thoughts index bibliography barbara nuss, a nationally recognized oil painter of landscapes, finds constant inspiration in the nearby gentle rolling hills, gracefully aging structures, picturesque creeks, and historic towns that reveal the heart and soul of her home state of maryland. through both plein air and studio paintings, she gives a contemporary response to the landscape with consideration to environmental issues in the still undeveloped areas. to achieve this, she primarily uses oil as the medium to create expressive and pleasing paintings that will last a lifetime or more. barbara credits her artistic development to many sources, including her b.f.a. from syracuse university, the schuler school of fine arts in baltimore, various workshop instructors, her experience as a graphic artist and illustrator, instructive art books, her students, camaraderie with other artists, and her active involvement with professional art organizations. many of her landscape paintings were exhibited in the prestigious arts for the parks in jackson hole, wy; she won best landscape award, best of america exhibition, noaps (national oil national oil international guild of realism; the baltimore watercolor society; the mid-atlantic plein air painters association; american women artists; women artists of the west, and the washington society of landscape painters, where she was president for ten years. barbara currently lives in annapolis, maryland with cammie, her aging cat. visit her website at barbaranuss where you can see more of her work and sign up for her newsletter or contact her via email at barbara@barbaranuss