Using the Right Brain

As mentioned earlier, the success or failure of a painting happens before you pick up the brush. However, too much planning can hinder creativity.

Science indicates that the two hemispheres of the brain function differently. The left side is dominant in logic, which is important in the planning of a painting. The right side is dominant in creativity. Artists need to utilize both sides to make a painting work.

First, I had to do something with the white space on the right. I left that white because it creates movement that brings the viewer back to the foreground area. With the completion of the "oops" section, I now know what shapes to create to achieve that.

The original plan was to use the "path" starting from the lower left leading to the center of interest, as shown in the top photo. That path was going to be a flat area of grass. More of the same color would give me color harmony but not much variety.
So, instead of a grassy area, I decided to make it water. 
​There is some blue in the background, so it would still keep with the color harmony I had planned, but would add something a bit more interesting.

Methodical planning is the key to success, but for me, unintended departures along the way is the fun part of painting.

​The next step will be the final step.