Thumbwars 10/21/13

Just to switch it up a bit, instead of showing a finished piece I thought it would be nice to show some pre-production. Before an idea has developed I usually doodle in PS and create a bunch thumbnails. Using just a couple of values, trying to create an unbalanced arrangement, I try to aim for 5~15mins and focus on the large shapes. 

It helps greatly with composition and like a rorschach test, I sometimes will think I see something in the abstract design. So with a good set of values and a composition, I can then start to draw/paint and really bring out the details focusing on the focal point. This is how many of my pieces start and I'd recommend it for anyone trying to do landscapes.

It's just a modern version of the old practice of notan, which artist have used for hundreds of years to develop strong images. Hope that helps some folks here on AB.