from Colley Whisson

Whenever we discover a scene to paint, a critical question often arises: what should we include, and what should we leave out? Not every scene—even a visually stunning one—translates seamlessly into a painting. The art lies in interpretation and adaptation, and understanding what works for your canvas is a skill that develops with time and practice.

Imagine a reference photo on your right-hand side and your painting-in-progress on the left. As you start, your first challenge may be deciding what to do with a specific area of the scene. It’s not unusual for other elements to fall into place organically, but those initial decisions are crucial. As you begin sketching, consider translating the essence of your reference into your work. It’s easy to be tempted to include every detail, but here’s where simplification becomes your greatest ally.

The Power of Simplification

Think about a scene filled with diagonal lines from railings and other architectural elements. If you try to replicate every single line and detail, the composition can become overwhelmingly busy, detracting from the painting’s overall impact. Instead, focus on including just enough information to make the scene visually compelling. Define the edges, capture the shadows, and ensure your drawing feels balanced—then let the painting evolve naturally. Often, the painting will take care of itself once the foundation is solid.

Revisiting and Revising

Sometimes, upon stepping away from a piece and returning later, you’ll notice areas that need adjustments. For example, you might realize that the line of a pier is slightly off—perhaps it’s drooping too much in one direction. Thankfully, minor corrections like these are often straightforward to fix, especially when they’re in the background.

There’s the joy of creation and the frustration of noticing something you’d like to change. But this is where tools like Photoshop can come in handy. By digitally experimenting with changes, you can preview your adjustments before committing them to the canvas.

Adding Life to the Scene

A figure on a beach is an excellent example of a small detail that can transform a painting. Initially, you might paint just one figure. But later, you may feel the composition seems a bit lonely. Adding another figure can evoke a sense of interaction or narrative. These choices are part of the creative journey, where every detail—or omission—contributes to the story your painting tells.

The Role of Revision

Even your strongest paintings benefit from fresh perspectives. Turn your work sideways, upside down, or view it in a mirror. These techniques can reveal hidden imbalances or areas that need refinement. Revising isn’t about being hard on yourself; it’s about pushing your work to its fullest potential.

The Journey, Not the Destination

Ultimately, painting is like climbing an endless staircase. With each step—each painting—you strive to reach a new level. The key is to keep moving forward, improving little by little, and enjoying the process along the way.

So, the next time you approach a scene, remember: simplify, adapt, and keep climbing. Every painting is a step on your artistic journey. And with each step, you’re creating something uniquely yours.

Join renowned artist Colley Whisson in his exclusive mentoring course, where you’ll gain valuable insights, techniques, and personalized guidance to elevate your painting skills. Or, join his free webinar and video series: