Composition: Desert Scene

We watched a video about understanding composition. We learnt that good composition consists of balance, structure and a focal element. 

After that, we were given an image of a house in a desert and were asked to create a new rough speed painting based off this image, changing its composition using the rule of thirds. 

I started with the background, then added the middle ground (which is the foreground in the original image) on a separate layer. 

Then I added in the background on another layer.

Finally, I added in a cactus (bottom right) on the opposite side of the house (top left) using the rule of thirds. I decided the cactus would be my focal point in the foreground. I then started to paint over all of this and refine the image.

Here is what I ended up with.

This painting did not end up as well as my previous speed paints in terms of how detailed it is, which I feel is due to me not being used to rendering scenes and backgrounds. Also, it was my first time trying to create parts of an image while speed painting, so I took more time to think than if I was purely copying a full painting. The composition is quite nice but I think it would be better if I made the house a bit higher up. I used the rule of thirds and put the house right in the middle of that top left cross section. The cactus I added in the foreground, however, is lower down on its respective cross section. Also, the flowers on the cactus should be different. Next time I do a speed paint of my own I will pay extra attention to the colours to make sure every colour suits the overall image.

I chose the cactus as the focal point but now I see that it is a bit boring. It would be good if I had added something happening near the cactus, such as a bird or butterfly interacting with the flowers.