Without that design concept, you can get caught up cataloging what’s in front of you. You’re not really painting the world “out there.” You’re painting a design that you impose on the world. In fact, what you need to look for is good design. Most students I’ve taught are looking for good subjects to paint. The design of every painting you create affects that work as much as-and usually more than-the subject.

Tuscan scenery, the subject depicted in ‘Road to Asciano’ (oil, 36×36) is undeniably beautiful, but the effectiveness of the painting arises from an asymmetrical design, strong shapes and masses, and dramatic value contrasts.