This is a great picture and composition! I have to disagree with
the cropping though. The angles of the branches turning into the
trunk, then continuing down into the bank creates a wonderful
curvalinear composition.(Which means there is a large circle of
focus that the eye follows) This is visible in most ancient
paintings and compositions of artists that are considered masters.
Matt,
I certainly agree with the idea of eye flow in curvilinear
composition....that is well established. But this image has
multiple elements......the 'curvilinear', consisting of the sweep
of the river and its snowy bank and the downward curve of the
smaller branch; the 'angular' form of the very strong tree trunk
(angular compositional elements are used to denote power and
strength as opposed to curvilnear which suggests grace and beauty);
and then, you have the very strong inverted vee at the very top of
the picture. This inverted vee is the portion that I cropped out
because it interrupts that eye flow and tends to lock the eye at
the top of the image. Taking the vee out keeps the integrity of
the circular elements and allows the diagonal to be a part of the
sweep rather than conflict by ending at the top of the photograph.
Of course, as in all things art, much of this is entirely
subjective and depends on the viewer. I have seen paintings (and
photographs) rejected by one juried show that became best of show
winners when judged by another panel.
Bill's photograph is a great picture....I like it.....I just see it
a bit differently.
Regards,
****
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