Lessons Learned: Textures & patterns

Composition can be based on learned formulae, like this arrangement of rustic Maine colors and textures. Imagine having a set of visual "templates" that you can use again and again successfully to create new images simply by finding contextually appropriate colors and textures and placing them into a proven pattern.

The pattern here is a horizontal rectangle divided into three areas of approximately the same size: the red shingled wall, the white door and the horizontal slice of hay. Leave yourself plenty of latitude for alterations. For example in this case, I might have made the horizontal hay section taller, so that it filled the entire lower half of the frame.

Although that design may have been interesting, but it didn't seem appropriate for this image based on the characteristics of the specific textures/colors I found here. (The hay, I felt wasn't interesting enough to warrant that amount of space, and the door detail would have been compromised, first by showing less of that wonderful weathered old wood and paint , and second by placing the door elements (knob, lock and wood pattern) much higher in the frame.)

Like the well-worked Rule of Thirds, this pattern can be used over and over again, but I can't emphasize enough the importance of bending or even shattering such guidelines in favor of making the image "work" or "feel good" to you, the artist. Each image makes a statement, and that statement is yours to decide.