Drayton Online

We are trying something new this year…. “DRAYTON ONLINE”.

There is a reason that advertising agencies have art directors, and we think everyone can benefit from professional critique of their work.  My years as an art director and illustrator gave me the background needed to help artists improve their compositions in both subtle and dramatic ways.

To participate, simply register HERE and then follow instructions to submit a painting and/or drawing for analysis to Richard Drayton.  Richard will then analyze the piece and manipulate the image – as shown in the illustrations above – to reflect suggested improvements.  The resulting image, along with written comments will then be delivered to you by email.  All recommendations will be simple to execute, and guide you toward a much more effective composition.  We are also offering this in a one-day class format called “Digital Analysis”.  Digital Analysis is available twice this fall  Oct 6 or Nov 17

Here is how the analysis of the above painting played out.

The original composition on the left (number one) leads the eye of the viewer off the bottom of the painting both left and right. My goal is to keep eye moving within the painting, thus maintaining viewer involvement and interest.

Painting number two, on the right, has been adjusted in the following ways.

1. Added another leaf and made the original leaf larger and brighter to balance the cast shadow on the lower left and pull the eye back into the composition. Also darkened the  background behind the larger leaf to increase contrast.

2. Removed the foreground shapes and darkened the lower right to keep the eye from slipping off in that direction.

3. Softened the cast shadow and lightened the left edge.

4. Leveled the back edge of the table so both sides are aligned.

see Richard Drayton’s work online at his website. www.richarddrayton.com