Some scenes contain too much visual information to include in a composition, and it can be hard to determine where to begin and what to leave out. By looking through a viewfinder, you can visually crop the composition before you pick up the pencil. Once you have determined the area you want to include, you will find the drawing easier to manage.
Using a Viewfinder
One method for planning a composition is to crop the scene with a viewfinder, a piece of cardboard with a cutout like a window frame. This is especially helpful when working outdoors, when the subject may seem overwhelming and you don’t know where to focus your attention.
Using Your Fingers
Forming a rectangle with your fingers is another way to crop a scene without using any special equipment.
Format Affects a Composition’s Mood
The mood of a picture can be accentuated
by its overall shape, or format. A horizontal format tends to give a stable, more serene feel, while a vertical format can feel more impressive or powerful.
Add Diagonals to Your Subject
Diagonal lines and angled elements create a sense of action in a drawing.