In this section I will talk about the balance of shapes in a painting.
When looking at apainting the eye needs something to explore, large shapes to define the areas, create depth and sections that define what you are looking at, at a glance. The sort of things you would remember if you look at a painting briefly then shut your eyes.
A painting with too few fine marks and too many large shapes may not keep the interest for long enough as there is not much for the eye to do to "understand" the image.
The fine lines create a balance within the painting and small details for the viewer to discover. They dont normally create atmosphere or depth.
In this painting the fine lines of the rigging balances the shapes of the hulls and the wall.
The motorcycle paintings especially show this, the shape of the tank and the wheels is offset by the fine details of the engine and spokes etc.
In the next part I will talk about breaking a painting, methods and why.