Design Considerations

I caution you not to use the following list of design considerations rigidly,  Instead, use it as an aid when you need advice.  Most of the following considerations are universal, but you should use them not to design your paintings but rather afterward, to critique problem paintings and learn from them.  If a painting pleases you, there is no need to critique it.  If you are puzzled that it pleases no one else, and you think you can improve it, then the checklist below may be useful.  I have deliberately listed questions to consider, not rules, even so, some of the questions in the checklist cannot be applied to some of the world’s greatest works of art.
As you work, hold these precepts in the back, rather than the forefront of your mind, and allow the content of the work and its reason for being to shine forth, undampened by restrictions. 

DESIGN CHECKLIST:
CONTENT 
Does it have meaning?
Is it interesting or worth painting?
Is the quality unique to you?
Does it have an element of surprise in its mood, color, shape?  Is this the wow or the why it was painted?
Does the world need another picture of_______________?
Ask yourself how you can make this one say something new about the topic.

SHAPES: 
1  Is there some predominant pattern of shapes;  curvilinear, angular, or straight?  Is there a dominance of horizontal, verticals of oblique?
2  Do the shapes work well with the shape of paper being used?
3  Are the shapes simple and straightforward?  Do they need interest
     within them or at their edges?
4  Is there a connection or linkage from shape to shape?
5  Does the viewer know where to look?

SPACE: 
1  Are there large areas and small areas?
2  Are there areas of detail and interest?
3  Are all parts of the paper considered.... main, supporting and rest
     areas?
4  Is the subject sealed correctly for the shape and thsize of the paper?

COLOR::
1  IIs there a dominance of either warm or cool colors?
2  Is there enough color change or interest?
3  Are there enough neutrals to “show off the color”?
4  Is the color thoughtfully placed?
5  Is it interesting or a cliche?

VALUES:
1  Are the values easy to read?
2  Can shapes be distinguished because values in adjoining shapes
    are varied?
3  Are the light and dark value patterns pleasing?
4  Do they allow or encourage you to look at the important parts of the
    painting and move through it logically?
5  Are values chosen to emphasize or diminish interest, where
     appropriate?