I was out painting today and I had some thoughts about how composition and subject matter relate to each other.  I did this watercolor painting to help break a summer-long slump, which I wrote about on my personal blog: https://www.ericsantoli.com/blog/coming-out-of-a-slump-again
  I chose an admittedly uninteresting subject matter for this painting: a large pile of earth.  But I always think that subject matter in a painting is secondary.  My primary interest deals with composition, which is light, shadow, color and shape arrangement.  I love when artists play with composition and the abstract qualities of these elements.  It makes it fun to look at and to feel.  Thinking about this, I'm drawn to unconventional relationships when I look for a scene to paint.
  If you feel stuck with your painting, then you may want to test out these ideas for yourself.  You may find that the most interesting compositions come from mundane or more unusual subject matter.

  Thank you so much to the amazing team at the Thielke Arboretum for welcoming us today.  I have been to the arboretum a few times and to meet the team and paint there was really special.  It's a great place to experience the outdoors and I'm so glad that we were able to explore it more for Season 2.
Thank you:
Herb Arbeiter - Master Gardener and is a leader in stewardship and volunteer efforts.
Laura DeFlora - Master Gardener and leads the education programs. 
Dan Ackerman - President of the Board of Trustees.