Strong design happens when there are visual differences. Differences may include size, shape or even a particular way something is painted…such as loosely or tightly.

If there are two shapes in a picture, and one is square and very large, and the other is a very messy, organic shape that is skinny and super tall, these two shapes will each complement each other. Each will look more interesting as a result of being next to the other. Big and square is quite different than tall, messy and thin. So it doesn’t matter if those two shapes are abstract or if the square shape is a barn, and the tall, thin, organic shape is a tree...they will still complement each other. When an artist paints a landscape, that artist gets to choose from all they see, what they want to accentuate depending on their preferences and what they want the viewer to see. Remember, the concept is about adjusting things - shapes, forms, or realistic things - so that they look more exciting. They look more like themselves. This is accomplished by using differences. Especially the differences inherent in Design.