Page:Landscape Painting by Birge Harrison.djvu/130

LANDSCAPE PAINTING when the principal motive of the picture is found in the sky itself—some vast composition of rolling clouds, some gorgeous sunburst radiating its luminous streamers athwart the canvas, some castle in the air towering up and up to the zenith. In this case, a mere line of land is often sufficient—enough to give the dark and solid value that lends light and air to the upper reaches of the sky.

"Don't have anything in the picture which does not explain itself." Because a thing happens to exist in nature is no reason why it should be allowed a place in your picture—which is a work of art. Treat nature with respect and affection, but don't let her rule you. And, moreover, don't paint any motive that is so unusual and outré that it will not explain itself without a pamphlet attached to the frame. I [94]