This should be applicable to both
painters and
photographers — and all other visual artists — with occasional tips for one or the other in particular.
Always love questions, comments and criticism!
UPDATE: I was always skeptical of the rule of thirds/golden ratio, but in
this post James Gurney explains a bit about
why, and how the eye actually moves. The main thing I neglected to mention in this tutorial is that
the eye is scanning for information. All of these compositional things are ways to make the right information more obvious to find at the right times.
UPDATE 2: Wow, thanks so much for the DD! I didn't realise what a big difference it can make. You guys are what inspire me to make tutorials, so if there's anything else you found a little mysterious about art, don't hesitate to suggest it!
LINKS
Feng Zhu's FZDSchool tutorials on YouTube"In this place..." ConceptArt threadBill Tiller's How to Draw Monkeys the Lucas Arts WayFeng Zhu videos
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Make subject bigger-
Atmospheric perspectiveGreat tutorials on composition:
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Matt Laskowski's Perspective & Composition-
Johannes Vloothuis's Landscape Composition Rules--
I'm taking tutorial suggestions here:
[link]Follow me on Twitter, where I post tips, useful links and cool art-related things I stumble across:
@LulieArt
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Your explanations are clear and easy to follow. I fully intend to direct new artists here because even the simplest techniques are beautified by skillful composition. By that same token, even the finest technical skill will not look its best without this knowledge behind its presentation. 
Your explanations are clear, concise and cover all the important points 
I've had my share of struggles with composition as a photographer, but now I'm tackling digital painting and I'm finding it harder to envision good comps, but your tutorial helped so much. Thank you!
`anmari has been spreading her infectious positivity throughout our community for over 6 years. Throughout this time Ana has been at the core of all things devious, passionately developing an eclectic gallery, helping organise devmeets, participating in chat events and also recently completed dedicating her time as a Community Volunteer. We are absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for May 2013 to `anmari, congratulations! Read More
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