Amazing Eyes - Focus

As you look at this picture of Burnside's bridge in Sharpsburg, Md. at the Civil War Battlefield of Antietam, your eyes can only focus on one subject at a time, yet you see the whole picture. You either see the trees, or the bridge, or the water but not all three. ( In focus)

The same way in painting you should see the details of the main subject clearly, or the background but not both.

When the Impressionist realized this it changed painting forever. I know other artist were doing similar things if they painted from nature but still others like the old masters were painting every detail in still life paintings so we saw each bug or drop of water. ( Photography changed everything in 1880'S)

The more we suggest the more the eye tricks the mind and says that must be a tree with leaves. So then the mind believes that and we go on to the more important subject. The Main subject or the "thing" we want them to see.

I did a location painting of this and a watercolor also. This bridge is so famous to history buffs like myself because of the battle fought here. As well as the graphic design of the whole scene.

Well kids keep your brushes wet a paint on!