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 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, she gets to choose from all she sees, what she wants to accentuate, depending on her preferences, and what she wants the viewer to see. Remember, the concept is about adjusting things - shapes, forms, or realistic things - so that they look more exciting...more like themselves. This is accomplished by using differences...especially the differences inherent in Design.