Hi Grant and thanks so much for your comments, they’re much appreciated. It brought to mind the day we painted this scene and Steve Hall’s comment that whilst there’s the castle, which would be easy to focus on to try to make it the focal point, this view is really about a bend in a river. I think capturing this view is, as you say, about finding a better balance between all of the it’s elements. I have found the preliminary sketches helpful in the past when I’ve done them but they’re not yet part of my everyday practice! (I’m usually just too impatient to get on with it!) I think I’ve also yet to create the necessary sense of depth and distance that I think will help with a greater sense of focal point. Hopefully, I’ll be able to take on board your sound observations and do this scene justice with my next attempt(s!) – thanks so much for taking the time to write