One design I idea I have been thinking about this week is the problem of straight lines. Some books I have read on composition suggest that it is a good idea to avoid straight lines because the eye travels across them too quickly. These small table top arrangements can often present a straight horizontal line at the bottom of the canvas, this add another problem as it sort of echo’s the horizontal at the bottom of the painting. Generally I don’t over think these compositional ideas but they are good to consider.
Breaking up the straight horizontal line is a good idea if possible – In this case the fabric adds some variety and the blue line on the table cloth create a more dynamic diagonal. In the past still life painter have use item over hanging the edge of the table – like knives or forks to help break up that line and provide a leading line to take the viewer eye in and toward the main subject.