[Chris Saper]

I couldn't possibly agree with you more, Marvin.

Thinking before you begin is so essential, in my view...not only for composition (here I include figure placement as well as design of negative spaces), but for value scheme, light temperature, color harmony,and at least preliminarily, edges. And, none of these preliminary decisions can be made before you have decided on what you intend to convey about the subject...your focal point.

I think there is also an important sequence to the decisions you need to make. Some come at the end, some can happen at any time, and some must be made before you begin, because they can't be corrected later on without entirely repainting the canvas.

I'm glad you have begun this thread.