Upside down

Some work has been getting done. It may be in part to a deadline or just because. I am sure most of us have heard that it helps to look at a picture/painting upside down or in a mirror to get a better sense of where the problem areas are. In truth I am not clear if they are less noticeable due to a visual bias,like being right handed, or simply because we are seeing what we want to see. Regardless, what looks reasonable if not good in its correct orientation can breaks down when seen in a different way.

clearly the composition isn't so solid if it can't be seen in these orientation. That does not mean the same phenomena cannot be used intentionally to create a desired look. Sometimes you do want it bunched up to the right and it doesn't look half as well done bunched up to the left. However if one wants balance you have to take some time to look for problems in your painting. I tend to want balance and/or flow. I want (though do not always find) poise in a painting that doesn't have any jarring spots as your eyes wander through it.