
From realistic rural landscapes to impressionistic scenes of people in cafés, artist Brenda Boylan’s stunning paintings and pastels are rooted in strong composition. To ensure a visually appealing layout, Brenda relies on the Wise Photos app. Whether preparing artwork for an exhibition or refining a new piece, the app serves as a crucial tool in her creative process.
After discovering that Brenda integrates the Wise Photos app into her artistic workflow, we asked her a few questions to share insights on how this approach benefits other artists. Here’s what she had to say:
Where did you discover the Wise Photos app?
An artist friend of mine, Michele Bryne, gave a presentation on how she uses dynamic symmetry in her painting process. I was so impressed with this ‘new’ method of designing a work of art that I searched the Internet and found a flood of information. I had never heard of dynamic symmetry, phi, or the Fibonacci spiral! How did my art education overlook such a vault of information? I questioned if there was perhaps a shortcut for using it on my iPhone for quick design ideas. I then queried the app store for dynamic symmetry and found your Wise Photos app. For curiosity, I also queried the Fibonacci spiral, and once again, your app came up. I downloaded it and found it so invaluable that I went ahead and made the small purchase so that I could enjoy all of its functions. It is now one of the most frequently used tools in my studio.

How does composition help you tell the story in your paintings?
I have a degree in Applied Art and Design but often depend on an intuitive approach to designing my art. Composition is the backbone of every work of art—or at least it should be! So as I go about my day, I see shapes and colors, stories and ideas, not ‘things.’ I have always thought that any good work of art should have a focal point and a few supporting ‘actors.’ My story becomes clearer when I can direct the eye subliminally with the contrast of values, details, and complementary colors. A strong composition leads the eye through a painting so it can support the focus of the idea, subject, or message.
How do you balance artistic freedom with principles like composition?
I look at it this way: Artistic principles are the supportive base or structure of a strong work of art. Once the principle of composition is in place, and a color theme, mood, and story are chosen, the playfulness of painting can be released. I compare it to the rhythm in music that supports a dancer’s moves.
Which is your favorite Wise Photos artistic composition rule?
I really love working with the Dynamic Symmetry design because the lines create several cross points where I can choose to place a focus. I repeatedly return to that rule again and again. I like how I can simply line up the flow of shapes and decide which intersecting lines would be the most interesting place to paint an exciting focal point or supporting idea. The app allows me to incorporate the importance of design while enjoying the freedom to create.
Great art requires not only talent but also the right tools. The Wise Photos app serves as a bridge between structure and creativity, enabling artists like Brenda to build a strong foundation before freely expressing their artistic vision. By minimizing time spent on composition planning, she can devote more energy to the storytelling elements of her work.
Brenda’s detailed and colorful pieces reveal the richness and depth of her talent. The Wise Photos app has become instrumental in providing her with a solid compositional framework, saving time and reducing material waste. With this foundation in place, she can immerse herself fully in her artistic flow. As Brenda puts it, “I LOVE this app!”—and you will too.
You can read more about using the Wise Photos app for painting here.
Explore Brenda Boylan’s impressive artwork at https://www.brendaboylan.com.
Aldo