Composition: from value sketch to painting

Sailboat
12 x 9 on Richeson pastel panel

value sketch using Golden Ratio

My notes from the Susan Ogilvie workshop show many value sketches done before painting. I worked this value sketch up by placing the mast on one of the Golden Mean lines. Does this strengthen the composition?

I painted today on a burnt sienna tinted Jack Richeson pastel panel. I liked the panel more than I have liked using it in the past. Maybe I am changing and my marks are becoming more deliberate.

Sketching in various forms

Making a determined effort to at least put a sketch down every day. The top value sketches were done at brief stops along the drive toward Southern California. The bottom two were done while driving (well, while sitting in the passenger seat). Gestures done in seconds and then filled in by memory.

No great breakthroughs, but keeping my thoughts on art helps get through difficult days.