Composition

I discovered a free online tutorial written by Phil Straub describing the fundamental rules of composition within paintings and concepts (http://www.cgsociety.org/index.php/CGSFeatures/CGSFeatureSpecial/phil_straub_composition_tutorial). I've learned how the rules and guidelines behind effective composition are used to arrange elements within a painting (frequently an environment) to make it as visually pleasing and engaging as possible. In my current sci-fi game project, to flesh out and plan the atmosphere within the game, environment concepts were highly necessary. I went about using the rule of thirds to help compose this piece.

The rule of thirds works by splitting the canvas, digital or otherwise, into 9 separate squares with implied lines, and placing focal points at one of the 4 intersections of these hypothetical lines.

In the above concept of a starship coolant room, the continuing hallway is the main focal point, placed in the bottom left intersection. The coolant towers work to draw the eye into the focal point, and to discourage the viewer looking away from the image.
Once I've fully grasped the basics of composition, I'll move into more complicated implied forms within my paintings.