Exploring Irregular Visual Rhythm (Weekly Challenge #181)

This week, we travel to the enchanting region of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, thanks to photo references shared by our co-host Sneha @painting.shainting. Captured during the summer of 2019, these images showcase the region's dramatic limestone formations, lush foliage, and gentle waterways.

Focus Point: Irregular Visual Rhythm

We previously explored Visual Rhythm and Air Perspective as compositional tools. This week, we build on those foundations by narrowing in on irregular rhythm, where visual elements repeat in a loose, organic pattern.

Unlike structured repetition, irregular visual rhythm mimics nature’s unpredictable order. You’ll notice that in these references: mountains vary in height and width, trees are scattered unevenly, and no two shapes align predictably. It’s this visual asymmetry that makes the scene feel alive and believable.

Understanding how to paint this kind of rhythm helps you break away from stiffness and symmetry, embracing more natural compositions.

For a deeper dive, check out my new blog post on Irregular Visual Rhythm in Landscape Art.

Analyzing This Week’s Reference Photos

Now let’s dive into the reference photos of this week.

Photo 1: Symmetry in Calm

Still water and towering karsts reflect one another, creating initial symmetry, but each form has its own organic shape and spacing.

Week 181: Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Photo Credit: @painting.shainting

Challenge as a photo: Despite the symmetrical reflection, the rock forms themselves exhibit irregular shapes and rhythm. Capturing the individuality of each peak helps avoid a mechanical feel.

Focus Questions:

• How are the mountain forms similar yet distinct?

• Where does the visual rhythm pause or accelerate?

• How can you avoid making the composition feel too mirrored?

Painting Tips:

• Sketch each form individually before refining the composition.

• Vary the shape, height, and texture of each mountain.

• Use subtle changes in hue or shadow to differentiate repeating elements.

• Let the water reflection blur slightly to soften exact duplication.

Photo 2: Dramatic Passage

This view places the viewer between jagged peaks. Vertical cliffs dominate, but their spacing and shape are staggered.

Week 181: Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Photo Credit: @painting.shainting

Challenge as a photo: Avoid creating a regular zig-zag or perfect framing. The peaks rise at different angles, which should guide your composition.

Focus Questions:

• Are the vertical elements creating a natural rhythm?

• Does your eye move organically across the forms?

• Can you suggest distance and scale while keeping variation?

Painting Tips:

• Use overlapping to establish depth and uneven rhythm.

• Break up vertical forms with foliage or color shifts.

• Let edges vary in softness to suggest distance.

• Introduce movement with brushstroke direction.

Photo 3: Pagoda

The small structure sits quietly among towering cliffs. The asymmetrical setting creates both tension and calm.

Week 181: Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Photo Credit: @painting.shainting

Challenge as a photo: The cliffs don’t repeat predictably. The pagoda helps anchor the rhythm while highlighting the irregular scale around it.

Focus Questions:

• Is the rhythm around the pagoda too balanced?

• How does the placement of the building affect flow?

• Can you use contrast to emphasize rhythm here?

  
  

Painting Tips:

• Place the pagoda slightly off-center to enhance irregularity.

• Vary foliage density to contrast with solid cliffs.

• Use sharper lines for man-made structure, softer ones for rocks.

• Keep variation in green tones to avoid flatness.

Photo 4: Layers of Distance

This sweeping view shows mountains fading into the distance. The shapes flow together but retain unique profiles.

Week 181: Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Photo Credit: @painting.shainting

Challenge as a photo: The rhythm here is subtle but persistent. Don’t simplify it into even layers, embrace the irregularity in spacing, silhouette, and light.

Focus Questions:

• Are you capturing the peaks as individuals or as a repeating pattern?

• How can you exaggerate size or angle differences?

• What role does atmosphere play in breaking rhythm?

  
  

Painting Tips:

• Let aerial perspective soften the farthest shapes.

• Break foreground forms with smaller details (plants, rocks).

• Adjust hue and value to emphasize non-uniformity.

• Vary horizon line dips and peaks for liveliness.

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This week’s references from Ninh Binh offer a stunning variety of mountain shapes, lush greens, and reflections and a perfect setting to practice observing and applying irregular visual rhythm in your art.

Create your interpretation based on one or more of this week’s photos and post your artwork on Instagram by Thursday, 25 September 2025, 23:59 CET. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #landscapeartclub181. Mention the focus point or share your process to inspire others!

Happy painting!