"The format—that is, the shape and size—of your canvas is very important.

"How to decide? As a landscape artist, you first have to determine how you want to portray the land. Do you want people to feel a towering height? Or a broad expanse? Whether it's tall, square, round, or wide, the format you choose can make an enormous difference in what you show and how people feel when looking at your canvas.

"Here are two different formats applied to the same landscape—Multnomah Falls in Oregon Territory.

"Which better shows the waterfall?"