Containment

Design is the hardest part of producing a successful painting.  One consideration is to contain the subject matter within the parameters of the  paper.  I am very mindful of the negative space in the background.  Keeping the background relatively quiet will certainly focus attention on the focal points of the subject matter.
The values and textures should be limited to the focal points, keeping the background area quiet and subdued.

P.S.  Design is not an easy thing to achieve.  I've attempted at least ten paintings in order to produce one that hopefully accomplishes these attributes.