new sketch and decisions

I'm still working away on the red assemblage. It has become a bigger project than I had initially anticipated (and that's cool). But, of course, I am always working on multiple projects simultaneously. Here is a sketch that is coming together nicely. I am at a point of near completion and need to make some decisions about what will be the finished composition. The primary decision is whether to include the maroon element or not (see below). I really like both options -- but each option creates a quite different "vibe" for the piece. Without the maroon element, the composition is subtler. In fact, some viewers might think that there is not an additional element in the space. With the maroon element, I think the composition is more dramatic (and perhaps more balanced?). It's interesting... if I was creating the piece only for fellow collagists, I might omit the maroon; but for the general viewer, my inclination is to include the maroon element (I'll probably decide this evening). Another decision I will consider relates to the green elements. These green elements were placed to cover text on the upper and lower edges of the base element; so that it fits a standard 5" x 7" mat. I can always get a mat cut slightly smaller and forego the green elements. I need to decide whether these two elements are a positive addition to the overall composition. A third decision relates to framing. I typically used frames without much "texture" -- my preference is for square metal, or blond wood, framing. But last night, I happened to look over at an "ornate" frame that I had gotten in a box at some garage sale or auction. I placed it over the sketch and really liked the way it looked with the composition. It was golden metallic color originally; but I decided to paint it metallic gray/black. I am pretty sure that I will use this "atypical" frame for this piece, no matter what my other decisions are.