I once read an artist saying as soon as you put people in a landscape painting, the storytelling takes power over the atmosphere. I find that very true and since I want to show poetical moods I see in the landscape, I never add people. Or animals. Perhaps it is also a reflection of how I love and prefer to be alone in nature… a refreshing solitude!
The composition of a landscape painting is the most fascinating part of the work! It is a very strong tool to convey atmospheres and I find it interesting to discover new ways all the time. There are rules in the art world, but they should be learned and understood and then be made into your own tools, not be followed dogmatically.