Cheney uses several classic compositional techniques in his paintings, and one of his favorites is the Golden Section. He begins by sectioning the canvas so that the relation of the short length to the long length length is equal to the proportion of the long length to the whole. He does this both vertically and horizontally. Then, as he develops the drawing, he orients key elements to these Golden Section proportions, and subdivides the sections similarly as he completes the composition. This technique dates back to Phideas, the sculptor of the Parthenon. It was used by many artists including  Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vnci , Salvador Dali and the architect Le Corbusier. It creates a subtle harmony that is pleasing to the eye.

Cheney often uses classic composition techniques, like the Golden Section (above).