This online course takes a “real world” approach to composition. Rather than applying a checklist of theories and principles to your paintings, we will only work with the energies and shapes that affect our compositions practically.

Working from photographs with useful exercises in both black-and-white and color, weekly critiques, and analysis of master compositions, this class covers:

Shape Identification: To take charge of your composition, you must be able to see it in terms of foundational shapes. Learn how to use the 3-value notan to define the major shapes of your composition.

Variation and Differences: The key to dynamic and interesting compositions is variation. How do various elements differ from one another in their “pacing and spacing,” size, weight, and orientation? Learn how to apply each of these forms of variation.

The Picture Window and Format: The rectangular window that serves as the boundary of our subject has a profound effect on the composition. It tells us what will be included, what will be left out, and how the major shapes relate to one another. How does format—horizontal, vertical, or square—affect the composition?

Movement: Movement animates the composition. Learn about movement through diagonals, the difference between “direct” and “implied” pathways, circular movement, and how to diagram movement in paintings.

Active Negative Space: Negative space presents itself differently in landscape than it does in still life or figurative painting. Negative space is often the sky, large bodies of water, or wide open fields. Learn four methods of “activating” these spaces to ensure they are fully integrated into the composition.