Ages 16+
Experience Level All experience levels
Class Description
Ready to bring your painting to the next level but unsure how? This class will guide you in exploring and learning the interesting concepts of composition and value contrast. By focusing on these fundamental building blocks, you can learn to take your art to the next level and make your paintings more successful and engaging.
What you will learn: How to improve your paintings and engage your audience using basic compositions. How to make and use thumbnail sketches for composition and value contrast. How to rearrange a photographic image or when working from life. How to simplify your image and mass larger shapes together. How to guide the viewer’s eye around the painting. How to create a focal point and area of emphasis. How to recognize strong value contrast and how to use this to improve your paintings.
Materials Needed
- Sketchbook or drawing paper (to make thumbnail sketches and write notes in)
- Drawing Pencils in 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B
- Eraser
- Printed Image/photograph of subjects you would like to paint (8″ x 10″ or 5″ x 7″)
Print photo in black and white and color. Make sure it has strong light and some darks. - Any painting medium that you prefer to make your painting from (watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, gouache, etc.)
- Canvas or paper that you will be creating a painting on
11″ x 14″ or 8″ x 10″ recommended. We will try to complete it in class. - Your own paint brushes
Choose one of the following to make value studies with:
- Drawing Markers in grey scale – 1 very dark, 1 very light, and 2 different medium tones.
- Soft vine charcoal – will be used to create different shades.
- India ink, black watercolor, or Gouache – used to make different shades.
Reference Composition Sketch
Reference Painting, A Simpler Time
