Composition for the Visual Artist

In this first week, Bill will introduce you to the visual components of a composition. You will learn to use patterns and values to improve your image clarity.

In week two, Bill will teach you the importance of Notan and Chiaroscuro in your compositions. Bill will lecture on the characteristics of both elements, then show you how to switch between the two to move the viewer’s eye and create areas of interest.

In week three, Bill focuses on value grouping in a composition. You will learn to break your values into different groups to create a clear visual story.

In week four, Bill will teach you the importance of tone within a composition. He will demonstrate how tone can give an artwork mood and clarity.

In week five, you will learn how to utilize lines in the development of a composition. Bill will discuss how the variations of lines can create movement throughout an image.

In week six, Bill will discuss how you can use shapes in a composition to create directions of force and movement. He will teach you that shapes can be categorized between major and minor keys, to develop a sense of hierarchy.

In week seven, you will learn the three primaries of design. Bill will show you how line, mass, and form can influence the mark-making in your artwork.

will discuss the various ways that space can be utilized in your compositions. You will learn how each type of space has its own unique qualities. Bill will also analyze selected images from movies to artworks, showing you how the arrangement of space plays a crucial part in compositions.

In week nine, Bill will discuss the various aspects of rhythm within a composition. Bill will teach you how to use the axes of depth and rhythmic forms to invoke movement in the viewer’s eye.

In the final lesson, you will learn to utilize color in your compositions. Bill will show you how to make use of the color wheel, hue, saturation, and value.