Elements of Traditional Composition

In week one, Glenn will provide you an overview of the main elements in composition and explains the idea of movement and force. You will learn how to arrange the picture frame in a way that moves the viewer’s eye and create a sense of liveliness.

In week two, Glenn will share with you the use of opposites or juxtaposition in composition. You will learn how this idea applies to color, orientation, size, and many other elements to create interest and complexity in artworks.

In week three, you will study how to use the frame to create transitions in your composition. You will learn how to construct your composition using 2D and 3D design elements in tandem to achieve a powerful image.

In week four, Glenn teaches you how to use geometry to organize and arrange your composition. You will learn a powerful and organic approach to structuring artworks.

In week five, Glenn teaches you the importance of tones within composition. You will also learn how to use the human figure to move the eye, create powerful abstract designs, and push the narrative of your artwork.

In week six, you will study how to compose groups of multiple figures. You will learn how to arrange them in a picture frame and how to relate one group of figures to another for a strongly supported composition.

In week seven, Glenn talks about the subjective and psychological elements in art. You will explore how moods, themes, facial expressions, and body language can be utilized to create movement and force in a composition.

In week eight, Glenn will teach you how to use color to organize a composition and create an experience. You will learn how to combine color and texture to guide the viewer’s eye across the picture plane.

In week nine, Glenn will show you his approach to designing a compositional study for a painting featuring multiple figures. Here, you will focus on the preparatory steps.

In week ten, Glenn will continue showing you his approach to designing a compositional study for a painting featuring multiple figures. Here, you will focus on the steps of refining and finishing.