This fun and dynamic course explores the principles of effective composition, using still life arrangements as our subject. The tools and skills that you will learn are useful no matter what your subject matter is – from landscapes to the figure.
Using a combination of exercises, painting prompts, classroom style lessons, and pre-recorded video demonstrations, we focus on:
The Universe of Your Painting – how aspect ratio, scale, and orientation affect your compositional decisions
The Golden Rules of Composition – how the number and arrangement of objects in your composition affects the viewer’s focus
Abstract Shapes – how to identify and evaluate the abstract shapes undergirding your composition and ensure that they are compelling
Movement – ways to move your viewers’ eyes through the geography of your still life
Point of View – how the angle from which you view your subject affects your composition and the mood of your painting
Perspective – different approaches to perspective from historical and contemporary artists and how to choose what’s right for you
Drama and Tension – how principles such as repetition, contrast, scale, and cropping affect the drama and visual tension that you create in your painting
All projects are suitable for oil or acrylics. We demonstrate in a mix of both mediums.
This is a Self-Study Class and Includes:
8 core lessons that blend over 18 hours of pre-recorded videos, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, downloadable reference images, and written instruction.
15 projects and 6 exercises, plus over 30 bonus reference photos for ongoing inspiration
More than 10 supporting lessons in our reference library on topics ranging from an introduction to color theory to how to make peace with your inner critic.
You will have digital access to the instructional content for 2 years. And you can download the videos and educational content to have lifetime access.
You can download the videos and PDFs of the educational content for lifetime access.
Plus we will maintain your digital access to the instructional content for 2 years.
The Learning Platform
We are hosting this course in the Ruzuku learning platform. You will need:
Access to a reliable computer network
A way to take (or convert) photographs of your work into a digital .jpg format
Access to the free Zoom app if you want to participate in Zoom calls
Please review these technical requirements to make sure that your computer, tablet, or smart-phone are compatible with the Ruzuku platform:
Browsers: Please use the latest version (or the one before that) of Edge, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, or a modern mobile browser such as Mobile Safari.
Operating Systems: Please use the latest two versions of Windows or Mac (or an Android or iOS smartphone).
If you aren't sure which version browser you are using, you can use this link: https://www.whatsmybrowser.org/