Figurative Compositions with Mixed Media


What are some of the basic components involved in composing an engaging, harmonious and believable figurative composition? This class will address overarching geometric forms, the distribution of light and shade, the harmonious arrangement of figures in a landscape and interior or exterior architectural setting along with the accurate use of linear and aerial perspective. We will also experiment with creating our own compositional diorama, in order to better come to grips with creating the illusion of space and understanding the fall of light and shade. In addition, the suitability of different media to the different stages or aspects in building up a composition will be explored.


COURSE OUTLINE

  • Week 1: Art Historical introduction to composition. Composition and overarching geometric forms.
  • Week 2 to 4: The ink wash drawings of Nicolas Poussin and the distribution of light and shadow in composition.
  • Week 5: Linear perspective and the figure in an architectural setting.
  • Week 6 -7: Compositional diorama.
  • Week 8: Vertical composition in black chalk and white gouache on blue-grey paper.


PLANNED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:
  1. Gain a more comprehensive understanding of composition in relation to geometric form, light and shade, linear and aerial perspective and figurative narration.
  2. Apply an understanding of composition to a drawing practice.
  3. Have gained a greater overarching design context for drawing the figure, landscape and still life objects.
  4. Make practical use of historical compositional drawings within a drawing practice.


MATERIALS LIST

  • Oil-based black chalk pencil hard (Faber Castel PITT or equivalent brand)
  • Oil-based black chalk pencil soft (Faber Castel PITT or equivalent brand)
  • White gouache
  • Kneadable eraser
  • Stanley Knife
  • Nib holder
  • Speedball lettering & drawing round pen nib B Style B-5 ½ (and two other nibs of smaller sizes).
  • Ink
  • Watercolour brush – size 8
  • A3 Sketchbook that can take ink washes (e.g. Archers watercolour pad)
  • One sheet of A2 blue-grey watercolour paper
  • 2x 500 grams Micador modelling clay (or plasticine)

When:
Thursday 30 April - 18 June 2020
9.30 AM - 12.00 PM

Where:
WEA Sydney
72 Bathurst Street