Creative Composition with Steve Huston

In this 6-week course, instructor Steve Huston will teach you the main visual components frequently used in fine art. You will discover how line, shape, and color help strengthen the storytelling of your work. Steve will show you examples from the Old Masters as he presents each significant concept. In doing so, he will talk about how these components are applied in other art fields. Since this course was filmed during a live workshop, you will also be tuning in to his Q&A sessions and critiques of students’ works. Moreover, you will watch Steve develop a composition for a painting from start to finish. After completing this course, you will gain a deep understanding of art philosophy and composition; what you need for creating successful artworks.

Week 1: Introduction to Composition and Visual Components

In week one, Steve will introduce you to the basics of composition. You will explore the main visual components that make up a successful image, such as line and shape, while studying the definition of art.

Week 2: Depth of Field and Color Keying in Composition

In week two, you will learn about depth of field and how it helps draw the viewer’s eye into the image. Steve will explain how color keying can set the mood for a piece of art.

Week 3: Affinity, Contrast, and Pacing in Landscape Composition

In week three, Steve will teach you the visual components used to develop a composition for landscape art. You will learn about the idea of affinity versus contrast. Steve will show you how to arrange and pace your composition.

Week 4: Creating Meaning in Your Composition

In week four, Steve will lecture on the strategies that make your artwork more meaningful. You will learn how the parts of a whole can come together and create balance in a piece of art. Steve will demonstrate the different types of myths and truths in art throughout history.

Week 5: Developing a Composition for Painting I

In week five, Steve will demonstrate his approach to building a composition. He will show you the process of creating thumbnails and finding the most compelling configuration of elements within a picture frame. Then, you will learn about painting setup, brushes, and color theory.

Week 6: Developing a Composition for Painting II

In week six, Steve will demonstrate his painting process. Here, he focuses on the finishing stage of the painting, like controlling the temperature, harmonizing different elements, and refining the silhouettes.