Composition Essentials | Annette Raff

About this class

Do you know how value creates visual excitement and draws the viewer into your painting?

Value is one of the most important elements to consider in painting.  Value structure can make or break a painting. 

Have you heard the term value in painting over and over, but still don't really understand its importance.

Do you know how to choose a great subject to paint?

Do you feel your artwork is okay but lacking excitement or drama?

Would you like to know how to simplify complex scenes but lack the confidence to edit your subjects?

What will I learn?

You will learn to simplify and edit a photograph with value shapes.

This is a lesson in learning to design better paintings using value (greyscale). The concepts taught can later be applied to any medium.

Over 2 consecutive Fridays, you will learn the importance of value (relative lightness and darkness) in composition and painting and how you can use value to plan and strengthen your paintings in the future, no matter what medium you work in.

You will be working entirely in monochrome, black, white and grey markers..  Working from a supplied photograph you will learn to identify values and determine a photograph's suitability.  You will watch demonstrations and receive practical guidance as you edit and draw a small simple value plan using just 3 markers,  black, white and grey.  We will experiment with changing value patterns by subtracting, fusing shapes and creating better value shapes.

Who is this course suitable for?

This class is ideally suited to all levels, working in any medium and will strengthen student's ability to compose pleasing and dynamic paintings and expand creative freedom. 

What do I need to bring?

• Pencils: H or HB
• Kneadable Eraser
• Graphite stump or stick 6B or darker (pure graphite, eg (pictured below)
• 2 or 3 sheets of A4 white paper (copy paper will do)
• White Uni chalk marker PWE-3MS (pictured below)
• Grey Uni POSCA PC-5M marker pen
• Black Uni POSCA PC-5M marker pen
• Phone or tablet for taking pictures of compositions

What else is provided?

• Value Scale
• 45cm ruler
• Easels, Tables, Chairs, Backing Boards
• Tea and coffee (please bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community

Meet the Artist

Annette is a professional artist with a Bachelor of Fine Art and Advanced Certificate in Art and Design, teaching a variety of mediums for over 25 years.

She is particularly interested in drawing and has developed a unique approach with emphasis on teaching observation skills, ensuring students’ ability to see and interpret what they see using graphite pencil onto a two dimensional surface. Her workshops address different learning styles and include practical demonstrations and media application.

Annette encourages her students to explore possibilities, make mistakes and extend their learning while in a relaxed, friendly environment.