Class dates: 5 classes – 10th, 24th, 31st July, 7th & 14th August

Times: 2:00-5:00pm

Cost: $55 per class, or $255 when purchasing all 5 classes in advance.

Maximum 10 per class

All required materials are supplied as part of the tutorial cost

This course is suitable either for absolute beginners or more experienced artists who wish to study in more depth the composition (i.e. the visual/aesthetic concept) of a painting or drawing. The course will take the participant on a journey of discovery art making, with the aim of eliciting exciting individual ideas in the process rather than imposing preconceived notions on the work.

The basic tenet of the course is that composition is the engine that powers any work of art, 2D art especially, beyond mere accurate representation. Whatever a chosen motif may be — landscape, still life etc. — the search for a satisfying compositional arrangement should propel the artist toward the deeply found and the unexpectedly revelatory.

Days 1 and 2 will cover the study of compositions by master practitioners and the exploration of compositional ideas through aesthetic analysis of photographs. The latter will take place in the studio using suitable photographs provided by the instructor.

Days 3 and 4 will be spent drawing in situ in a convenient landscape, putting previously introduced strategies to work. Broad thumbnail drawings done in situ, later be further developed and completed in the studio. Photographic records of each student’s selected motif will be used for further reference when back in the studio.

Day 5: Putting it all together.

Strategies to be introduced are as follows:

• Working in the first instance from the general and later finding the particular, where useful.
• Use of geometry in composition.
• The importance of juxtaposition of shape / how interspace is as important as positive shape.
• Juxtaposition of tonal relationships across a composition and the use of tonal pathways.
• Linear consideration and juxtaposition.
• The importance of silhouette, its meaning and complexity in relation to composition.
• Rhythm in composition.
• The importance and use of repeated motif/pattern making in composition.
• Unity in composition and how all strategies contribute to this important goal.

PLEASE NOTE: Attendance at week 1 is essential as the course is incremental. If you are unable to attend any of the class dates listed or would like to discuss alternative arrangements please contact the Gallery Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-3:30pm.

To purchase the 5 class bundle please complete the booking form below.

About your Tutor:

Kay Kane is a highly respected artist with 50 + years of art practice to her name and 45 years’ experience as a teacher in visual art – drawing and painting. She was employed at the Queensland College of art, Griffith University teaching drawing for nearly 20 years, 10 years at the prestigious Arts Academy, balmoral Queensland, as well as having conducted many workshops around Australia. She has been invited to and given papers at several conferences internationally on art, and on drawing in particular.  Her 12 years tertiary education includes a Dipolma of Fine Art, a BA in Fine Art Painting, (Both from Central St Martins Art College, London) as well as a PHD, Doctor of Visual Art, Queensland College of Art, Brisbane. She was honoured to be elected as a Fellow of The Royal Queensland Art Society and her work is held in many collections both Public and Private in Australia and internationally. To see more of Dr. Kay Kane’s work visit her instagram.