wayne art center

In painting, composition is much more than a system of rules or the placement of objects. Composition is the entire relationship of parts to whole, from the individual brushstroke to the largest shape. Brushstrokes themselves, far from being just surface texture, are carriers of direction and intent: every mark has a character and is part of the composition, moving the eye through the canvas, creating structure and meaning in painting. This oil painting workshop will focus on the gesture of brushwork and its role in making strong compositions. Work will be from still life. We will also use some ink painting techniques as a path to understanding the gesture.

 

The evening slide lecture will introduce these ideas and show how great painting is all about making connections between the brush marks and the whole composition, creating meaningful movements inside the rectangle. Brushstrokes can be wild and thrilling, or calming and caressing, and as individually expressive as every unique artist.