Composition is one of those terms often thrown around when discussing art, but the meaning can easily be lost. Composition is a broad term with many aspects. I am going to examine composition of landscapes one aspect at a time in a series of courses. In this first course on composition, we will examine format.

Composition is more than the placement of elements within a work of art or design, it also pertains to the very format on which the art or design is placed. By reflecting on the intended message you want to convey through your painting, you can make informed decisions regarding the format you choose.

In this class, I will demonstrate how simply changing the dimensions (aka format) for a single landscape composition can lend itself to altering the perceived energy of the painting. The format of your picture plane, no matter the subject or medium, can help you achieve the energy you wish to convey through your art. 

How often do you think of the shape and dimensions of your painting surface as being part of the overall composition of your painting? The surface -- whether a canvas, paper, panel, or just a napkin -- plays a subtle but important role in the composition of your work. Think about it -- painting on a square is different than painting on a long horizontal rectangle. With each, you have a different set of opportunities and limitations to what compositional elements you can include in your design. Do you choose a particular format merely out of preference or convention? Or can you choose a format that best suits your intention for your painting?

I will be using oils to do these demonstrations, but these concepts are useful for any medium in which you would like to work.

The videos in this course focus on format and energy, rather than a detailed tutorial on painting techniques. If you would like some more background on technique, check out my course catalog! The full length versions of the paintings in this course will be available on my YouTube channel -- Rachael's Atelier.

More info - https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Impressionists-Landscapes-Composition-Format-Energy/1896493728