Composition for Visual Artists by Bill Perkins (2023)

This 10-week program, led by instructor Bill Perkins, will provide a comprehensive education on the basics of composition. As a highly esteemed Disney art director, painter, and art theorist, Bill will impart his expertise to equip you with the key elements of composition. Whether you prefer traditional or digital techniques, this course will equip you with the necessary skills to produce captivating artwork and engage your audience with a compelling experience.

Week 1: Composition Introduction with Bill Perkins

Join Bill in the first week as he introduces you to the visual elements of composition. You will learn to utilize patterns and values to enhance the clarity of your images.

Week 2: Notan and Chiaroscuro with Bill Perkins

In week two, Bill delves into the significance of Notan and Chiaroscuro in composition. He will explain the characteristics of these elements and demonstrate how to switch between them to guide the viewer’s eye and create focal points.

Week 3: Value Grouping with Bill Perkins

During week three, Bill focuses on the value grouping in composition. You will discover how to categorize your values into different groups to convey a simple visual narrative.

Week 4: Tone with Bill Perkins

In week four, Bill highlights the role of tone in composition and shows you how this technique can imbue artwork with mood and clarity.

Week 5: Line with Bill Perkins

During week five, Bill teaches you how to utilize lines to build your composition. He will discuss the various types of lines and how they can create movement throughout your image.

Week 6: Shape with Bill Perkins

In week six, Bill explores the use of shapes in composition to generate directional force and movement. He will demonstrate how forms can be divided into major and minor categories to establish a sense of hierarchy.

Week 7: The Primaries of Design with Bill Perkins

During week seven, you will delve into the three primary elements of design: line, mass, and form. Bill will show you how they influence the mark-making in your artwork.

Week 8: Space with Bill Perkins

In week eight, Bill explores the different ways to utilize space in composition. You will learn about the unique qualities of each type of space and how the arrangement of space can impact your compositions.

Week 9: Rhythm with Bill Perkins

During week nine, Bill delves into the various aspects of rhythm in composition. You will learn how to use the axes of depth and rhythmic forms to evoke movement in the viewer’s eye.

Week 10: Color with Bill Perkins

In the final lesson, Bill teaches you how to incorporate color into your compositions. He will show you how to use the color wheel, hue, saturation, and value to enhance your artwork.