Exploring Composition & Design Workshop with Xane St Phillip

Event Description

When starting an artwork, we often don’t know how to begin. In this workshop you will discover tools that will help you approach a blank canvas/sheet of paper with confidence.

The instructor will guide you through a series of design principles that will help you prepare for, and create successful compositions. Over the weekend, students will create a collection of examples using paper collage to illustrate various design principles. These will be complied to create a personalized studio reference binder.

Why is design and composition so important? Because even a good idea or subject matter, when not organized in an effective way, will lack impact. Understanding these basic principles will allow you to create artworks that are visually organized in a way that is impactful, active, interesting and engaging. Understanding the language of design (how we organize space, colour and shapes) will allow you to fully express your feelings and ideas through painting, drawing, etc.

Creating art is always a journey—it is a record of decisions and discoveries made by the artist. The well-known artist Georges Braque wrote in his notebook that “one must not think up a picture.” In other words, a composition must be explored to be found. Collage is the perfect medium for learning about composition and design as it will allow you to explore, try different arrangements and see a variety of outcomes.

Everyone is welcome to take this workshop. No matter your experience, this class will give you a solid comprehension of design and composition principles as well as an understanding of how to use them. You will also bring home a beautiful studio reference book that will be a helpful tool that you can use and add to for the rest of your life.

To view the supply list, please click here: https://missa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/St.PHILLIP__MISSA2024_StudentSupplyList-edit.pdf