Art Composition Fundamentals: Exploring Value Contrast, Shape, & Balance in Procreate or Pen & Ink

Watch the trailer by scrolling to the bottom or on Youtube here!

Do you ever find yourself intimidated by the complexities of composition? Do you sometimes think "I thought I knew a lot about composition but there's just something missing and I don't know what" ? Join me as we unravel the mysteries of composition through the lens of contrast and value in our sketchbooks (or Procreate), deepening our understanding of what makes a powerful image, and leveling up our drawing skills, without forgetting a sprinkle of fun & lightness. 

It's here!! FINALLY. My newest class, all about a subject that I'm super passionate about, and that is: COMPOSITION.

If you follow my adventures on Instagram, you know that I've been working on this class for many many months, but truth be told, I've been thinking about it for the past 3 years. (yes, that long)

Here is why:

• Composition is SUCH an essential tool for us as artists & illustrators but is too often 'reduced' to questions of The Rule of Thirds or the Golden Ratio. Don't get me wrong those are super important but.... 
• Composition is a VAST topic, with so many moving parts to it.  In this class, we touch on one of these moving parts: the concept of value contrast, shape & balance - which are all contained in the word Notan, the balance of light and dark. 
• Composition can seem very complex and difficult to master, but it can also be learned and trained in very simple ways. Enter the Master Study, of which we'll be doing 4 in this class today, using inspiration from some of the greats. (I can't wait to share some of my favorite artists with you!!) 
• Composition can be learned through theory but it, most of all, needs to be learned by training your eyes and hands, with your art materials, and in your sketchbook (or Procreate). Hands-on learning is the most effective way to increase your composition skills. 
• and finally, I also wanted to maintain the spirit of exploration, curiosity, playfulness and embracing mistakes that characterizes a lot of my classes. Because leading with a spirit of inquisitiveness & lightheartedness is, paradoxically, the best (and most fun!) way to learn. 

In the class we'll create 2 abstract explorations in black & white, draw 2 master studies using the Notan technique, find a subject that you're interested in (or follow along with mine which is owls!), create 2 more master studies on that subject to really understand what goes into drawing a powerful piece of artwork, and then craft your own 4 unique thumbnail drawings using everything we learned in the class. 

We'll be touching on a bunch of composition tools & principles including:

• the curve to straight technique
• ratios
• positive space & negative space
• proportions
• silhouette
• spacing
• value grouping
• readability
• placement
• echoing

as well as other important concepts like how mistakes can be paths, separating your art from you as an artist & how to use references as springboards, in ways that are more creative & true to you.

I can’t wait to see what you make. ✨

Student Reviews

"This class is so timely for me as I have recently learned about Notan and have wanted to know more. The clarity and instruction in this are excellent. The teacher is clearly passionate about art and her desire to share skills and knowledge with others. Her style is playful and friendly but not lightweight and there is some serious teaching going on here. I found the class content fascinating and inspiring. I certainly learned more about the concept of Notan and how it is used by artists to find the lights and darks of a subject but I also liked how she extended her studies to develop a more creative approach. Thank you.. I will enjoy my own study of this subject even more now."
—Christine Barnes

"What a fantastic class! Marie-Noëlle does a wonderful job of explaining the role of composition, balance, and value in art, introducing the idea of notan, and walks you through some wonderful exercises in all of these concepts. I loved the master studies, abstract exploration, and subject matter deep dive, all through a focus on light and dark values and composition. It was wonderful to explore these techniques both through ink in my sketchbook as well as using Procreate. I highly recommend this class!"
— Elisabeth Wellfare

"This class was wonderful! I feel like my whole approach to art has changed thanks to the concept of Notan. The teacher is very engaging and encouraging, and her passion for art is clear and shines through in her teaching. Thank you Marie-Noëlle! :)"
— Robert Archer