Developing an Eye for Landscape Composition
What you'll learn
- Break down the landscape into manageable broad planes.
- Understand what differentiates landscape from other subject matter.
- Identify the focal point in a landscape scene.
- Determine the lines in a landscape and how they lead the eye.
- Recognize composition design tools used by painting Masters.
- Learn the common Dos and Don'ts of landscape composition design.
- Be able to see or design a landscape composition that has the best chance of success.
- Conduct a successful photoshoot to gather reference material.
- Reconstruct a troubled composition to increase success.
- Understand how to create and the benefits of creating a value sketch.
- Use a Notan design to double-check composition designs.
Requirements
- No prior knowledge is required.
- A digital camera (or Smart Phone) and printer (or access to one) are highly recommended.
- Students will need a pencil, 2 colored writing instruments, a black marker or pen, and several sheets of blank white paper.
- Some kind of computer photo editing tool that you're familiar with is also helpful, but not necessary.
Description
"This has to be the best information I ever got on landscape composition. It is explained in an easy to follow format well supported with great quality video and photos." Diane F.
"I have been looking for a course like this for years. It was excellent and covered every aspect of the subject matter. The teacher was engaging and provided both photographic references and videos and gave material to download for future reference. I wish I had known about this course years ago and HIGHLY recommend it!!!" - Lois K
A landscape composition design can mean the success or failure of a piece of art whether you paint in oils, watercolor, or acrylics; draw; or work in photography. In this course, professional landscape painter, Jill Poyerd, goes beyond teaching the rules - she teaches students how to "see" a landscape and then translate what they see into a successful design.
Using her approachable, easy-to-understand teaching method and an easy pace, students of any experience level learn by watching visually appealing video instruction and working through over 22 student activities and quizzes. Topics discussed include what makes landscapes unique, the planes theory, focal points, compositional lines, design tools of the Masters, choosing a subject, conducting a photoshoot, reconstructing images, and then using value and notan sketches to check your designs.
Who this course is for:
- Any visual artist of any experience level interested in landscape painting or drawing
- Landscape Photographers
Featured review
Instructor
- 4.8 Instructor Rating
- 8,569 Reviews
- 28,231 Students
- 9 Courses
Jill Poyerd, NWS, is a contemporary realist whose award-winning work can be found in private collections both nationally and internationally. She has been featured in national publications, is the author of the portrait painting book Fearless Portraits, and is a signature member of several prestigious art societies, including the National Watercolor Society. Jill works in both watermedia and oil paints and has exhibited extensively throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as well as in national shows. In addition to her work as an artist, Jill is an active member of the arts community. She has curated many multi-medium group shows and is the founder of the Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia. Additionally, she produces art appreciation videos for her highly successful YouTube Channel where her videos inspire and inform an international audience of over 5 million viewers.