Composition can make or break a painting (come to think of it, composition is also an essential ingredient in photography, quilting, embroidery, scrapbooking, etc.) Unlike many would-be instructional titles, Mastering Composition is a detailed program that truly earns its designation as a “video course,” covering a wide range of topics under the chapter headings "Thinking in Abstract Shapes," "The Need for an Armature," "How the Eye Moves on the Picture Plane," "Framing and Cropping," and "Value and Color Shapes," while also offering workshop critiques and demonstrations. Serving up an excellent mix of the inspirational and the practical, instructor Ian Roberts places a welcome emphasis on studying masterworks of art to gain insights and ideas, while also providing numerous exercises designed to improve viewers' skills. Interestingly, the accompanying booklet opens with a section on “Finding Your Own Voice,” something many how-to titles do not cover. While a little expensive for an instructional title, Mastering Composition delivers strong informational value overall. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)
Mastering Composition: Techniques and Principles to Dramatically Improve Your Painting
(2004) 2 videocassettes or discs. 150 min. VHS or DVD: $129 (booklet included). Atelier Saint-Luc (dist. by Instructional Video). PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 0-9728723-1-0 (dvd). Volume 19, Issue 6
Mastering Composition: Techniques and Principles to Dramatically Improve Your Painting
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