Composition Exercises - Visual Art

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Composition Introduction Now that you've explored and taken notes on the basics of composition, you will put this knowledge to work! The following exercises will help you practice and improve your understanding of composition.REMEMBER: It is OKAY to fail! These are practice exercises - you are not expected to create all perfect compositions. Do your best and learn from the feedback you get and you will be right on track. If you do not like the composition you created, move on to another version of the exercise.

Exercise #1: Shapes in space

1. Cut out at least 5 shapes from scrap paper (make sure they are all the same color - this is about positive and negative space, NOT color theory!)
2. Arrange the shapes in an interesting composition based on your composition notes and personal preferences. Make sure that BOTH the positive and negative space shapes are interesting, and that you have a balanced amount (roughly 50/50%) of positive and negative space.
3. Attach your final design on to the 5x7 paper (a different color than your shapes).
4. Sign your name on the back!
5. Complete AT LEAST 4 compositions using this method.

*Please wait to attach these into your sketchbook! We will discuss these composition exercises as a group and it will be easier to do so by laying them side by side on the table.

Exercise #2: Close-ups and abstraction

1. Choose a single object from the classroom (or one that you brought from home).
2. Choose one of the smaller pieces of paper to use -- 2x2 or 4x4
3. Draw a cropped/focused/isolated part of this object. Focus on interesting details, on the unique contours, or simplify shapes to abstract the form. Use the object as inspiration for creating well thought out compositional use of space.
4. Sign your name on the back!
5. Complete AT LEAST 6 compositions using this method.

*Please wait to attach these into your sketchbook! We will discuss these composition exercises as a group and it will be easier to do so by laying them side by side on the table.Check out this teacher's website for additional example images.

Exercise #3: objects in space

1. Gather objects of various sizes and shapes from around the classroom (and bring other from home!)
2. Trace your objects on to the 5x7 paper, layering the objects and creating interesting shapes of positive and negative space. Focus in on the more unique parts of each object. Combine the ideas from exercises 1 & 2 to create a well developed final product.
3. Color in the negative space with a color that contrasts with your paper color. (The example is drawn on blue construction paper, with the negative space filled in with white colored pencil.)
4. Sign your name on the back!
5. Complete AT LEAST 3 compositions using this method.

*Please wait to attach these into your sketchbook! We will discuss these composition exercises as a group and it will be easier to do so by laying them side by side on the table. Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Get Started