Skillshare
SubscriptionComposition Rules: The Art & Science of Better Visuals
4.5(142)6k students
Good composition isn't arbitrary—it's grounded in principles that guide the viewer's eye and tell your visual story. This class investigates the science and art behind classic composition rules like the Rule of Thirds, Spatial Divisions, Journey, and the Golden Ratio.
Through investigation and hands-on projects, you'll learn why these principles work and how to apply them to paintings, drawings, or any visual design work. The course asks you to think like a designer: how does composition control what viewers see first? How do proportions affect emotion? By building this understanding, you'll move beyond following rules and start composing with intention. The projects teach you to express your story visually from the very beginning of your work.
Welcome to Composition Rules: The Art & Science of Better Visuals.
This class is somewhere between a beginner and intermediate level, aimed primarily at artists, and by the end you’ll be sailing through creating better visuals in all you do. If you’re a designer, illustrator, photographer… you’re still going to be able to apply what you learn with me to your craft.
Join me for a concise, but full investigation of why we learn to design our compositions according to traditional principles such as The Rule of Thirds, Spacial Divisions and Journey, and of course, The Golden Ratio. The projects will have you thinking like a designer so that the crucial beginning of a new painting or drawing expresses exactly the story you want to tell to the viewer.
You’re not going to want to miss this class.
Let me help you understand and apply the Art & Science of Better Visuals through Composition Rules.
For this class, you’re going to need:
And for the bonus project:
I also recommend a notebook or sketchbook for taking notes, because there is a lot of information to absorb, but remember you can always watch again too.
I’m really looking forward to you being a part of this class and showing me your work.
Thank you for being here.
Let’s get started!
Note: All examples in this class are either public domain or the creation of the author/artist, Jen Dixon.
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Skillshare membershipIncluded with a Skillshare subscription
This course is included with a Skillshare membership subscription.
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Taught by Jen Dixon — Abstract & figurative artist, educator
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