Color & Composition

Wednesday AM Class

  • In This Class, You'll Learn:

    Each new mark not only represents an element of design but also influences the entire dynamic of your painting.

    Implementing the elements of design enable an artist to guide the viewer successfully and help him understand what’s happening within an abstract painting.

    Through a combination of guided instruction, hands-on exercises, and personal exploration, students will learn how to express ideas and emotions using non-representational forms. Each session focuses on a key area of art—ranging from balance and rhythm to color relationships and intuitive mark-making.

    Design and composition does not lead to rules, guidelines, or formulas. Design and composition is a "lens"through which to view your work.


    What You’ll Learn:

    • foundational elements of composition: line, shape, space, variety, emphasis, contrast, and balance
    • to use color theory to evoke emotion and energy
    • to develop rhythm and movement in your work
    • how to edit your art and develop a critical eye
    • strategies for navigating the many stages artists encounter throughout the creative process of making a painting—without overworking their piece


    Students will walk away with many developed sketches and studies, but also a finished painting.

  • Supply List for Students to Bring:

    This is a studio class and students will be using their supplies on the first week.

    • Painting artist supplies and brushes
    • Canvases (no size requirement)
    • Mixed Media paper pad (9x12, 98lb or heavier paper)
    • Artist Tape
    • Drawing pencils or charcoal sticks
    • Personal sketchbook
    • Color Wheel
    • Quality paper towels, like Blue Shop Towels or Viva

  • WED AM Class Info:

    • ​Next session: August 20 - September 17
    • Instructor: Scott Allen
    • WED AM, 10:30am-1:30pm
    • Cost is $199 (5 classes)
    • Max 10 students 
    • Level: 2 (intermediate)
    • Age level: adult (18 & up)​
    • Parking Info

  • Who Should Take This Class:

    • those who want to stop overworking their art

    • those who want to understand composition

    • those who want to improve their color skills

    • those who want to be able to edit their art

Register Online

Cancellations & Refund Policies

About the Instructor

Scott Allen

Scott is a San Diego artist and represented through Ashton Gallery. His artistic process doesn’t stop with the last brush stroke. It continues to be enhanced through the eyes of the viewer, engaging their thoughts and emotions. Often a second or third look at one of his paintings reveals a new dimension not previously detected. It might be a brushstroke or how the eye sweeps across the canvas. Viewers are invited to be the judge.

Instructor Website

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