Word from the Bridgeview Founder
Programs
Faculty
Student Gallery
Location and Contact Information
Tel. (718) 937-1300
Composition in Painting
Contemporary realists are often criticized
for lacking interest and emotion. Many artists become
technically skilled, but have a hard time finding what to
say with their artwork and how to say it. That is why
Bridgeview faculty treats the study of Composition as the
cornerstone of its program.
By doing endless compositional studies, the artists learn to organize space and express their "ideas and feelings" through the laws of plasticity. These laws explain the relationships of smaller and larger forms, balance of forms, color harmony and etc. Through the study of composition, students will find answers to the following questions:
- What should my painting be about?
- What is my unique language of expression?
- What technical and conceptual tools do I have to express my ideas?
A typical compositional assignment may be to choose a theme and produce a series of studies as a preparation for a painting. The project may include the following steps, not necessarily in this order:
- Black and white "idea" sketch;
- Research of characters, objects, environment (interior or landscape);
- Black and white and color studies for the painting;
- Proceeding to work on the actual painting.
Students receive guidance from the instructor, but the majority of work is done as a homework assignment in the studio or at home.