Art Techniques | 31 May 2017Developing and Refining a Composition Share article facebook twitter google pinterest The Art of Chalk shows you how to create incredible designs, font, and art using chalk. Before you start creating, take a crash course in composition. Once an artist has an idea of what he or she wants to draw—having explored the subject matter and found compositional alternatives to develop—the process of documenting the subject matter with preliminary works begins, either through pencil or charcoal sketches, color studies, additional photographs, or even computer drafts. Some artists like to manipulate or alter photographs to investigate compositional options. The process becomes less about the accuracy of a scene or live model and shifts to the photographic representation, which then becomes the subject matter for the composition. Composite images are also one benefit of using a photo library. Selecting images or components of images from a variety of sources can open one’s imagination to create an image that simply doesn’t exist in nature. Another method used to evaluate a composition is through the use of a frame with a transparent film layer mounted inside. The transparent film layer would then have a grid marked out on it—either in vertical and horizontal orientation or with a diagonal X orientation—to handily show how a selected com-position would scale up to the larger dimensions of a finished piece. One way to assess a composition is to isolate it with the help of precut matboard “frames.” By moving the frame over an image, an artist can quickly assess the various views available, as well as a horizontal or vertical layout, at the scale associated with the final working surface. If it looks good in the frame, it will probably look good on paper. With its meticulous color placement and varying object heights, this composition by Otto Stürcke leads the viewer’s eye around the entire painting. Stürcke prefers to work from life, so he spends a significant amount of time and energy on building his composition by carefully arranging the objects in his still life. The importance of finding a harmonious solution to the various elements he is drawing is key to telling a specific story—a connection with those items he is about to paint. Haphazard set- ups are not acceptable; Stürcke believes that the composition grabs the viewer’s attention more than content and that good composition- al design cannot be achieved with little thought. This stage of the process is very important to spend time on to make sure the composition is exactly correct for him. Using any of these options, either separately or in combination, each artist has a unique manner of accessing creative ideas that work with his or her own particular process. Buy from an Online Retailer US: Chalk, a ubiquitous and versatile implement made from limestone, is much more than a humble tool for jotting impermanent notes. With a wide range of uses in art and design, chalk is quickly becoming a favorite of artists around the world to create impressive works of art. In The Art of Chalk, noted street painter Tracy Lee Stum takes an inspiring look at the many exciting creative applications for this easily accessible medium. With a historic overview of chalk’s origins as an art medium, and how its artistic uses have evolved over the centuries, this book is a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to get creative with this time-honored art medium. Featuring the impressive work of some of today’s most prominent artists and designers, The Art of Chalk explores helpful and inspiring techniques used in typography and lettering, fine art, and the intricate, elaborate, and mind-bending chalk designs known as street art. In the resources section, you’ll even find a detailed listing of chalk festivals held around the world Share article facebook twitter google pinterest If you have any comments on this article please contact us or get in touch via social media.
