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Basics of Composition and Color with Fran Failla

Saturday, October 25

10am – 2pm

Price:

$80

This workshop takes students through the 10 basic rules and secrets of how to create a dynamic composition for a two-dimensional work of art. The student will receive a broad spectrum of information and guidelines ranging from “the rule of threes” to viewpoint, perspective, and how to create depth. This can be realized in any medium, from drawing with pencil or charcoal, to painting with watercolor, oil, or acrylics. Regardless of the medium, the steps are the same. 

Once the composition is in place; color, with all its rules and secrets, becomes an interesting addition. We will also touch on the basics of the color wheel and how to mix colors so that the objects you create look three dimensional and alive.

Instruction includes the theory and application of the 10 basic rules of composition, challenging the student to figure out how to utilize these rules to set up dynamic composition for the subject to be drawn/painted, the use of depth, shapes and values, and live demonstrations. Still life set ups will be arranged, with the help of the students, for the class to work from. 

This workshop is suitable for beginners and advanced students who want to further their knowledge and skill. 

*Students must supply their own materials.  

 

Suggested Materials List

*Note: Students MUST bring their own disposal method for all paints and solvents as The Morean Arts Center does not provide disposal. 

Pencil or Charcoal: Those using these mediums only 

HB, 2B, 4B, 6B

Blending Sticks

Erasers

Drawing paper

Paints:

Flake white (the non-toxic kind) Note: Do not buy/use Zinc White (For acrylics, use Titanium)
Dioxazine Purple
Alizarin Crimson
Ivory Black
Burnt Umber
Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue
Venetian Red
Cadmium Red Light
Cadmium Yellow Dark
Cadmium Yellow Light
Naples Yellow or Naples Yellow Light
Yellow Ochre or Yellow Ochre Light

Brushes:

Note: If possible, brushes should not be bristle. Choose brushes with a soft, flexible texture.

Filberts #8, #10 and #12
Flats #10 and #16
Palette:
Paper or plastic palette is fine. Do not use wooden pallets.

Medium: For those using oil only

Cold Pressed or Refined Linseed Oil (Do not use any solvents such as Terpenoid or Turpentine) 

Canvas:

Canvas can be either stretched or panels, either cotton or linen. Canvas size should be 8” x 10” or
larger. Bulk packaged canvas is okay.

Additional Materials:

Paper towels or clean cotton rags
The Master’s brush cleaner tub or bar soap

I began painting in oils when I was in my early teens and have been painting for over 50 years. I studied for many years at the Art Students Leage in New York City and am trained in classical oil painting. My specialty is still life. 

I moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2018 and have continued to study, paint, and teach oil since that time. I have been awarded the Creative Pinellas Emerging Artist Grant in 2024, and the Halo Arts Project Fellowship Award in 2025.