Basics of Composition and Color with Fran Failla
Saturday, November, 28
10am – 2pm
Price:
$80
Level
All Level
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.
Basic Composition and Color Workshop Suggested Materials List
Note: Students should wear a smock or apron to avoid damaging their clothing.
Paints: (either oil, acrylic or watercolor)
– Flake white (the non-toxic kind) Note: Do not buy/use Titanium or Zinc White
– Dioxazine Purple
– Alizarin Crimson
– Ivory Black
– Burnt Umber
– Ultramarine Blue
– Cerulean Blue (Optional)
– Venetian Red (Optional)
– Cadmium Red Light
– Cadmium Yellow Dark
– Cadmium Yellow Light
– Naples Yellow or Naples Yellow Light
– Yellow Ochre
Brushes: Note: If possible, brushes should not be hard bristle. Choose brushes with a soft, flexible
texture. (If you purchase at Michael’s, buy the “Zen” all media brand)
– Filberts #4 and #8,
– Flats #4
– Angle 5/8”
Palette:
– Paper or plastic palette is fine. Do not use wooden palettes.
Medium:
For oil paints only: Refine Linseed Oil (Do not use solvents such as Turpenoid or Turpentine)
Canvas:
– Canvas can be either stretched or panels, either cotton or linen. Canvas size should be 9” x 12” or
larger. Bulk packaged canvas is okay.
Additional Materials:
– Paper towels or clean cotton rags
– The Master’s brush cleaner tub or bar soap (For oil paints only)
For Pencil or Charcoal Pencils (Conte Crayon is also acceptable):
– HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
– Blending Sticks and erasers
– drawing paper
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.
