Series 35: COMPOSE LIKE SARGENT

Ordering Space – S35L2 Download

 This lesson is S35L2, Ordering Space of the COMPOSE LIKE SARGENT Series.  Using fir trees in snow as her reference,       Dianne explores Sargent’s method of creating order in visual space according to his use of dark positive shapes set in field of light to midtone forming the negative space, The Oyster Gatherers.

John Singer Sargent is among the most revered of historical realistic painters.  Many students copy his paintings in an attempt to learn his secrets.  But there’s another way:  rather than copy Sargent’s works outright, we can discern how he used a principle, then apply that same method to a study using a totally different subject.

In this Series, Dianne goes deep into four of Sargent’s methods by doing just this.

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 Rather than becoming refined paintings, all these lessons are studies, each showing a different approach for using a composing principle.  Dianne’s approach to teaching is to show you ways to think about making choices and decisions so that you can work these into your own unique approach to painting.

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With every brushstroke we make, we are composing.  Just as with any creation, we begin with a structure, then as the art work begins we place shapes and colors according the concept with which we are working.  But the time comes when we move to a different level of thinking and decision-making–that moment when our intention becomes to bring clarity and resolution to the work.

Among Dianne’s passions about painting and teaching painting is how composing principles can expand creative freedom if the artist transcends the “rule” idea and instead, transforms the principle into a tool that opens creative doors.

Read Dianne’s Compose blog posts HERE.  Visit Dianne’s website and example her work HERE.  And visit her YouTube Channel with dozens of Quick Tips HERE.