SPECIAL EVENT / LIVE SHORT COURSE
5 Core Practices of Composition
with Mitchell Albala, Master Artist & Mentor
Learn what to look for when composing a scene.
In addition to presenting examples of his own compositional process, Mitchell will compose/crop several subjects to demonstrate the practices in action:
LIMITED FOCUS to simplify and emphasize elements for compelling storytelling
VARIATION to create more engaging, less static compositions
MOVEMENT to convey flow and energy to capture and guide the viewer’s eye
PICTURE FORMAT to intentionally direct energy and movement
ACTIVE NEGATIVE SPACE to go from passive to enriched
BONUS: Mitchell will also explain the role of NOTAN and how to use the Notanizer app!
Audience: Fine Art Painters
Mediums: Any medium
Stage: Any stage
Runs: Sunday, February 23, 2025
Time: 11am – 1pm MT
$40.00
Price in USD
Course Description
Mitchell is a highly sought after instructor and mentor, you’ll be learning from the best of the best!
The first act of composition occurs when we look through our viewfinder or crop the subject. But what are we actually looking for when we do that? Is there more to it than ‘don’t put things in the center’?
Are we relying strictly on instinct to tell the difference between weak, better, and good composition? There are, in fact, several practical and easy-to-implement practices we can work with. The more awareness we have of them, the greater control we have over our compositions.
Supply List
No materials or supplies are needed.
Instructor Bio
Mitchell Albala is an award-winning landscape painter, workshop instructor, and author. His semi-abstract and atmospheric landscapes have been exhibited nationally and are represented in corporate and private collections. He is the author of two best-selling books on landscape painting: Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice (Watson-Guptill, 2009), with over 60,000 copies in print; and The Landscape Painter’s Workbook: Essential Studies in Shape, Composition, and Color (Rockport Publishers, 2022), which is currently the #1 selling book on landscape in the nation. Mitchell leads plein air workshops in Italy and teaches workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest. He is also a mentor with the online mentoring community Mastrius. He has lectured on Impressionism and landscape painting at the Seattle Art Museum and has written for International Artist and Artists & Illustrators magazines. Mitchell also hosts a popular painting blog, which is among feedspot.com’s “Top 100 Painting Blogs for Artists.” He is a Signature member of the Pastel Society of America.
🎥 COURSE RECORDINGS available for 1-MONTH after the course ends!
High School, University, and College students get 20% OFF. See FAQs at the bottom of page.
LIVE COURSE FAQ
How many registrations are required for a course to start?
A minimum of 8 registrations are required. If 8 registrations are not received by the time the course is 24 hours from starting, the course will be cancelled and all registrants will receive complete refunds.
What is the maximum number of people in a course?
This varies for each course. The maximum number of registrations is decided by the instructor.
Can I get a refund?
Up until 72 hours before a course’s first session you can receive a complete refund. You can cancel your registration via the My Account portal, or by contacting [email protected].
After this time no refunds will be given (if you have extenuating circumstances you believe justify a refund, contact us at [email protected]).
Can I register for a course already in progress?
No. Once a course has started, no new registrations are accepted.
Where will my course be held?
All courses meet online over Zoom. You will need a device equipped with a camera and a microphone to fully participate.
If you have not used Zoom before, learn about how to use it here.
If you don’t regularly use Zoom, we recommend you join your first session 10-15 minutes early in case your computer needs to install or update Zoom.
How do I join my course?
You will receive a welcome email from [email protected] when you register. This email includes the Zoom link to join your course session. You will also receive 24 hour and 2 hour reminder emails before each session, and each of these emails includes the Zoom link. You can also access the Zoom link to join your course in your MastriusChat group.
Are the sessions recorded?
Yes, every session is recorded and are typically available 24 hours after a session ends. All session recordings will remain available for the duration of the course, and for one month following the last session. The recordings are viewable within the MastriusChat platform, and cannot be downloaded.
What if I miss a session?
You’ll be able to watch the session’s recording. If you have questions the recording doesn’t address, you can ask them in the chat feed of your course’s private MastriusChat group.
What is MastriusChat?
MastriusChat is an online discussion platform. You and your fellow course registrants will be assigned to a private MastriusChat group where you can connect and support eachother via the chat “feed”. Your group is also where you’ll access the session recordings. Other resources in your MastriusChat group include a link to join your course sessions, and a library your instructor can use to share resources.
What is a Navigator?
A Navigator is an artist who joins your course to ensure both instructor and registrants have an enjoyable experience. They support (as required) with technology, timekeeping, moderating questions, and between-session discussions on MastriusChat. The Navigator has also joined the course as participant, and just like you, they’re wanting to grow their skills and learn the material.
I’m not ready to register because I still have questions. Who do I contact?
We’d be happy to help!
Reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to support you.
Get the STUDENT DISCOUNT
High School, University, and College students get 20% off ANY course (non-member price).
To claim this discount email [email protected] to enroll in the Student Program.