Making It Simple: Composition & Design

Hi everyone, I'm back! Sorry for the delay but life took a bit of a turn. But now that I'm back I'm very excited to jump back into my video series.

Making it simple is about boiling the elements of design to its simplest form - where do you put what? When starting a painting, you mark roughly where you're going to put elements and this is the first step to creating your composition. That's what painting is all about... composition and design.

So follow along as I go through some simple exercise to get you thinking about composition and design. As always, if you have any questions, topics you'd like me to discuss, or anything else, please reach out or leave them in the comments below. Don't forget to like and subscribe and ring the bell to be notified whenever I post a new video.

Hugs,
Gwen

[Karibee]

FABULOUS! Thank you for inspiring me. Much love and peace from London UK ❤

[carolclay]

Thank you for validating what I've suspected is true for me. ! I've tried the theory of "just get some paint on the canvas and go from there...don't think about anything...don't start with a plan". It has never worked for me. I need some idea of a plan, a direction, some kind of intention. And by the way, I love those earrings!

[grozdavranic]

This is so uplifting..Thank you Gwen...

[francoislauzon]

150% agree! I definitely need a plan, a direction. As a beginner with abstract and semi-abstract, i need to learn the design rules. In the past few years i've been watching many artists on Youtube. I always felt some kind of discomfort seeing someone "throwing" paint on a canvas and randomly making marks. But as you said, it works for some painters. We have to make mistakes and try different approaches until we find our way, our own voice. Thank you so much for this very useful advice.

[kaseyp]

Ack - what does it say about me if I choose the "incorrect" ones? I knew the right answers of course, but for some reason most of the bad design samples were more pleasing for me to look at. Good thing I don't plan on selling my art :) Guess I'm just a rule breaker!

[denisemurray]

Hi, Gwen glad to have you back with us. Backs are devilish things once You've hurt them take care looking forward to next week.

[The]

Thanks a lot.! I really appreciate your kindness, your intelligence (very unsuitable or unintelligent speaker - the one who told you that you aren't enough at school ;-) ). I learn with you so much and your energy drive me positivly. I listen to you this morning with my coffe and after I'll go in my workshop and will inhabited by good orientations and a warm and sunny 'vibe'. Really thanks a lot for who you are, your knowledge and generosity. I worked with you for an individual meeting in connection for a commission that I had (maybe 2 years ago ?). I really appreciated. I don't feel comfortable enough in English to do it again for now, but listening to you is teaching me a lot about painting, doing me good - and gradually improving my English!

[fcruz]

Glad to see you in good health! Welcome back!

[sparkofinterest]

Looking forward to the next few weeks! Thanks Gwen

[angelicoover]

Gwen,
I am so happy to see you back teaching us all elements of painting. See you soon...xo

[ellenvd]

Thanks so much for this video, looking forward to next week!

[valeriebarnett]

Dear Gwen so pleased to see you back and hope you are truly feeling better. Really look forward to the next few weeks and the possibility of at last getting the hang of desgn and the rest of the under pinning of a good piece of art. Take care...kind regards🙂

[lynnepfeffer]

So happy to know you are feeling better!!! Thanks for all this great information. Hugs.

[najmaarif]

Absolutely brilliant! Thank you for sharing so honestly.

[barbarageis]

So good you are back! I love the orange painting with the cut in the middle more. Reminds me on Rothko.

[kmarlowe]

I know it’s been a year since you put this video out but, I am so glad that I found it! You described my relationship with composition pretty accurately. I have a little bit of design experience from doing interiors and landscape design work. But, translating my intuitive decisions in the 3-D world onto a flat canvas has been challenging. Thank you for recognizing the need to simplify the process.

[susanbell]

Hi Gwen, I’m so pleased you have recovered and your back on top form. Can’t wait for the following weeks to learn more. Ps love your painting in the background the colours are beautiful.

[jacki]

Gosh, I’ve just received your email about you having Covid. How challenging for you and I’m so pleased to hear you have turned it into a positive experience in as many ways as you can find. I’m glad to see you are back but please keep paying attention to your body and your needs. We can wait Gwen, just prioritise your health. Plus how sweet re your doggies ❤️

[yeshuaiscomingbackrepent]

It is soooo good to see you! 🌷🎶🎺 It is funny, I have tried the design thing and then paint....it USUALLY does NOT work for me. We are all different and THATS the good part! I am excited about your next videos! Again, it is great to see you!😁🌷🎨🖌Have a BLESSED day!

[Lcampanelli]

Great information, do you happen to have printable for this series?