Exploring Composition with Heather Quay

In this one-day workshop, we will focus on strengthening the design of a painting, actively considering the ways in which the visual elements of a scene can be arranged to make the final image both interesting and compelling. We will discuss various compositional approaches and “rules,” thinking about how to create a center of interest and lead a viewer’s eye through a painting. In the morning, you will create a number of small studies, all from the same photo reference, exploring distinct compositional schemes. In the afternoon, you will create a larger piece, using the scheme you find most appealing—there are no wrong choices! All students will have personalized feedback and guidance. This class is appropriate for all levels. While the instructor works in pastel, students in this class are welcome to work in any medium. A materials list will be provided in advance.

About the Instructor: Heather Quay

“My goal is to have my paintings capture the feeling of a particular time and place. I have always been fascinated by the way that painters portray the quality and temperature of light. As a pastel painter, I continue to be drawn to scenes where the light is the central character. Whatever I am painting – from landscapes, both natural and manmade, to figures, animals, and portraits – I’m always striving to render the light I see onto the surface of my artwork.”

Heather’s work has been included in national and international juried exhibits, and has won a number of awards. She is an Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America, and a Signature Member of the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, the Connecticut Pastel Society, the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society, and the Maryland Pastel Society. She is also a member of the North River Arts Society, the Pastel Society of New Hampshire and the Lyme Art Association. Heather’s paintings have appeared in The Pastel Journal and she is a Featured Artist on the Artsy Shark website. More about Heather and her work can be found at www.heatherquay.com

Materials list:

Coming soon!