New York Academy of Art

Designed for students of all skill levels, this course emphasizes both historical frameworks and contemporary strategies for organizing visual information within the picture plane. Students will study a range of compositional models—from classical structures rooted in geometry and proportion to modern and postmodern approaches emphasizing narrative, subversion and abstraction. Through lectures, critical analysis, and structured in-class assignments, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of key compositional elements, including spatial hierarchy, focal emphasis, value distribution, color theory, and movement. Each student will produce a series of compositional sketches, value and color studies, and create individualized reference materials that inform the development of a final painting. The course will culminate in a group critique and a brief written artist statement that reflects on formal decision-making, conceptual intent, and historical context. Emphasis is placed on cultivating visual literacy and making deliberate, thoughtful choices throughout the image-making process.