1. Using Colour Utilize artists as master teachers.
Use colour schemes that express mood or tone.
Do not limit yourself to similar imagery.
Example: Use the colours of a landscape for a portrait.
When working from life consider coloured light.
Print original self directed photos in black and white to avoid predicable colours.
Experiment with colours on a test page first.
Blend your own colours. Never work directly from a tube.
Ask yourself what colours would create the color you seek. Example: It is bluish, greenish, brownish.

2. Field Test Colors First

3. Inspired by Erin Morrison “Journal 2007”
Student Work

4. Inspired by Jylian Gustlin “Erro 15”
Student Work

5. Inspired by David Cobley, “At The Easel I”
Student Work

6. Inspired by Larry Rivers “Washington Crossing the Delaware”
Student Work

7. Composition
Composition can make a good drawing great and a great drawing amazing.
Poor composition can make a technically good artwork bad.
Always consider visual movement in a work of art.
Thumbnails are essential. The more thumbnails you have the more options you have for success. Typically the first idea is the least interesting.
Consider the interior composition, the edges, and depth within the space.
Avoid central composition
If you are struggling use a viewfinder to help you explore possible compositions.
Combine thumbnails if they are too boring.
Edit. Edit. Edit. Consider cropping part of your image off to eliminate space.

8. EXPLORE A VARIETY OF IDEAS and different viewpoints

9. Consider Format

10. Allow Objects to be Cropped

11. Overlapping and Layering to Create Interest

12. Repetition to move the eye around the page

13. Layering and Repetition

14. Thanks to:
Nicole D Brisco
School Arts Contributing Editor