Confused about Composition in Abstract Art?

Balancing intuitive art and art principles in my mixed media classes

As a creative coach and teacher of mixed media and collage work in Los Angeles, I am always doing a balancing act between encouraging my students to be experimental and intuitive while injecting some art principles that will make them feel more successful in their process.

I am often asked: “How do I deal with composition in my abstract work?” Of course there is no one way to deal with it or teach it. Sometimes it depends on the message that you are trying to convey in your work. However, it is possible to teach some concepts that can be used to an artist’s advantage when you are feeling stuck in the process.

In the video below, I took the students through a very simple exercise that involved making 2 collages with limited color palettes, one using cut edges and one using torn edges. With these limitations, it was really amazing to see how it opened up some creative pathways to making these gorgeous pieces. I think that it also helped the students move out of their repetitive use of the same colors and compositions in their work.

“Thanks so much for the creative fuel. I always love being in your space, so tranquil and supportive 💕Irene ”