Learn Basics of Composition in Art

Unlock the power of composition by learning dynamic symmetry in art and design in this online class.


Alexander Hayden
Alexander Hayden
3k followers
5.0 (3)

1.5 hours Class size 1 to 30 guests     $100


Learn how to create visually compelling compositions using dynamic symmetry in this online art class! This is a time-tested tool used by artists, photographers, and filmmakers to craft balanced and striking images.
In this 1-hour virtual primer, you’ll explore how professionals like painters, tattoo artists, photographers, and videographers use dynamic symmetry to guide the viewer's eye and create impactful works of art.
What you'll learn:
  • The basics of dynamic symmetry and how it shapes composition
  • Real-world examples from films like Dune and Blade Runner 2049 and historical photographs by renowned artists such as famous photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, and painters like Adam Miller & William Bouguereau
  • A hands-on exercise to identify symmetry lines in existing artworks
  • Practical techniques to apply dynamic symmetry to your own work, whether digital or traditional
This class is ideal for anyone working in visual arts—painters, tattoo artists, photographers, videographers, illustrators, and beyond. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, you'll gain insight into how to build stronger, more intentional compositions.
By the end of this class, you’ll have a clear understanding of composition basics and how dynamic symmetry can elevate your compositions, and a newfound ability to see the hidden structure in iconic works of art.
About Your Instructor:
I’ve incorporated dynamic symmetry into my own professional work for years, from fine art to digital design, and I’ll share examples of how I’ve used it to enhance my compositions. You’ll leave this class with practical tools and a fresh perspective on how to structure your art.
Add-on available for this class
  • Drawing Kit (pencils, sketchpad, erasers, etc) ($20)
You can add these when you book (optional).
 
Knowledge required
No skills are required! This class is suitable for beginners.
 
What to bring
You’ll need either an iPad with a stylus and Procreate, or a sketchbook and a pencil. If you need, I can send you a starter drawing kit. Be sure to select the kit when you book this lesson!
 
Suitable for
This class is great for team building and other group events.
Your teacher

Alexander Hayden
Alexander Hayden

3k followers
5.0 (3)

Hi, my name is Alexander Hayden and I'm an artist.
I began working with charcoal and oil paint at age 14, and now have 15 years of consistent experience with drawing (graphite and charcoal), painting with acrylic, oil, and pastel, photography (film + digital, as well as editing experience), digital art (well-versed in ProCreate), tattoos, art business work (preparing and selling art, navigating gallery and museum relationships), and more generally how to live as an artist and maintain an obsession with artistic expression and growth. That includes how art can be a tool to help you live a better life. I've shown work in galleries in NYC and Chicago, I now split my time between NYC and Paris and am well-involved in the artistic communities of each of these art hubs.
I've studied many well-respected teachers and artists and understand how best to learn the skills of figurative artwork and portraiture from the foundation up. I’ve lost count of the number of books on anatomy, figure drawing, oil painting techniques and materials, and philosophy of artmaking that I’ve read. Having been through a long journey of learning to draw and paint and photograph, I can caution against pitfalls and guide towards efficient growth. You get to learn from my experience.
I love to teach.
I teach above all because I truly enjoy it. The moment people go "Aha! This is working" is a moment I live for in my own work, and to see it in others is to experience that same joy myself.
We'll tailor teaching methodology to your level of experience and your goals, and we'll keep the focus on building your portfolio of artwork. The more work you make, the better. Building and maintaining the habit of good art-making is a process that requires accountability, and I'll help you maintain that accountability to yourself.
​Our classes will be focused on helping you make final pieces of artwork that you'll be proud of, and constantly making even better work after that.
​

Gift this class

With our gift card, they can book this class at a time that suits them

They can also choose from our 4,000+ other experiences

Gifting options
2025-01-03 15:00:00
4FHB8OR140 b96a490f1dd90bcefdba5812d2d1076a production New York City NY US new-york-city