Messy Desk Dispatch: Composition

Composition for a drawing can be a puzzle that needs solving or appear when you least expect it. Here's a look at how I use composition in my sketchbooks.

Hello

In February I thought a good focus would be COMPOSITION.

I love experimenting with framing and playing with it in a sequence or in my sketchbook. It’s such a huge topic that this month I’m going to focus on how I use it in my sketchbook. I’ll explore filmic composition and framing in a later month.

In writing this I’ve realised that, for me, composition is either something that I plan when I’m starting a drawing or it can be a moment that appears before me that I really want to capture. It could be a situation that is funny, captures a feeling or that shows contrast, and I draw it quickly. The composition is mostly presented before me in the situation. I could take a photo but my sketch always has more feeling. These are sketches I made quickly, inspired by something I saw.

From the top L-R: Essential reading, fans surrounding a Van Gogh painting like paparazzi, eating lollies, the crowds at a Cezanne exhibition, children distracting each other in a nativity, 'The Muppets Christmas Carol' at the cinema, the bits of paintings you don't see because people are in the way, my suitcase on the way to hand in my final module of my MA, George Baselitz at the Tate..

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Planning a sketch

When I’m drawing in one place and have more time I think about composition and plan my sketch.

Here are some things I try to think about.