12-Minute class in Procreate - Composition Breakdown

Overview

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By the end of this course, you will be able to break down any composition into a simple, structured painting process using a proven method based on values and color relationships. You’ll learn how to move from a flat midtone to highlights and details through a sequence of manageable steps that can be applied to virtually any subject. In this course, instructor Maurizio De Angelis introduces one of the most fundamental concepts in painting: composition breakdown. Drawing from traditional techniques used by the Old Masters, you'll discover a practical workflow for simplifying complex subjects into clear painting stages. Working in Procreate, you'll follow a seven-step process that takes you from the initial midtone layer through shadows, lights, highlights, and final details. This course is ideal for beginner and intermediate digital artists who want to strengthen their painting foundations and develop a more confident approach to creating artwork. To be successful in this course, you should have basic familiarity with Procreate and its core tools. Whether you're painting still lifes, portraits, characters, or imaginative scenes, this method will give you a repeatable framework for tackling any composition with greater clarity and control.

Syllabus

Preparing Your Composition and Base Colors

In this module, learners are introduced to the overall composition workflow used throughout the class. By building the first layers with midtones and darker colors, learners will establish the foundational shapes, contrast, and visual balance needed for an effective digital illustration.

Building Contrast and Lighting in a Composition

This module focuses on strengthening visual contrast through layered color application. Learners will progressively add lighter and darker tones to refine depth, create lighting effects, and guide viewer attention within their composition.

Refining Details and Final Highlights

In the final module, learners complete their composition by adding highlights and refined details. These finishing techniques help bring the artwork to life while reinforcing a complete step-by-step workflow that can be repeated in future Procreate projects.