Composition–II

Course Type	Course Code	No. Of Credits
Discipline Core	SCC1VA110	4

1. Does the course connect to, build on or overlap with any other courses offered in AUD?

This course builds upon Composition–I and is closely connected with Drawing–II, Painting, Design, and Visual Studies. It develops students' understanding of visual organisation by integrating the human figure, colour application, conceptual thinking, and environmental observation. While complementary to other studio courses, it has a distinct focus on advanced compositional development.

2. Specific requirements on the part of students who can be admitted to this course: None (Pre-requisites; prior knowledge level; any others – please specify)

Students should have successfully completed Composition–I or possess an equivalent understanding of the basic principles of visual composition. The course is intended for Second Semester BVA students.

3. No. of students to be admitted (with justification if lower than usual cohort size is proposed):

Usual cohort size as approved for the Bachelor of Visual Arts programme.

4. Course scheduling (semester; semester-long/half-semester course; workshop mode; seminar mode; any other – please specify):

Semester: I
Duration: Semester-long
Mode: Studio-based Practical Course

5. How does the course link with the vision of AUD?

Composition–II reflects AUD's commitment to creativity, critical inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and socially engaged art practice. Through figure composition, colour studies, conceptual exploration, and outdoor observation, students develop analytical thinking, creative expression, and cultural sensitivity while strengthening their visual communication skills.

6. How does the course link with the specific programme(s) where it is being offered?

This is a Core Practical Course in the Bachelor of Visual Art programme. It strengthens the compositional abilities introduced in the first semester and prepares students for advanced studio practices including Painting, Mural, Illustration, Printmaking, and Contemporary Visual Art.

Course Description:

Composition–II is an intermediate-level practical studio course that builds upon the principles of visual organization introduced in Composition–I. The course emphasizes the integration of human figures, colour, and conceptual thinking in creating meaningful visual compositions. Students explore proportion, gesture, tonal values, colour harmony, and imaginative interpretation through studio practice and outdoor observation. By combining observation with creativity, the course develops students' ability to produce expressive, narrative, and concept-based compositions, preparing them for advanced studio practices in visual arts.

Course Objectives: The course aims to:

Develop advanced compositional skills through the integration of the human figure.
Enhance understanding of colour application, tonal values, and visual harmony.
Encourage imaginative, conceptual, and narrative approaches to composition.
Strengthen observational abilities through outdoor and nature-based studies.
Foster creativity, visual communication, and individual artistic expression.
Prepare students for advanced studio practices in Painting, Design, and other visual art disciplines.

Course Outcomes: At the end of the course students will be able to:

CO1	Create balanced compositions incorporating the human figure with correct proportion, gesture, and spatial organization.
CO2	Apply colour theory, tonal values, and shading techniques to communicate mood and atmosphere effectively.
CO3	Develop imaginative and conceptual compositions demonstrating creativity and visual problem-solving skills.
CO4	Produce observational compositions based on outdoor and nature studies with sensitivity to environment and space.
CO5	Integrate technical proficiency with personal expression in studio-based compositional works.
CO6	Present, analyse, and critically evaluate their compositional portfolio using appropriate artistic vocabulary and visual communication skills.

Modules and Readings

Module 1 (Lecture Hours Weeks 1–4)

Module Name: Human Figure in Composition: Proportion and Gesture

This module introduces the integration of the human figure into visual compositions. Students will study proportion, anatomy, posture, gesture, balance, and spatial relationships while developing expressive figure-based compositions through observation and studio practice.

Readings with page numbers:

Suggested Readings with page no.

Nicolaides, Kimon. The Natural Way to Draw. Houghton Mifflin, pp. 45–110.

Hogarth, Burne. Dynamic Figure Drawing. Watson-Guptill, pp. 18–72.

Loomis, Andrew. Figure Drawing for All It's Worth. Titan Books, pp. 20–85.

Simblet, Sarah. Anatomy for the Artist. DK Publishing, pp. 25–90.

Module 2 (Lecture Hours Weeks 5–7)

Module Name: Color Application: Tonal Values, Shading, and Mood Creation

This module focuses on colour application in composition. Students will explore colour harmony, tonal values, shading techniques, contrast, and expressive use of colour to create atmosphere, emotion, and visual depth within compositions. Readings with page numbers:

Suggested Readings with page no.

Itten, Johannes. The Elements of Color. John Wiley & Sons, pp. 15–80.

Albers, Josef. Interaction of Color. Yale University Press, pp. 20–68.

Gurney, James. Color and Light. Andrews McMeel Publishing, pp. 25–95.

Smith, Ray. The Artist's Handbook. DK Publishing, pp. 52–118.

Module 3 (Lecture Hours Weeks 8–11)

Module Name: Creative Interpretation: Imaginative and Conceptual Compositions

This module encourages students to develop imaginative and concept-based compositions through observation, memory, and creative thinking. Students will explore narrative, symbolism, abstraction, and visual storytelling while translating ideas and emotions into original compositions.Readings with page numbers:

Suggested Readings with page no.

Arnheim, Rudolf. Art and Visual Perception. University of California Press, pp. 45–110.

Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. Penguin Books, pp. 9–72.

Gombrich, E. H. The Story of Art. Phaidon Press, pp. 15–58.

Elkins, James. Why Art Cannot Be Taught. University of Illinois Press, pp. 35–92.

Module 4 (Lecture Hours Weeks 12–15)

Module Name: Outdoor Composition: Nature Study

This module focuses on creating compositions through direct observation of natural surroundings. Students will study landscapes, trees, architectural elements, and environmental spaces while developing an understanding of perspective, atmosphere, spatial organization, and compositional balance. Outdoor sketching and field studies will strengthen observational and interpretative skills.

Suggested Readings with page numbers:

Ruskin, John. The Elements of Drawing. Dover Publications, pp. 40–98.

Gurney, James. Color and Light. Andrews McMeel Publishing, pp. 96–158.

Mason, Antony. Drawing Nature. Arcturus Publishing, pp. 18–76.

Lauer, David & Pentak, Stephen. Design Basics. Cengage Learning, pp. 52–118.