12-Minute class in Procreate - Composition Breakdown

Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.

12-Minute class in Procreate - Composition Breakdown

This course is part of Procreate Portrait Illustration for Beginners Specialization

Instructor: Skillshare

Included with

Learn more

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

3 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

3 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Procreate Portrait Illustration for Beginners Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

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.

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.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

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.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt

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.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Skillshare

206 Courses120,235 learners

Offered by

Skillshare

Explore more from Music and Art

Skillshare
Start Painting Colorful Portraits in Procreate
Course
Skillshare
Drawing Human Faces in Procreate: Intuitive Illustration
Course
Skillshare
Starting as a Digital Artist: Art Fundamentals & Expression
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.