This masterclass aims to provide a practical hands-on exploration of designing a narrative composition; from staging a scene, through photography to editing. It is not strictly speaking a practical painting workshop.

Join Sean Layh for a three-day workshop at the Victorian Artists Society exploring the principles of dramatic narrative painting, from the initial conception of an idea to the staging and development of a compelling composition. Working with stage and screen actor Ella Prince, students will explore the world of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, using the play as the foundation for developing an original narrative painting.

Throughout the workshop, Sean will share his approach to constructing dramatic scenes, staging figures, and translating literary narratives into compelling visual images. Students will investigate the principles of composition, including the arrangement of figures, gesture, shape design, value, and the use of light and shadow to direct the viewer’s attention and convey meaning. Through practical exercises and demonstrations, participants will explore how artists can move beyond simply illustrating a story to create images that possess a strong sense of drama, atmosphere, and visual coherence.

A central component of the workshop will be the collaborative staging of a composition, allowing students to explore how actors, gesture, and physical relationships can inform the development of a scene. Sean will also demonstrate how Photoshop can be used as a compositional tool to arrange figures, combine reference material, and experiment with different visual solutions before committing to a final painting.

Suitable for artists of all levels, this workshop offers a practical introduction to the creative process behind narrative painting, combining the traditions of historical painting with contemporary tools and methods. Students will leave with a deeper understanding of dramatic composition and a range of practical strategies for developing their own ideas into compelling visual narratives.