ART BY DESIGN: Principles in Practice with Kim Morrow

THURS & FRI, 6/19, 6/20 | 9:30-4PM | ALL LEVELS | $150M / $175NM

Take your artwork to the next level with a deeper understanding of design! In this two-day class with artist and designer Kim Morrow, you'll explore the principles of composition through study pieces and guided discussion. Work in collage, mixed media, or your preferred medium to apply new concepts and refine your visual storytelling. All levels welcome—bring in-progress work for feedback!

Read on for more...

In this two-day workshop, artist and graphic designer Kim Morrow will guide you through an in-depth exploration of the essential principles of design and composition. Through insightful discussion and visual examples, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what makes a piece visually strong and engaging.

Using collage, mixed media, or a medium of your choice, you’ll create a series of study pieces that explore key design concepts—balance, contrast, rhythm, unity, and more. These studies will serve as the building blocks for developing a more refined and intentional composition on the second day.

This workshop is open to artists of all levels and working in any medium. Whether you're a beginner wanting to build strong habits or a seasoned artist looking to refresh your eye, you'll leave with a better grasp of how to make your work more cohesive and impactful. Students are encouraged to bring works-in-progress for personalized feedback and guidance.

Day 1: Discussion of design principles, guided studies, and review of current works.
Day 2: Deeper development of a chosen composition with instructor support.

Come ready to learn, experiment, and grow your visual voice through thoughtful design.

SUPPLIES:
Please pack a lunch!

Notebook/sketchbook for lecture handouts and note-taking

Substrate for exercises relating to the design principle

Pencil, pens or Dry medium, brushes

Wet medium, mark making tools for wet medium (brushes, palette knives)

Heavy paper, board or canvas for in depth development (any size, square or rectangle) your preference

Matt or gloss medium and/or gel medium for collage

Materials for collage (papers, cardboard, packaging, found papers)

Frog or masking tape to secure work area
Common Supplies Available @ YAA (but feel free to bring your own!)

Have a Question?
Email Kim at: kimorroworks@gmail.com

KIM MORROW, BFA, Advertising, Kutztown University , MFA, Graphic Design, Marywood University

During my professional life, I have been a graphic designer, book designer, art director, and creative team supervisor. For 19 years I was an owner/partner of a graphic design studio. The last 18 years I was an instructor of digital graphic design at a technical school, seven of which as the program director coinciding with three years as co-director of web design. I also served one year as acting drafting program director.

Mediums: Acrylic, watercolor, collage, mixed mediums, digital collage papers, gelli plate printing, pencil, marker, charcoal, colored pencils are a few that I work with regularly. I am always looking to experiment with a new technique. I also love working in 3D and enjoy book making and graphic design

My focus has become an exploration in color, texture, deconstruction layering over a structure of basic intuitive design harmony. My influences have been fine artists and great graphic designers. As an educator, I studied theories and principles of design and composition. I found I have a great love for typography so you may see letters, words and phrases creep into my work as well.