I
Soviet Training in Composition
Daud explains his Soviet training in composition and his approach to painting from memory. He shares how students were required to bring imaginative compositions to class twice weekly.
2m
MasterDemos
Daud Akhriev: Composing from Memory & Imagination
Daud Akhriev: Composing from Memory & Imagination
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Watch a Soviet-trained master painter transform memories of a Moroccan port into a complex multi-figure composition.
About the Course
Learn Daud's approach to painting from memory and imagination
Watch the course trailer
Meet Daud and Melissa and get inspired to start painting from your imagination.
Join Daud Akhriev in his home studio as he paints complex compositions from imagination and memory. Drawing from his rigorous Soviet art education, Daud recreates the chaos and energy of a Moroccan fishing port.
Watch him orchestrate multiple figures, seagulls, and boats into a dynamic scene, sharing priceless insights along the way about simplifying complexity, managing color relationships and creating visual pathways.
PART 1
Foundation and Concept
Transform collected visual experiences into dynamic compositions
1
Starting the Composition
Daud begins with memories of the Moroccan port, establishing the chaos of seagulls and fishermen. He demonstrates how to translate collected sketches and observations into a dynamic composition.
10m
2
Building the Structure
The initial drawing takes shape as Daud places key elements throughout the canvas. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong compositional foundation before adding color.
10m
3
First Color Notes
Daud introduces color relationships and establishes his palette. He explains how to create harmony while capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the port.
9m
4
Developing Forms
Work begins on the boats and architectural elements. Daud shows how to suggest complex structures without getting lost in details.
12m
5
Adding Figures
Fishermen are placed strategically to create focal points and lead the eye through the composition. Each figure serves a specific purpose in the overall design.
10m
6
Seagulls and Movement
Daud captures the chaos and energy of birds in flight above the port. He demonstrates how to create dynamic movement while maintaining compositional balance.
13m
7
Refining Relationships
Values and color harmony are adjusted throughout the painting. Daud explains how small changes can dramatically improve the overall unity.
7m
8
Building Complexity
Additional layers are added while maintaining clarity in the composition. Daud shows how to increase visual interest without creating confusion.
10m
PART 2
Development and Details
Add personality to figures while creating convincing atmospheric perspective
9
Character Development
Daud adds personality and individuality to the fishermen figures. Each character contributes to the storytelling aspect of the painting.
10m
10
Atmospheric Perspective
Depth and distance are created through careful color and value adjustments. Daud demonstrates how to push elements back in space convincingly.
12m
11
Boat Structures
The fishing vessels receive detailed attention to enhance their authenticity. Daud balances accurate observation with artistic interpretation.
9m
12
Color Temperature
Warm and cool relationships are refined throughout the composition. These temperature shifts help create depth and atmosphere.
9m
13
Foreground Elements
The immediate space is strengthened to draw viewers into the painting. Daud emphasizes the importance of a strong foreground foundation.
10m
14
Middle Ground
Connections are established between foreground and background elements. This crucial area helps unify the entire composition.
10m
15
Light Effects
Sky reflections and highlights bring luminosity to the scene. Daud shows how light can unify disparate elements.
10m
16
Texture and Pattern
Visual interest is added through varied textures and patterns. These elements prevent monotony in busy compositions.
12m
PART 3
Refinement and Resolution
Master strategic refinements that bring a complex composition to cohesion
17
Focal Point Refinement
The visual hierarchy is strengthened to guide the viewer's eye effectively. Daud ensures key areas command appropriate attention.
10m
18
Edge Quality
Soft and hard transitions are carefully balanced throughout the painting. Edge control helps create depth and focus.
14m
19
Color Accents
Strategic placement of bright colors adds life and energy. Daud demonstrates restraint in using intense hues.
9m
20
Simplifying Complexity
Rest areas are created for the eye within the busy composition. Daud shows how simplification can enhance rather than diminish impact.
12m
21
Figure Details
Final refinements are made to the fishermen characters. Small touches bring each figure to life.
11m
22
Bird Movement
The seagull patterns are finalized to maximize dynamic energy. Daud ensures the birds enhance rather than distract from the composition.
10m
23
Atmospheric Unity
The entire painting is harmonized through subtle adjustments. Every element now contributes to the overall atmosphere.
12m
24
Final Color Notes
Last color adjustments and accents are carefully placed. These final touches bring vibrancy to the completed work.
15m
PART 4
Completion
Navigate the crucial final stages with Daud's systematic approach to completion
25
Foreground Resolution
The immediate area receives final attention and resolution. Every element in the foreground now supports the overall composition.
9m
26
Background Adjustments
Subtle refinements are made to distant elements. These adjustments ensure proper atmospheric perspective.
13m
27
Detail Balance
Daud demonstrates knowing when to stop adding information. He shows how restraint can strengthen a painting's impact.
13m
28
Final Edges
Last adjustments to edge quality throughout the composition. These subtle changes significantly impact the painting's cohesiveness.
5m
29
Color Harmony Check
Overall unity is ensured through final color relationships. Daud makes minute adjustments that tie everything together.
15m
30
Signature Details
Personal touches are added that complete the work. These final marks reflect Daud's unique artistic voice.
10m
31
Net Textures
Fishing nets and gear add authentic detail to the scene. These elements enhance the narrative without overwhelming the composition.
10m
32
Light Unification
Final light adjustments bring consistency throughout the painting. The lighting now feels natural and convincing.
9m
33
Small Accents
Tiny details are added that bring life to the overall scene. These small touches have significant visual impact.
7m
34
Final Review
Daud steps back to assess the painting's completion. He shares insights on knowing when a work is truly finished.
10m
35
Closing Thoughts
Final reflections on the process of painting from memory and imagination. Daud summarizes key lessons learned throughout the demonstration.
9m
FREE GIFT
Digital Workbook
Comprehensive workbook with key insights and exercises from Daud's course
This comprehensive workbook accompanies Daud's course, providing key insights from each lesson and exercises to reinforce the concepts of painting from memory and imagination. Perfect for tracking your progress and revisiting important techniques.
Meet the Artist
Daud Akhriev brings a unique perspective shaped by his rigorous Soviet art education, where students developed imaginative compositions twice weekly. His approach combines meticulous observation through on-location sketches with the ability to synthesize these memories into complex, dynamic paintings.