Really glad you're back Ian. My Tuesdays have just not been the same. I'll never tire of watching you paint and the effortlessness you project. I know it's NOT effortless, but you do make it look easy! Great video!
Ian, thank you for the encouragement to tackle such a scene with shadows. You have a gift of simplifying the painting. When I see you work, I think 'I can do it too!'
Watching you paint, I'm constantly reminded of how the the photo informs your work without dictating what appears on the canvas...how the painting becomes true to itself and whether or not it succeeds on its own merits in spite of the facts recorded in the photo. Always a pleasure to watch you work.
This is all true: I watched this video from beginning to 1:04, and had to stop. Started again, and stopped at the same place. In total, I started this video six times before my brain could stop seeing the deep truth of your words at play in all the dimensions of my life. The gift Richard Feynman had for inspiring physics down into the minds of beginners, you share in painting.
So glad you’re back. After watching your videos, I see shadows and light everywhere I go! Even when I’m driving my kids to school and see the morning sunrise over the fields. I find myself drawn to those photo references with the most contrasts. Thanks so much for your teachings!
To me there is a calm and contentment about your paintings Ian. in this one the shadows become protective and inviting. Thank you for this lovely video.
I just want to say thank you for showing yourself painting real time. I tend to think looser means faster and that is not the case. And there's a lot of people that do tutorials that they only do landscapes and they do not paint with any precision... Which I guess is fine for landscapes... So thank you very much for this video in real time... It really sets proper expectations
Ian, you are one of the best teachers I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. You have a talent for breaking it down, simplifying the task and making it accessible. Thank you!
As always, your instruction is inspiring. My 100-day project focuses on shadows so this is perfectly timed and informative. I have encouraged others to watch as a form of self-care during these times of great crisis. I always appreciate your reference to artists of the 19th century that make me linger. Thank you!!!
Ian, I could finally purchase your book on Mastering Composition, after several months of waiting for it on Amazon. It’s such a beautiful book; well thought out, easy to read, engaging and above all, such an awesome collection of your art. Thank you so much also for coming on RUclips and sharing your works with us. I am going to keep them side by side to learn more.
DV, thank you. That makes me very happy to hear that you are enjoying both the book and my videos. I hope you continue to practice and enjoy the painting process. All the best
I really enjoyed this video.. I was amazed at how you developed the shading. Didn't like it at first but that was the good part as you painted, I witnessed the growth of the idea of the paint becoming the image. This is my favorite of the few of your paintings I've seen. Thanks
I know that we have missed you this past month. I’m sure everyone else, like myself, would’ve gladly waited a whole month if we had known that this video was the next one you were going to do. So very helpful to be reminded of this. When I am out black-and-white photographing, I know if I get the shadow shapes right 90% of the work is done. And of course the last 10% is the other 90% that needs to be done… I paint digitally now and your instruction is so very helpful.
Hi RIchard I like your comment that the photo is 90% the light and dark shapes. Then that last 10% is the other 90% Great way to put it. All the best and glad you enjoyed the video.
Hello Ian, I have been hanging out with you for the last 5 weeks in your Mastering Composition course. I am just a beginner and I knew the course would be a challenge for me, but paper and pencil I thought I could handle it. Then this week ...stand on your head while crossing your legs, rubbing your tummy, whistling Dixie and press 3 buttons to grab a screen shot! Ha technology! I saw this in my inbox and thought do I really want more Ian in my life? YES, I do! Colour, painting so refreshing to see. Then I remembered why I'm challenging myself! Learning alot and I'm glad that the course will be available to go back to in the future. I am still grappling with some of the concepts but to be able to go back after applying what I'm learning will be invaluable to me! Thank you again for your talent and generosity!
Hi Andrea, nice to hear from you over here on RUclips. That's a good point to lift your head up sometimes and see the reason for why we're doing things. So I'm happy that this video brought some of that. I do introduce some foundational ideas in that course and it isn't likely that each one will hit home and register each week. But the idea is there. The principle is there. And as you say you can go back and rethink some of them as needed in the weeks ahead. All the best
Brilliant! Love how you break everything down into simple things that can be learned instead of just saying things that make no sense. So soothing just to listen to your voice and smile at every “out” fellow Canadian…
Thanks Ian! So glad you’re back. Wish I could have taken your course but budget wouldn’t allow. So these videos are very much appreciated. Looking forward to April’s episode 😊
Vous êtes un formidable pédagogue et on a envie de prendre les pinceaux immédiatement et de suivre vos conseils Un grand merci d’une petite française patronnée .
Geri dönmenize çok sevindim.Gene çok öğretici bir video.Videolarınızı izlediğimden beri büyük karanlıklar ve aydınlıklar arar oldum.Sizden çok şey öğreniyorum.Teşekkür ederim.
Welcome back Ian! Very informative lesson on shadows. I have taken the opportunity to watch "reruns" of your vids while you've been otherwise engaged. It's all good!
I am take your taking your compositional drawing class at the moment and I am learning a lot. I love the way you paint but most of all, the way you talk about what you were doing in such understandable ways.
Ian, I have been painting and teaching watercolor for about 18 years. Wanted to get back to trying oils and a friend told me about your Mastering Composition videos. What a jump start for me. You are a wonderful instructor. I've learned so much about design and am now excited about painting oils again. Much gratitude sending your way. ~Pat
Just watched the video of how shadows make a painting stand out, add drama. I loved it and I’m a better painter because of what your showing us. Keep up your excellent instruction. Your such a lovely human being, Ian. Thank you
Have been missing your weekly lessons. Great to see you again and learn from you. It never occurred to me why the old masters painted this way. Wonderful insight. Makes total sense and solves one of the problems I have had with multiple light sources. I just need to cut out all but the one source. Thanks, Ian.
I share your work with my Plein air group. I love how you strive to simplify the shapes. Thank you for your teachings. You are helping a lot of artists.
Excellent, thank you. This reminds me of your posts about contrast. Considering your commentary on these subjects in the review of my own work I find that what I feel are my best pieces have that strong sense of light and contrast. Tuesday has not been the same, but I get it. Thanks again.
Thanks so much Mark. Well when you start, blank canvas, there is no contrast. Everything about a painting is really just about contrast then isn't it. How to make that work. All the best
Drama and engaging paintings through shadows and forms . The single source of light as I revisit my favourite artists I see it now. As always you keep us on the path.
Hi Ian ! So nice to have you back ! Thank you for another great lesson on light and shade ! Love your painting as always ! Thank you once again and look forward to your next video ! Lorraine 🤗🎨
Thank you very much Ian sir! This is a very useful and informative video.I am doing watercolur still life paintings and using single light source. Now i can paint better and see form shadows ,cast shadows. Thanks again for this amazing painting and your teaching.
Thank you, so glad you are back. I just finished a painting of my great aunt and uncle, using the dark and light based on inspiration of the video you did of the market. I am pleased with it, and I am very appreciative for your tutorials.
I really like this composition, the use of shadows, and the colors. Enjoyed seeing your brush control, especially as you painted the chairs. Also, I'm in your Mastering Composition class, and find it very worthwhile. I believe my paintings will improve as I implement your lessons.
Thank you Ian. So very useful as always. I was missing your weekly videos and am much relieved to hear that you will be doing monthly ones as they are inspirational. Julie
I’m really enjoying and appreciating your videos. I’m looking forward to participating in a workshop in the future. Your presentation style is easy to understand and so clear, yet feels so casual and conversational. Thank you.
Thanks so much for the kind words. The dates of my future courses are currently TBD, but I will be sharing them on youtube, my newsletters, and social media once they are announced. All the best, Ian
I love watching your videos ,I learn something every time but putting this in practice is a lot harder than we think.I will continue to practice.Thank you
Glad to see you back! I was just going over different shadow situations today. Point source of light versus scattered or multiple and the distance of the object from its shadow having an effect on how sharp or blurry the edges of the shadow are. Thanks for this video!
Awesome explanation. Thanks for the effort. I remember for years struggling to understand what artists (and photographers) were getting at in talking about “using the north light”. Then the penny dropped, so to speak. Living in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the reverse here, and it’s the south light that is important as it gives you consistent light to use as an artist.
Excellent presentation today, Ian. It is a powerful recap of a workshop we just took with Jessica Masters. This concept really makes the painting glow.
Really glad you're back Ian. My Tuesdays have just not been the same. I'll never tire of watching you paint and the effortlessness you project. I know it's NOT effortless, but you do make it look easy! Great video!
Thanks so much Evan. With best wishes.
Ian, thank you for the encouragement to tackle such a scene with shadows. You have a gift of simplifying the painting. When I see you work, I think 'I can do it too!'
Yes you can Svetlana. Give it a try. All the best.
Watching you paint, I'm constantly reminded of how the the photo informs your work without dictating what appears on the canvas...how the painting becomes true to itself and whether or not it succeeds on its own merits in spite of the facts recorded in the photo.
Always a pleasure to watch you work.
Very kind of you to say. Thanks so much
This is all true:
I watched this video from beginning to 1:04, and had to stop. Started again, and stopped at the same place. In total, I started this video six times before my brain could stop seeing the deep truth of your words at play in all the dimensions of my life.
The gift Richard Feynman had for inspiring physics down into the minds of beginners, you share in painting.
So glad you’re back. After watching your videos, I see shadows and light everywhere I go! Even when I’m driving my kids to school and see the morning sunrise over the fields. I find myself drawn to those photo references with the most contrasts. Thanks so much for your teachings!
Yes I know that experience. Early morning light. The drama, the light. I always find it inspiring.
To me there is a calm and contentment about your paintings Ian. in this one the shadows become protective and inviting. Thank you for this lovely video.
Many thanks Priscilla
I just want to say thank you for showing yourself painting real time. I tend to think looser means faster and that is not the case. And there's a lot of people that do tutorials that they only do landscapes and they do not paint with any precision... Which I guess is fine for landscapes... So thank you very much for this video in real time... It really sets proper expectations
Ian, you are one of the best teachers I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. You have a
talent for breaking it down, simplifying the task and making it accessible. Thank you!
Well that is very nice of you to say. Thank you Arlene.
I loudly second that!
As always, your instruction is inspiring. My 100-day project focuses on shadows so this is perfectly timed and informative. I have encouraged others to watch as a form of self-care during these times of great crisis. I always appreciate your reference to artists of the 19th century that make me linger. Thank you!!!
Thanks so much Evelyn and good luck with your 100 day project. All the best
Definitely one of my favorites. Love the solitude of the subject and the one light source… and dark background, beautiful! I will try this.
Love the way you make painting seem so simple. This is a great painting.
'Loved that painting, Ian. Thank you for demonstrating the drama that can be achieved with a single light source.
Ian, I could finally purchase your book on Mastering Composition, after several months of waiting for it on Amazon. It’s such a beautiful book; well thought out, easy to read, engaging and above all, such an awesome collection of your art. Thank you so much also for coming on RUclips and sharing your works with us. I am going to keep them side by side to learn more.
DV, thank you. That makes me very happy to hear that you are enjoying both the book and my videos. I hope you continue to practice and enjoy the painting process. All the best
I really enjoyed this video.. I was amazed at how you developed the shading. Didn't like it at first but that was the good part as you painted, I witnessed the growth of the idea of the paint becoming the image. This is my favorite of the few of your paintings I've seen. Thanks
Yes, we missed YOU IAN … thanks for coming back
Thanks Mercedes. I'll be back in April. All the best.
This is so helpful. You put in so much information in just 10 minutes. Thank you
Dear Ian, you have been missed! Wonderful demo... I love the painting as well as your calm and systematic approach...
Thanks so much Franco. Glad you liked it. All the best
I know that we have missed you this past month. I’m sure everyone else, like myself, would’ve gladly waited a whole month if we had known that this video was the next one you were going to do. So very helpful to be reminded of this. When I am out black-and-white photographing, I know if I get the shadow shapes right 90% of the work is done. And of course the last 10% is the other 90% that needs to be done…
I paint digitally now and your instruction is so very helpful.
your comment was very helpful too. thank you
Hi RIchard I like your comment that the photo is 90% the light and dark shapes. Then that last 10% is the other 90% Great way to put it. All the best and glad you enjoyed the video.
YES!! The drama of a single light source creates wonderful atmosphere....thank you Ian for this excellent demonstration.!
Glad you enjoyed it
Hello Ian, I have been hanging out with you for the last 5 weeks in your Mastering Composition course. I am just a beginner and I knew the course would be a challenge for me, but paper and pencil I thought I could handle it. Then this week ...stand on your head while crossing your legs, rubbing your tummy, whistling Dixie and press 3 buttons to grab a screen shot! Ha technology! I saw this in my inbox and thought do I really want more Ian in my life? YES, I do! Colour, painting so refreshing to see. Then I remembered why I'm challenging myself! Learning alot and I'm glad that the course will be available to go back to in the future. I am still grappling with some of the concepts but to be able to go back after applying what I'm learning will be invaluable to me! Thank you again for your talent and generosity!
Hi Andrea, nice to hear from you over here on RUclips. That's a good point to lift your head up sometimes and see the reason for why we're doing things. So I'm happy that this video brought some of that. I do introduce some foundational ideas in that course and it isn't likely that each one will hit home and register each week. But the idea is there. The principle is there. And as you say you can go back and rethink some of them as needed in the weeks ahead. All the best
U are my Best Mentor in this whole world!! Thank you for being the Guiding Light to a Learner like me.
You are so welcome. Glad you are finding my videos so helpful
Brilliant! Love how you break everything down into simple things that can be learned instead of just saying things that make no sense. So soothing just to listen to your voice and smile at every “out” fellow Canadian…
Glad you enjoyed it Alison. Thank you!
Thank you! First time I realy understand shadows!!!❤
Thanks Ian! So glad you’re back. Wish I could have taken your course but budget wouldn’t allow. So these videos are very much appreciated. Looking forward to April’s episode 😊
Glad you are enjoying them Karen. All the best and see you in April
Vous êtes un formidable pédagogue et on a envie de prendre les pinceaux immédiatement et de suivre vos conseils Un grand merci d’une petite française patronnée .
Hello Laurence, how are you doing hope you’re staying safe
Geri dönmenize çok sevindim.Gene çok öğretici bir video.Videolarınızı izlediğimden beri büyük karanlıklar ve aydınlıklar arar oldum.Sizden çok şey öğreniyorum.Teşekkür ederim.
All the best!
Welcome back Ian! Very informative lesson on shadows. I have taken the opportunity to watch "reruns" of your vids while you've been otherwise engaged. It's all good!
Glad you enjoyed it Kat and the reruns. I have to put that whole mass of videos into some kind of order one day.
Welcome back ! Tuesday hasn't been the same. Hope the course went well. And thank you for this tutorial
Thank you Kathy. The course has been going fantastic. Glad you enjoyed March's video
I am take your taking your compositional drawing class at the moment and I am learning a lot. I love the way you paint but most of all, the way you talk about what you were doing in such understandable ways.
Delighted you are enjoying the course Kate. See you on Saturday.
Glad to see you back Ian! Thanks so much for your videos; hope all is well for you too.
Thank you! I am glad to be back too. Hope you and your family are well.
Ian, I have been painting and teaching watercolor for about 18 years. Wanted to get back to trying oils and a friend told me about your Mastering Composition videos. What a jump start for me. You are a wonderful instructor. I've learned so much about design and am now excited about painting oils again. Much gratitude sending your way. ~Pat
So happy to hear it Pat. Good luck and all the best
Just watched the video of how shadows make a painting stand out, add drama. I loved it and I’m a better painter because of what your showing us. Keep up your excellent instruction. Your such a lovely human being, Ian. Thank you
Thanks so much Carolyn and delighted you found it helpful.
Excellent as always Ian, and you can certainly see where you can paint in the darks to light and force the lights in.
Thanks Neil. Hope your plein air events are taking shape. All the best
That is gorgeous and thank you for making that so clear!
You just made my day, seeing your email pop into my Inbox - such a cheer up, thank you Ian. Another inspiring video.
Nice to know Alexandra. Makes me happy to hear. All the best.
Glad to see your latest video in the ‘in’ box. Thanks. Love shadows and highlights.
You are so welcome!
I can’t afford classes at the moment so I so appreciate you sharing here on RUclips. I have learned so much from you. Thank you.
Glad you like them and find them helpful Tracy.
Have been missing your weekly lessons. Great to see you again and learn from you. It never occurred to me why the old masters painted this way. Wonderful insight. Makes total sense and solves one of the problems I have had with multiple light sources. I just need to cut out all but the one source. Thanks, Ian.
Glad you found it helpful Ann. All the best.
Lovely. Dramatic. Glad you did the reprise.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I share your work with my Plein air group. I love how you strive to simplify the shapes. Thank you for your teachings. You are helping a lot of artists.
You are so welcome! Thank you Elizabeth
Glad you’re back, you are a great Art teacher.
Thank you so much!
Enjoyed your demonstration. Very inspiring. Thank you.
Excellent, thank you. This reminds me of your posts about contrast. Considering your commentary on these subjects in the review of my own work I find that what I feel are my best pieces have that strong sense of light and contrast. Tuesday has not been the same, but I get it. Thanks again.
Thanks so much Mark. Well when you start, blank canvas, there is no contrast. Everything about a painting is really just about contrast then isn't it. How to make that work. All the best
Nice to have you back, Ian.
Thank you kindly
Nice having you back. Miss your green on this painting.
Yeah what was I thinking. All the best
Beautiful painting with a superb narration. I learn so much from your explanations. Thank you! Your time and efforts are appreciated.
Appreciate your telling me Norma. All the best
Drama in art clearly explained...in an interesting and informative way...not too long..info may be retained this way.
Thanks again mr Roberts for this wonderful guideline demonstration for us 😌
You are so welcome!
Drama and engaging paintings through shadows and forms . The single source of light as I revisit my favourite artists I see it now. As always you keep us on the path.
Thanks so much Diane. Glad to help
So good to have you back
It's good to be back Lucille.
Hi Ian ! So nice to have you back ! Thank you for another great lesson on light and shade ! Love your painting as always ! Thank you once again and look forward to your next video ! Lorraine 🤗🎨
Thank you Lorraine. Glad you enjoyed March's video
wow! to be able to watch you paint the shadows and highlights etc is very inspiring and helpful! thank you so much!
You are so welcome Grace
This is great motivation to search out subjects I normally pass up. I just love this piece. Thankyou Ian.
That's an important lesson too - where to find the inspiration. For me that design of light and dark is perhaps foremost. All the best.
Hi Ian great to see your teaching again , loved the video and explanation of strong shadow thanks Craig
Thanks Craig. Glad you liked it.
What a nice surprise in my email this morning. Thank you for another informative video and beautiful painting.
You are so welcome Marie!
Great, interesting video Ian and in a funny way at times I guess it can help to simplify a painting ?
That was wonderful!! I've done two paintings that were backlit from my kitchen window, that turned out well.
Glad you liked it Barbara. It often makes things in fact easier to paint because so much of the pesky detail is lost.
So happy to see you again!!
Thank you Joy!
Even though I paint in watercolour I love to see you paint and your explanarions are relevant no matter what medium!
Exactly. This applies to any medium.
Good to see you, Ian. Thanks a lot.
Thank you! You too.
Learning something new with each video! Thank you Ian!
Glad to hear it! Thanks Mitch
For some reason this made my morning. Another gem.
Thanks Diana. All the best to you.
Wow! Amazing how you brought that painting to life, Ian. Thanks for letting us appreciate the process.
My pleasure Rudy
Very helpful. I will try this on my next painting and when the plein air season starts here in Oregon.
Wonderful!
Thank you, Ian. Very helpful demo. Love how you just place the paint down once.
Glad it was helpful!
cinema photographers do this all the time with head shots. It works. Wonderful session as usual.
Good point. Thank you James
Great photograph as well Ian. Going through your book bit by bit and trying to work different ideas into my photography.
Well for you the photography is it obviously. For me it is just the beginning. But I can't get anywhere without it.
Thank you very much Ian sir! This is a very useful and informative video.I am doing watercolur still life paintings and using single light source. Now i can paint better and see form shadows ,cast shadows. Thanks again for this amazing painting and your teaching.
You are very welcome Meena!
Love it. Darks/Lights are a winning team!!
Thank you! I agree Alisann
Thanks Ian - I have only recently discovered your videos and I find them really helpful.
Glad you like them!
Thank you, so glad you are back. I just finished a painting of my great aunt and uncle, using the dark and light based on inspiration of the video you did of the market. I am pleased with it, and I am very appreciative for your tutorials.
Glad the painting turned out well Albert and happy the videos are helpful to you. Best wishes.
Super helpful as always Ian! Like watching magic explained, still amazing seeing it come together ❣️
Glad you enjoyed it Suz.
What a beautiful painting!
Thank you very much!
Beautiful oil loose paint, great teaching!
Glad you liked it!
That was really so impressive!
Thank you, Ian for another helpful video. You do explain these concepts so well and make it look so easy!
You are very welcome. Glad you found it helpful
I don't quite know how you do it - I watch your video and the rest of the afternoon is spoken for. Thank you so much.
You are so welcome
I was wondering where have you been master. Was waiting for so many days. Finally gr8 to see you with a beautiful painting. 😍
Happy to be back Yogesh. All the best.
I've missed your weekly videos. This turned out to be a beautiful painting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as you work. Very helpful!
You are so welcome!
Great teaching and example! Welcome back.
Thanks Ralph.
You are such an amazing tutor!!
Thank you for sharing these!!
You are so welcome!
I really like this composition, the use of shadows, and the colors. Enjoyed seeing your brush control, especially as you painted the chairs. Also, I'm in your Mastering Composition class, and find it very worthwhile. I believe my paintings will improve as I implement your lessons.
Hi Dale, glad you liked the video and the course as well,. My very best wishes to you.
Great video, you really feel the drama. Thank you, Jan, so nice to have you back😍❤
You are so welcome!
Thank you Ian. So very useful as always. I was missing your weekly videos and am much relieved to hear that you will be doing monthly ones as they are inspirational.
Julie
Thanks Julie. Enjoyed doing this one. All the best.
I really enjoyed the demo, thanks for making this.
Wonderful. You're very welcome
Thank you Ian, really important thoughts about shadows in painting.
Glad you enjoyed it
Really great! Thank you for very detail and methodical explanations!!! -from S.Korea-
Glad it was helpful!
your videos are marvelous! thank you for sharing your talent!
You are so welcome!
Love this lesson. I hope that you hold classes again next year and I hope to be able to join in. Thank you.
Glad you liked it Sharon. And will offer the classes again. All the best
Thank you- so wonderful to hear your tips!
You are so welcome!
Thanks Ian . Great painting.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you Ian. Have missed your weekly's but something always great instruction to look forward to.
Thank you Sue. Glad you enjoyed March's video
Thank you Ian. Grateful for this very clear and informative video. Love the light/shadow in your painting.
Glad you enjoyed it Laurel
You can't have light without dark! So simple and on target. Thanks
So true. Glad you enjoyed it Gerald
I’m really enjoying and appreciating your videos. I’m looking forward to participating in a workshop in the future. Your presentation style is easy to understand and so clear, yet feels so casual and conversational. Thank you.
Thanks so much for the kind words. The dates of my future courses are currently TBD, but I will be sharing them on youtube, my newsletters, and social media once they are announced. All the best, Ian
I love watching your videos ,I learn something every time but putting this in practice is a lot harder than we think.I will continue to practice.Thank you
Practice and enjoy the painting process. All the best, Ian
Glad to see you back! I was just going over different shadow situations today. Point source of light versus scattered or multiple and the distance of the object from its shadow having an effect on how sharp or blurry the edges of the shadow are. Thanks for this video!
Glad it was timely All the best
Awesome explanation. Thanks for the effort. I remember for years struggling to understand what artists (and photographers) were getting at in talking about “using the north light”. Then the penny dropped, so to speak. Living in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the reverse here, and it’s the south light that is important as it gives you consistent light to use as an artist.
I can see how it might take longer to get the concept if in fact it is reversed where you live. Confusing. Glad you found it helpful. All the best
Excellent presentation today, Ian. It is a powerful recap of a workshop we just took with Jessica Masters. This concept really makes the painting glow.
Delighted you liked the video John and be sure to say hi to Jessica for me if you see her.
This painting is beautiful! Thank you for teaching.
I'm glad you like it