You're the best teacher I've ever seen. Thank heaven for discovering you. you are there and so generously share your knowledge and experience. Thank you Ian!
83 y/o artist, illustrator, designer here. Absolutely agree with you. I’m still working because of this process, even though I now have Parkinson’s. Designing was “studying” for me. Illustrating was “honing”. But the creative process and search for that …something…was the compulsion.
With your help as i discovered you recently i am understanding art a bit more. On holiday, the first thing i did was go to the bookstore and order your book Mastering Composition. For the first time i suddenly 'saw' some of those horizontal and vertical lines. A eureka moment, really, i am re-looking at artwork that I like which i have stuck into a note book. I cant believe it. Thank you so much.
"People who have no understanding of painting at all and enjoy objects that look like real objects (a hound dog that looks as though it could bark, eat, etc.). Yes! So true. And that is the struggle in the struggle. Artists are never satisfied, constantly searching and trying to achieve as an artist - less props, more of that illusive feeling of the expressed moment, but then also trying to appeal to the buyer in order to sell. People want a painted photo, but the artist is never satisfied with just a copy of obvious reality.
Ian - this is so interesting! Before painting I did a lot of photography and studied a form of contemplative photography called Miksang. Not to delve too deeply into it, but the heart of it was to be mindful of what we saw, what caught our eye, beyond the concepts of traditional beauty. This meant that we were likely to take photos of oil slicks on puddles or intersections of hydro lines than sunsets or fields in the morning dew. We trained ourselves to find beauty irrespective of our trained bias towards the conventional. Wyeth's paintings could be quite narrative and I can sympathize with his longing to go beyond that. I love how you find subject matter in what could be considered prosaic suburban landscapes. When you train your eye to see beauty in junkyards (a favourite Miksang field trip) the world opens in the most thrilling way.
Hi Jan, I have never heard of Miksang. I love it. I thought once of doing a workshop in a junkyard for several days to really get away from subject (beautiful things) and see more in terms of design. I never did. I'm not sure anyone would have come. But I get the idea.
Ian, your approach is always insightful and philosophical at times. You make me - and surely lots of other artists- THINK. You deliver your wisdom about the importance of fundamental principles in such an intelligent way. Thank you for sharing your talent for not only seeing, drawing and painting but for teaching. I can see differently because of you. Again, thank you. ☺️
this interview and quotes from the Wyeth's are revealing but also encouraging that Andrew stayed at the top of his abilities because Andrew stayed curious, continued to explore his inner artist heart, and never let conceit take over, the "I have arrived" attitude. I don't want to say humble, because I don't know that, but the phrase, "Stay hungry, my friend" comes to mind. Thank you, Ian, for bringing this today. Stay hungry, my friend 🎨
I adore Wyeth, I’m so pleased you put all of this together so succinctly, you’ve encapsulated the search perfectly. I feel a great sense of fellowship. Thank you ❤
Your attention to "what" we are doing with brush in hand and "why" we are doing it lifts your videos well beyond the "how to" stuff that so dominates You Tube. They are the best reason to turn on my studio computer on Tuesday mornings despite the total absence of canvas and oils on the table I work at.
I’m needing to turn away from art as performance and focus on expressing myself. I’m needing to know who I am. I literally have invited my traumatized inner child to paint with me. The memories exposed and processed have been healing and very gratifying. And still there is a longing to return to landscape, my first and enduring love. And all you have taught me is so profound and appreciated. Grateful for the tools you’ve given. ❤
Hi Marti, nice to hear from you. I love that idea of painting with your inner child. It's interesting too the idea of uniting parts of ourselves. Or not. That inner child and the landscape love. Can they come together. Or do they serve different roles for you? Ah, the questions.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition My childhood was fraught=CPTSD! Prolonged and reoccuring trauma at every developmental stage of life.Infancy, pre-school grade school and high school. So working with the IFS mode of therapy, I learned about protectors, firefighters and exiles. I have at least 4 exiled inner-children that were frozen in time and circumstance. As I started to invite them to paint, they started revealing their story through the subject of the painting. As I (my ego) was not designing, composing or even envisioning each piece, I was amazed at what would unfold. All of a sudden I had more artistic ability than I knew. Not only was it engaging, but very liberating. And the best part was that as these traumatized selfs of mine got to be seen heard, and felt they were healed, releasing 71 years of unconcious stress and anxiety. I may someday be free to crank out lovely landscapes, but the real juice for me is one on one dialog with my unconscious through painting. It's incredible how much energy was released. Talk about PRACTICAL MAGIC!!!
I love this. I've heard it described as 'divine dissatisfaction', the artistic feeling and drive that can sometimes feel frustrating, but that keeps you continually searching for and creating new things.
Yes, I've heard that expression too. And I do think we need to be aware of it. Because if not you can feel there's something wrong when in fact it is embedded as part of the process.
Ian you have taught us so much in your classes, this is one that really resonated with me. Life keeps telling us to enjoy the moment, not what is ahead or reflect on behind. This is another reminder.
I've come into painting later in life, could always draw a bit but didn't have a clue about paint and process and I am so glad I found you online Ian. I have both of your books. I feel like I will be learning and striving for the rest of my painting life and that is so exciting for me. Thank you for your wonderful, insightful videos
I was taught that older people should be respected as a default, undisputed thing. (because if they are older than me, they are expected to be wiser, more reasonable and experienced). But as I’ve lived, I met hundreds of older people, who destroyed that «template» of a wiser person. Well, you reminded me of that story of mine, because you truly are an older person, whom I want to respect, just as my parents taught me to do a long time ago. Thanks for the insightful video (sorry if there are any mistakes, English is not my native language)
'For you to believe in the light I am painting, I have to believe in that light' That is my goal in painting. Wyath Senior's comment about fundementals is crucial I think... Thanks again Ian
One of the masters, Van Gogh perhaps, was quoted as saying, “A painting is never finished. It is abandoned.” I think that may say much the same thing. Thanks for another interesting message
Very thought provoking. I started getting to art doing abstract stuff but went into figure drawing and more representational art. I'm trying to find my way back to abstract, and this line of thinking is helping
Was Wyeth saying he wanted to remove the illustriousness from his work? I’ve seen plenty of very moody, very abstract, very ambient loose watercolors by Wyeth at the Brandywine. He certainly reached this goal, also in the Helga pictures many of them are really just pure form and light. Yes we recognize the figure but it’s almost as if you were standing there, the wind and sun being almost palpable. Some of his best stuff in my opinion was the light coming in on Sycamore and pine trees, out there in Chester county. But consider Barracoon the picture of probably Helga posing as a slave. we all know it’s in Keuerner’s house and it is Helga. The narrative is there, and the picture itself is just purely gorgeous. The Mark making, the values. Anyway, I think when industriousness and the flow state meet you really get something great!
I love that book Wyeth at Kuerner's because we see so many sketches and starts. I've said elsewhere that I think Wyeth is a great abstract painter because even though we see what the subject is the power and drama of his design is primary. Also the interview was in 1963. The Helga paintings were done almost 20 years later. So his work did evolve over the decades.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition oh right, good point as he did evolve a huge amount 👌🏻 you are exactly right about his abstract qualities. And yet he did those other things like hang around his new neighbors house and paint them while they were sleeping! Very diverse master he was.
I’ve listened to this video several times & today was the first time I understood Wyeth’s comments about Christina being a “prop” and the feeling of the painting that he had painted. Thank you for sharing these videos!
Ian...Great insight...I always feel that learning is a life long process... and say we are all apprentice's of what and who came before us. Along the line we take bits and pieces of knowledge and combine them with our own expression to create something really good.....though I've had many failures that have resulted in feedback for the future. Yet every once and awhile I amaze myself of what I can achieve but I know its from what I've learned, I love your presentations because they have a way of making me see what I was blinded to beforehand...and its like a light suddenly appeared. Thank you so much...I'm going buy your book too..your videos are exceptional..I'm sure you have so many viewers that feel the same.
Thanks so much Bob. I couldn't really ask the videos to do more. So thank you for letting me know. Also your last name made me laugh. When I was a kid there was a TV commercial of John Nagy's Learn to Draw. I think he also had a TV show and he'd show you how to draw a horse or whatever each week. I just looked it up. He spelt it Gnagy. But it was way before Bob Ross.
it is all soul searching and mind twisting journey. Art is Life-Life is Art. Complicated and simple like quantum mechanics of the universe it can be two different entities at the same time. I find the science of the materials and techniques to attain the end result you have in mind as atmospheric as the light- changing as you work the piece- it becomes alive and starts to tell you what to do. Then it is up to you to problem solve and make it happen. Never does a brush stroke hit the canvas and is a perfect event. It always leads to another task to fix it. But isn't that life? Like the Catholic church prayer judge us not by our deeds but by our faith. We start with good intentions and have to work with what we have at the moment- whether skill or material. Its all an illusion and wizardry- making an illusion from pigments, brushes and canvas. Glad to see you are back- I think I will go sign up.
I was awe-struck by Wyeth's self-critique and implied doubt about his own artistic merit. I'm having difficulty finding my own path but will continue to push on. Thanks so much!
That was why I made the video. We think that as we get better somehow things get easier. Some things do of course. But learning to listen to and express deeper and deeper whispers of our own voice, I think that is always something we move towards a bit blindly.
Thank you Ian! So helpful to learn even masters still feel this same thing. There's always better to get to. You are so right, its a journey we're on. Lets just enjoy it. More time behind the easel, more striving to do better and better, it will make us better. So lets enjoy. Very much appreciate hearing this perspective!
Many thanks for your thoughts about growing as an artist and that elusive state when we “think” we have it figured out, only to realize we have much to learn! The interview with Andrew Wyeth that you shared beautifully illustrates the two realities that artists contend with: Commercial success and artistic growth. Hearing about Andrew’s struggle to achieve something in his work that is different than what he was known for was inspiring! I once read that Andrew considered himself an abstract painter, which as an abstract painter myself, piqued my interest in seeing the show of his abstract watercolors at the Brandywine Museum outside of Philadelphia. There is much to learn from Andrew Wyeth for all artists… thanks again!
Hi Marianne, I some how saw you had commented on my video on Wyeth's comments on your youtube video. RUclips must bring something like that to my attention because my name is in it. So thank you. I made a video earlier in my RUclips series that specifically talks about the abstract nature of Wyeth's painting. Maybe you'll find that interesting as well. ruclips.net/video/ow0P_DyO2f4/видео.html My very best wishes and good luck with both your painting and RUclips channel.
Thank you Ian! I am one of your students, waiting for the start of color in September! I needed this today, as I am doubting so many things, which often comes with new learning and trying to put the lessons into use. Also after winning an award, I am doubting myself.
Hi Susan, nice to hear from you. That doubt seems almost like an occupational hazard. I know it well. But you are right it gets amplified when you are learning new things. Look forward to seeing you again in September for color. All the best until then. And congratulations on the award.
your video was very timely for me. I struggle with my process as well. I know the process for completing a painting. But I can’t say I really enjoy it. Thanks again for this insight into Wyatt’s brain.
Thank you very much for this talk ! I enjoyed it a lot and think that I feel what you mean. I do tapestry weaving more than painting. And ENJOY THE PROCESS very much
Yes. Sometimes I weave according to my painting. Sometimes complete improvisation. It is a very helpful art therapy. It really saved me when the war began on the 7th of October.
I have always thought, “let the art show you what to do.” If we do that we get art coming through. Such an attitude wipes out that creative block myth. We like to think we are the creators, but we are not. Busts the ego doesn’t it. That ego me an artist. Let The Art Show You What To Do. It comes from within, but not from an ego me. Listen out for it.
Ian, this video is unique and so important. I have been at the stage of enjoying the painting process. Each blank canvas leaves me befuddled with the thought, will I get it right? And once I get it somwhat right, the question always is, what next?
I'm not sure that changes over time. Sometimes we get a direction that holds us, one piece after another within a series, or idea. But we are always sort of making up our direction as we go aren't we.
Hello Ian, nice to hear from you today. Interesting subject and food for thought. How about this for a scenario? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there is no accounting for taste, therefore an artist well educated in the principals & techniques of creating a painting with the skill of conveying the mood of the subject is the magic created for the viewers.
Thanks for this. Knowing your father was a talented painter as well the fatherly advice of N.C. Wyeth must have resonated. It’s interesting Andrew gave such a revealing interview, he became so taciturn and increasingly silent in his later years. Maybe not as quiet as Ed Hopper, but quiet! Enjoy and value your advice and experience.
I recently came up with a number of paintings that gave me a good deal of satisfation about how they came up. Of course, never a painting comes up in one go. It is built up layer after layer and moving things till it works. And I started a new painting, overconfident that I would tackle it with ease, and everything came up so wrong that I abandoned it. Listening to Andrew Wyeth's story gave me the certainty that even the best craftmanship failes.
I guess that's why I painted my grandson and hid the painting. I captured his autism perfectly. There was no doubt. So I put it up after I shared it with my mentor. He didn't know what to say. Now, I struggle to capture the raw essence of the subject rather than just a picture of what I see. That is what I'm reaching for. It scares me so I hide and don't share alot. I want to swap from painting landscapes and objects to people with stories to capture that photos can't. What do I do.
Hi Detra, I actually have a very similar experience of wanting to move more to figures and portraits. I'd just say do it. I mean what could go wrong. (I'm half joking I suppose but really). Good luck! I think it sounds exciting.
Ian, great ideas. It occured to me ,that little rudder could be the thing/ subject that originally attracts you whereas the big rudder is the actual engagement, the paints/pencil/ chalks etc 🤔
Can you provide a citation for the book containing the interview with Wyatt? I would like to read the full interview. Thanks so much. I teach middle and high school art and this great information to include.
I like to put what I think you are saying as this: my paintings are a success if they engender a sense MYSTERY. I would define mystery as that which evokes questions and wonder from the viewer.
Maybe something of what you are saying might be the difference between illustration and fine art. One answers a problem, the other offers the possibility of mystery. I mean lots of holes in that idea but aligns with your thought I think.
Thanks for the content Ian. I will be looking out for your posts. While I can’t afford a full art course…..due to a fixed income……at least for now, I immensely enjoy all of your videos, watching repeatedly as I paint. I used to write songs/guitar and perform on occasion. I have painting as a new art form, and loving it. I enjoy your representational design style in particular because it reminds me of constructing a song. I wish for a more affordable type of learning from you maybe subscription style? Have you considered this as an addition to your art course? Hope you can respond. And thanks again! 🙏
HI Phil, I'm not sure you have seen it, but each month I post 4 videos on a specific theme about painting. That you might find useful. I have stopped making new RUclips content because I want to get back to my own work. I'll be teaching my online courses again next year. If you are getting my emails then you'll get a notice that I will be offering them again. Email me (contact on my website) and I'm sure we can work something out. Until then good luck and all the best on your artistic journey.
I hate it when anyone speaks of illustration as not being real art (painting). Andrew Wyeth's father, N.C. Wyeth was a great artist, as was Norman Rockwell, and many others who have been treated since the late 20th century as "mere" illustrators. Please pardon the rant. I do immensely enjoy your videos .
I agree. N.C's paintings at the Brandywine Museum are so beautifully painted. Although NC himself derided his own illustration as well...just illustration.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Norman Rockwell also derided his own illustration work. I suspect that is because an illustrator's work is assigned, often directed, and not necessarily of their own concepts. There is great art that is found in illustration as well as fine arts, and there is poor work in both.
I've stopped making new content. Once a month I am posting past RUclips videos. And once a month I am taking short clips from talks I've shared with an online community. So new to RUclips I guess but not new content.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
You're the best teacher I've ever seen. Thank heaven for discovering you. you are there and so generously share your knowledge and experience. Thank you Ian!
Mastering Composition by Ian Roberts is the book for you then.
Well said! I cannot but agre
Thank you so much Julia. I really appreciate your telling me. All the best
Agreed. He has helped me tremendously. Ian is so generous.
83 y/o artist, illustrator, designer here. Absolutely agree with you. I’m still working because of this process, even though I now have Parkinson’s. Designing was “studying” for me. Illustrating was “honing”. But the creative process and search for that …something…was the compulsion.
Nicely stated. From experience.
With your help as i discovered you recently i am understanding art a bit more. On holiday, the first thing i did was go to the bookstore and order your book Mastering Composition. For the first time i suddenly 'saw' some of those horizontal and vertical lines. A eureka moment, really, i am re-looking at artwork that I like which i have stuck into a note book. I cant believe it. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much. Delighted you enjoyed it.
"People who have no understanding of painting at all and enjoy objects that look like real objects (a hound dog that looks as though it could bark, eat, etc.). Yes! So true. And that is the struggle in the struggle. Artists are never satisfied, constantly searching and trying to achieve as an artist - less props, more of that illusive feeling of the expressed moment, but then also trying to appeal to the buyer in order to sell. People want a painted photo, but the artist is never satisfied with just a copy of obvious reality.
I have a friend who sums it up "More artist. Less subject" which you can apply to interpreting any painting. Just as you are suggesting Patti.
Ian - this is so interesting! Before painting I did a lot of photography and studied a form of contemplative photography called Miksang. Not to delve too deeply into it, but the heart of it was to be mindful of what we saw, what caught our eye, beyond the concepts of traditional beauty. This meant that we were likely to take photos of oil slicks on puddles or intersections of hydro lines than sunsets or fields in the morning dew. We trained ourselves to find beauty irrespective of our trained bias towards the conventional. Wyeth's paintings could be quite narrative and I can sympathize with his longing to go beyond that. I love how you find subject matter in what could be considered prosaic suburban landscapes. When you train your eye to see beauty in junkyards (a favourite Miksang field trip) the world opens in the most thrilling way.
Interesting that I discovered the same principle..that Interesting objects and colors and patterns can be found in so many places..even garbage cans.
Interesting. Thanks for this comment.
Hi Jan, I have never heard of Miksang. I love it. I thought once of doing a workshop in a junkyard for several days to really get away from subject (beautiful things) and see more in terms of design. I never did. I'm not sure anyone would have come. But I get the idea.
It's like the Ashcan School. Not looking "out there" for what might be right here.
Ian, your approach is always insightful and philosophical at times. You make me - and surely lots of other artists- THINK. You deliver your wisdom about the importance of fundamental principles in such an intelligent way. Thank you for sharing your talent for not only seeing, drawing and painting but for teaching. I can see differently because of you. Again, thank you. ☺️
Thanks for letting me know Jeanne. I really appreciate it. All the best.
this interview and quotes from the Wyeth's are revealing but also encouraging that Andrew stayed at the top of his abilities because Andrew stayed curious, continued to explore his inner artist heart, and never let conceit take over, the "I have arrived" attitude. I don't want to say humble, because I don't know that, but the phrase, "Stay hungry, my friend" comes to mind. Thank you, Ian, for bringing this today. Stay hungry, my friend 🎨
I like "stay hungry my friend". I do get that sense of Wyeth, he really stayed with his vision. And as you say didn't sit back and stagnate.
I adore Wyeth, I’m so pleased you put all of this together so succinctly, you’ve encapsulated the search perfectly. I feel a great sense of fellowship. Thank you ❤
Thank you so much!
Your attention to "what" we are doing with brush in hand and "why" we are doing it lifts your videos well beyond the "how to" stuff that so dominates You Tube. They are the best reason to turn on my studio computer on Tuesday mornings despite the total absence of canvas and oils on the table I work at.
So delighted you find it engaging. All the best.
I’m needing to turn away from art as performance and focus on expressing myself. I’m needing to know who I am. I literally have invited my traumatized inner child to paint with me. The memories exposed and processed have been healing and very gratifying. And still there is a longing to return to landscape, my first and enduring love. And all you have taught me is so profound and appreciated. Grateful for the tools you’ve given. ❤
Hi Marti, nice to hear from you. I love that idea of painting with your inner child. It's interesting too the idea of uniting parts of ourselves. Or not. That inner child and the landscape love. Can they come together. Or do they serve different roles for you? Ah, the questions.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition My childhood was fraught=CPTSD! Prolonged and reoccuring trauma at every developmental stage of life.Infancy, pre-school grade school and high school. So working with the IFS mode of therapy, I learned about protectors, firefighters and exiles. I have at least 4 exiled inner-children that were frozen in time and circumstance. As I started to invite them to paint, they started revealing their story through the subject of the painting. As I (my ego) was not designing, composing or even envisioning each piece, I was amazed at what would unfold. All of a sudden I had more artistic ability than I knew. Not only was it engaging, but very liberating. And the best part was that as these traumatized selfs of mine got to be seen heard, and felt they were healed, releasing 71 years of unconcious stress and anxiety. I may someday be free to crank out lovely landscapes, but the real juice for me is one on one dialog with my unconscious through painting. It's incredible how much energy was released. Talk about PRACTICAL MAGIC!!!
I love this. I've heard it described as 'divine dissatisfaction', the artistic feeling and drive that can sometimes feel frustrating, but that keeps you continually searching for and creating new things.
Yes, I've heard that expression too. And I do think we need to be aware of it. Because if not you can feel there's something wrong when in fact it is embedded as part of the process.
Ian you have taught us so much in your classes, this is one that really resonated with me. Life keeps telling us to enjoy the moment, not what is ahead or reflect on behind. This is another reminder.
Don't we keep needing to be reminded of that. So true.
Thank you for this very inspiring lesson, Ian.
I'm delighted you found it helpful.
One of your students here, Ian, great to wake up to your video today. This message was perfect for me and I imagine for so many others.
Thanks William. Nice to hear from you. Hope the summer is going well.
Thanks, Ian. Once again, a very engaging video.
I'm delighted you found it helpful. Thanks so much.
You're one of the best teachers to ever exist ever ❤
Ah shucks. .... thank you.
@IanRobertsMasteringComposition so true!! Thank you immensely!
Such fantastic points and very well illustrated with Wyeth ‼️🎨🖼🖌️.
I'm glad you find it helpful. Thanks so much.
How articulate was that! That clarifies so much for me. Thanks so much Ian
Thanks so much.
On your Wyeth comment: "the 'sense' of Christina" ... I really get that. TYSM!
I'm glad you found it helpful.
Very thought provoking, thank you.
Thanks so much.
I've come into painting later in life, could always draw a bit but didn't have a clue about paint and process and I am so glad I found you online Ian. I have both of your books. I feel like I will be learning and striving for the rest of my painting life and that is so exciting for me. Thank you for your wonderful, insightful videos
I'm glad you find it helpful.
Just wonderful, Ian. You never fail to inspire us!
Glad to hear that!
I was taught that older people should be respected as a default, undisputed thing. (because if they are older than me, they are expected to be wiser, more reasonable and experienced). But as I’ve lived, I met hundreds of older people, who destroyed that «template» of a wiser person. Well, you reminded me of that story of mine, because you truly are an older person, whom I want to respect, just as my parents taught me to do a long time ago. Thanks for the insightful video (sorry if there are any mistakes, English is not my native language)
Thanks so much.
'For you to believe in the light I am painting, I have to believe in that light' That is my goal in painting. Wyath Senior's comment about fundementals is crucial I think... Thanks again Ian
That's it I think Mark. If we can say and believe it then the viewer will follow our lead.
One of the masters, Van Gogh perhaps, was quoted as saying, “A painting is never finished. It is abandoned.” I think that may say much the same thing. Thanks for another interesting message
I'm delighted you found it helpful.
Thank you for this one Ian. It was really interesting and enlightening!!
I'm delighted you found it helpful. Thanks so much.
Thank you for your gentle but impactful insight, experience, and thought invoking perspective that you share with us so well.
I'm delighted you found it helpful.
The process is all, or should be, or I want it to be. Thank you for this inspiring and encouraging video
It's hard not to look at a finished painting and get lost in evaluation. But I think you are right, how much can we engage and embrace the process.
great insight!
Thanks so much.
This put's my own struggles into perspective, right? I needed this and it came to my inbox at the perfect time. Thanks again!
Exactly. We all muddle around and think oh one day I'll have figured it out. Maybe. But maybe that is not really the point.
This was such a interesting talk - I hung on every word - thank you
I'm delighted you found it helpful. Thanks so much.
Very thought provoking. I started getting to art doing abstract stuff but went into figure drawing and more representational art. I'm trying to find my way back to abstract, and this line of thinking is helping
Glad you found that helpful. Good luck in your revisiting the abstraction.
Thank you for this valuable information and story about Andrew Wyeth.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Was Wyeth saying he wanted to remove the illustriousness from his work? I’ve seen plenty of very moody, very abstract, very ambient loose watercolors by Wyeth at the Brandywine. He certainly reached this goal, also in the Helga pictures many of them are really just pure form and light. Yes we recognize the figure but it’s almost as if you were standing there, the wind and sun being almost palpable. Some of his best stuff in my opinion was the light coming in on Sycamore and pine trees, out there in Chester county. But consider Barracoon the picture of probably Helga posing as a slave. we all know it’s in Keuerner’s house and it is Helga. The narrative is there, and the picture itself is just purely gorgeous. The Mark making, the values. Anyway, I think when industriousness and the flow state meet you really get something great!
I love that book Wyeth at Kuerner's because we see so many sketches and starts. I've said elsewhere that I think Wyeth is a great abstract painter because even though we see what the subject is the power and drama of his design is primary. Also the interview was in 1963. The Helga paintings were done almost 20 years later. So his work did evolve over the decades.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition oh right, good point as he did evolve a huge amount 👌🏻 you are exactly right about his abstract qualities. And yet he did those other things like hang around his new neighbors house and paint them while they were sleeping! Very diverse master he was.
I’ve listened to this video several times & today was the first time I understood Wyeth’s comments about Christina being a “prop” and the feeling of the painting that he had painted. Thank you for sharing these videos!
Delighted that you found it helpful
Ian...Great insight...I always feel that learning is a life long process... and say we are all apprentice's of what and who came before us. Along the line we take bits and pieces of knowledge and combine them with our own expression to create something really good.....though I've had many failures that have resulted in feedback for the future. Yet every once and awhile I amaze myself of what I can achieve but I know its from what I've learned, I love your presentations because they have a way of making me see what I was blinded to beforehand...and its like a light suddenly appeared. Thank you so much...I'm going buy your book too..your videos are exceptional..I'm sure you have so many viewers that feel the same.
Thanks so much Bob. I couldn't really ask the videos to do more. So thank you for letting me know. Also your last name made me laugh. When I was a kid there was a TV commercial of John Nagy's Learn to Draw. I think he also had a TV show and he'd show you how to draw a horse or whatever each week. I just looked it up. He spelt it Gnagy. But it was way before Bob Ross.
it is all soul searching and mind twisting journey. Art is Life-Life is Art. Complicated and simple like quantum mechanics of the universe it can be two different entities at the same time. I find the science of the materials and techniques to attain the end result you have in mind as atmospheric as the light- changing as you work the piece- it becomes alive and starts to tell you what to do. Then it is up to you to problem solve and make it happen. Never does a brush stroke hit the canvas and is a perfect event. It always leads to another task to fix it. But isn't that life? Like the Catholic church prayer judge us not by our deeds but by our faith. We start with good intentions and have to work with what we have at the moment- whether skill or material.
Its all an illusion and wizardry- making an illusion from pigments, brushes and canvas.
Glad to see you are back- I think I will go sign up.
It's so true. That interplay between the mark and the illusion. How we go back and forth with it, wanting to get it right and yet also keep it alive.
Your teaching apply to all mediums of art😊
Foundational principles do apply to all mediums.
A wonderful exploration of the mystical/metaphysical elements of art. Love it.
Glad you enjoyed it Linda.
I was awe-struck by Wyeth's self-critique and implied doubt about his own artistic merit. I'm having difficulty finding my own path but will continue to push on. Thanks so much!
That was why I made the video. We think that as we get better somehow things get easier. Some things do of course. But learning to listen to and express deeper and deeper whispers of our own voice, I think that is always something we move towards a bit blindly.
Yes. I agree completely ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ this us something to think about und to turn it into art. 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks so much.
Wow powerful, thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Thank you Ian! So helpful to learn even masters still feel this same thing. There's always better to get to. You are so right, its a journey we're on. Lets just enjoy it. More time behind the easel, more striving to do better and better, it will make us better. So lets enjoy. Very much appreciate hearing this perspective!
Nicely said Stacey.
Excellent! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Many thanks for your thoughts about growing as an artist and that elusive state when we “think” we have it figured out, only to realize we have much to learn! The interview with Andrew Wyeth that you shared beautifully illustrates the two realities that artists contend with: Commercial success and artistic growth. Hearing about Andrew’s struggle to achieve something in his work that is different than what he was known for was inspiring! I once read that Andrew considered himself an abstract painter, which as an abstract painter myself, piqued my interest in seeing the show of his abstract watercolors at the Brandywine Museum outside of Philadelphia. There is much to learn from Andrew Wyeth for all artists… thanks again!
Hi Marianne, I some how saw you had commented on my video on Wyeth's comments on your youtube video. RUclips must bring something like that to my attention because my name is in it. So thank you. I made a video earlier in my RUclips series that specifically talks about the abstract nature of Wyeth's painting. Maybe you'll find that interesting as well. ruclips.net/video/ow0P_DyO2f4/видео.html My very best wishes and good luck with both your painting and RUclips channel.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition thank you Ian!
Wow! Just wow!
Thanks so much.
Thank you
You're so welcome
Thank you Ian! I am one of your students, waiting for the start of color in September! I needed this today, as I am doubting so many things, which often comes with new learning and trying to put the lessons into use. Also after winning an award, I am doubting myself.
Hi Susan, nice to hear from you. That doubt seems almost like an occupational hazard. I know it well. But you are right it gets amplified when you are learning new things. Look forward to seeing you again in September for color. All the best until then. And congratulations on the award.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thank you!
N. C. Whyeth ! Top stuff !
I'm delighted you enjoyed it.
your video was very timely for me. I struggle with my process as well. I know the process for completing a painting. But I can’t say I really enjoy it. Thanks again for this insight into Wyatt’s brain.
Ah.. enjoying the process. Now that is another ball of wax isn't it? I know that feeling too.
Thank you very much for this talk !
I enjoyed it a lot and think that I feel what you mean.
I do tapestry weaving more than painting.
And ENJOY THE PROCESS very much
I would think tapestry weaving would be very process driven. Slow, repetitive, mindful.
Yes. Sometimes I weave according to my painting.
Sometimes complete improvisation.
It is a very helpful art therapy.
It really saved me when the war began on the 7th of October.
thank you for this - this is very encouraging - and challenging
I'm delighted you found it helpful.
I have always thought, “let the art show you what to do.” If we do that we get art coming through. Such an attitude wipes out that creative block myth. We like to think we are the creators, but we are not. Busts the ego doesn’t it. That ego me an artist. Let The Art Show You What To Do. It comes from within, but not from an ego me. Listen out for it.
Well said John.
Ian, this video is unique and so important. I have been at the stage of enjoying the painting process. Each blank canvas leaves me befuddled with the thought, will I get it right? And once I get it somwhat right, the question always is, what next?
I'm not sure that changes over time. Sometimes we get a direction that holds us, one piece after another within a series, or idea. But we are always sort of making up our direction as we go aren't we.
Hello Ian, nice to hear from you today. Interesting subject and food for thought. How about this for a scenario? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there is no accounting for taste, therefore an artist well educated in the principals & techniques of creating a painting with the skill of conveying the mood of the subject is the magic created for the viewers.
Sounds like a good thought to me Adele.
Thanks for this. Knowing your father was a talented painter as well the fatherly advice of N.C. Wyeth must have resonated. It’s interesting Andrew gave such a revealing interview, he became so taciturn and increasingly silent in his later years. Maybe not as quiet as Ed Hopper, but quiet! Enjoy and value your advice and experience.
Thank you so much. Delighted you enjoyed it.
Such an opening to possibility. I will relish exploring your wonderful video. Many thanks.
I'm glad you found it helpful.
This is a deceptively great message from you. Very helpful and enlightening. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this episode. Really struck home.
Thank you so much. I'm glad it was helpful
I recently came up with a number of paintings that gave me a good deal of satisfation about how they came up. Of course, never a painting comes up in one go. It is built up layer after layer and moving things till it works. And I started a new painting, overconfident that I would tackle it with ease, and everything came up so wrong that I abandoned it. Listening to Andrew Wyeth's story gave me the certainty that even the best craftmanship failes.
It is so true Miguel. You can get so sure you know what will work and then..... ouch. It's good to hear someone like Wyeth remind us.
Amazing. Thank you so much for this. So much to think about! And I’m going to do just that.
I'm glad you found it helpful
I guess that's why I painted my grandson and hid the painting. I captured his autism perfectly. There was no doubt. So I put it up after I shared it with my mentor. He didn't know what to say. Now, I struggle to capture the raw essence of the subject rather than just a picture of what I see. That is what I'm reaching for. It scares me so I hide and don't share alot. I want to swap from painting landscapes and objects to people with stories to capture that photos can't. What do I do.
Hi Detra, I actually have a very similar experience of wanting to move more to figures and portraits. I'd just say do it. I mean what could go wrong. (I'm half joking I suppose but really). Good luck! I think it sounds exciting.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition thanks I think I will! Not so much portrait like a photo, but something that says something.
A very interesting and worthwhile video. Thank you!
I'm delighted you enjoyed it.
fantastic. enlightening. thank you
I'm glad you found it helpful.
So good! Thanks very much.
I'm delighted you found it helpful.
Ian, great ideas. It occured to me ,that little rudder could be the thing/ subject that originally attracts you whereas the big rudder is the actual engagement, the paints/pencil/ chalks etc 🤔
Good point. I'm glad you found the video engaging
Such an interesting story. Thank you
Delighted you enjoyed it.
Can you provide a citation for the book containing the interview with Wyatt? I would like to read the full interview. Thanks so much. I teach middle and high school art and this great information to include.
It wasn't a book. It was from an article in Horizon magazine from 1963. If you google Horizon and wyeth interview in 1963 you'll find the issue.
I like to put what I think you are saying as this: my paintings are a success if they engender a sense MYSTERY. I would define mystery as that which evokes questions and wonder from the viewer.
Maybe something of what you are saying might be the difference between illustration and fine art. One answers a problem, the other offers the possibility of mystery. I mean lots of holes in that idea but aligns with your thought I think.
I agree w/Julia frost, you offer a very fresh approach for artists. You speak my language, lol.
Delighted you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the content Ian. I will be looking out for your posts. While I can’t afford a full art course…..due to a fixed income……at least for now, I immensely enjoy all of your videos, watching repeatedly as I paint. I used to write songs/guitar and perform on occasion. I have painting as a new art form, and loving it. I enjoy your representational design style in particular because it reminds me of constructing a song. I wish for a more affordable type of learning from you maybe subscription style? Have you considered this as an addition to your art course? Hope you can respond. And thanks again! 🙏
HI Phil, I'm not sure you have seen it, but each month I post 4 videos on a specific theme about painting. That you might find useful. I have stopped making new RUclips content because I want to get back to my own work. I'll be teaching my online courses again next year. If you are getting my emails then you'll get a notice that I will be offering them again. Email me (contact on my website) and I'm sure we can work something out. Until then good luck and all the best on your artistic journey.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thanks so much Ian
Study, practice, and have fun!
YES!
I always dote on Ian’s every word.
Thanks so much.
N.C. Wyeth was a colossus in his own right. It's both amazing and ironic how Andrew become the bigger name while N.C. is delegated to the archives.
I hate it when anyone speaks of illustration as not being real art (painting). Andrew Wyeth's father, N.C. Wyeth was a great artist, as was Norman Rockwell, and many others who have been treated since the late 20th century as "mere" illustrators. Please pardon the rant. I do immensely enjoy your videos .
I agree. N.C's paintings at the Brandywine Museum are so beautifully painted. Although NC himself derided his own illustration as well...just illustration.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Norman Rockwell also derided his own illustration work. I suspect that is because an illustrator's work is assigned, often directed, and not necessarily of their own concepts. There is great art that is found in illustration as well as fine arts, and there is poor work in both.
What did Picasso say ...." If you know exactly What you are going to do , What is the point of doing it ? "
It's a good line John. For art. I guess for brain surgery less so. At least that would be my preference. Best wishes.
Thought you'd stopped making content : s
I've stopped making new content. Once a month I am posting past RUclips videos. And once a month I am taking short clips from talks I've shared with an online community. So new to RUclips I guess but not new content.
....a sense of poetry?
I guess that is what we are all looking to create isn't it.