This demonstration of creating a painting from a reference without being glued to the specifics of the reference is truly eye opening to me. Thank you!
Yes, this is how understanding composition and having years of experience come together. I have a photo taken from a fishing cabin high above the North Umpqua River in Oregon where the view is obstructed by many trees. I know what lies beyond the trees: the riverbed and bolder rocks, the fast flowing water hitting the rocks and creating beautiful crashing water effects plus beautiful splashes of sunlight hitting the water and trees. So great, but why in the world did I feel so hampered by the trees blocking the view and why didn’t I just get rid of some to clear the view to the river? It amazes me that such a SIMPLE solution has evaded my thought process and prevented me from painting this beautiful scene for several years. Am I the only painter so dim witted? After all, I’ve been painting for many years and still get hung up on these composition problems. Your tutoring is truly opening my eyes, though, so thank you again for a great video.
NO, you're not the only painter that would have a problem changing the photograph! I've often felt compelled to paint exactly what the photo shows..warts and all.!! I'm better now.
Please don’t be so harsh on yourself- I have the same stumbling blocks. They’re common. Especially with a photo as a reference- photos feel like I have to do what’s in them. Like it’s already finished and I’m only copying it.
Thanks so much Lillian and I"m delighted you found the video helpful. From the number of likes for it I think you are definitely not alone on clearing out the trees. All the best
I am a photographer and I sometimes will paint my photos. Sometimes I will run into problems because I know what I am seeing through a camera. I know the depth of field and what I want to show through a particular lens I have on the camera. Then, I want to put the photo on canvas and I see it differently as I paint. I believe this video will help me next time I tackle one of my photos. Thanks Ian.
I just finished readying your book Creative Authenticity. I just wanted to thank you so much for your insightful writings. My favorite two sentences “it’s one thing to give expression to something you feel strongly about. It is another thing to find a simple way to express what you have discovered so another person can appreciate it”. We can all do with being less self centered and focusing on things outside of us. I think that is when we truly become great communicators as Artists.
Every time I see you paint, I can’t wait to get to my easel. Such a motivational video. My results never live up to yours, but it it sure is fun to try. Thank you, Ian.
Thank you so much! I'm a beginning painter and have started my first large work ever. The examples and concepts in your video will be part of my final painting!
I am just seeing this now Feb 2024 and I'm smiling. When I first started to paint not all that long ago, I did a painting of a photograph "as it was". I t was horrible so I put it away. Then I started watching your videos on composition and pulled the paint out. I also had a road that hit a dead end and did exactly what you did in this painting. Cleared away the trees and had the road go to the ocean. . I softened the edges and simplified the shapes and now I love it. It may not be the best thing I ever did but the fact that I learned from you to have a critical eye and ask myself questions leading to a solution makes this a painting I love. Thanks so much Ian and I hope to go further with you in your classes. I'm in MC now.
It’s always sad when something great ends, and I’m definitely feeling that way now. I’ve been watching your videos since the beginning, and I want to thank you, Ian, for everything you’ve taught me. Good luck in your new endeavour. Hopefully, we’ll see you again, and I’m looking forward to receiving your emails.
This was worth waiting for (after the “trailer” in the brushwork course)! Watching your progression from photo to under painting to blocking in and your thoughts about simplifying and correcting as you go towards the final painting are a practical course for any artist. Thanks for this!
I learn so much by watching your videos. Could you create a video on composition for a square canvas? I really struggle with square compositions. But love square paintings and formats. Thank you!
I don't know if the lake actually existed or not, but it was genius to reveal it to the viewer through the use of negative space. Just excellent, thank you.
I just put in an order for some copies of Mastering Composition for the bookstore at the John C Campbell Folk School in NC where I'm teaching Composing Dynamic Watercolors soon. I have used the book for many years and highly recommend it- regardless of genre. I now want to order your other book too.
The whole time I was watching this video, I was thinking about your video about painting shapes, not things. That, together with values, and you have a painting! Marvellous!
Es ist einfach wunderbar, Ihnen beim Malen zuzusehen. Sie erschaffen mit Pinsel und Farbe einen lebendigen Organismus mit soviel Liebe und Hingabe. Ich bin leider ein impulsiver, aggressiver, dekontruktiver Maler. Ich wäre gerne da, wo Sie sind. In der Ruhe und Ausgeglichenheit...💝🙋♀️💝
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I have already done one painting yesterday and I am amazed at the result when first blocking colour shapes. Today, I received your book Mastering composition, ordered 2 days ago on Amazon. I am thrilled as I am already planning my next painting. I have already read more than 50 pages of your book and listened to numerous videos over the last days. You have heightened my inspiration. I have also recommended your channel to a close friend.
I really love these videos. They are super helpful, great explanations of not only how, but why you choose to do what you do! I enjoyed the video about copying a master, well tomorrow my task is to copy one of yours!😅 Thank you
My word! Yes, the painting is truly spectacular, but what amazes me even more is your creative brain! How you solved your problem (that every one of us would never knew existed haha) and threw down your solution like it was no big deal. So perfectly executed as though it was all there in the photo already! And thank you for your generosity in sharing, it’s always so inspiring 💝
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Received a lovely new copy in the UK this morning, and although I have only flicked through it, I can already tell it is so packed with insight that it's going to be of huge benefit to me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you Ian. This is a terrific tutorial, I learned heaps in a very short time. I paint mainly from photos or paintings from days gone by, ( not copying, just learning from the compositions and colours used) Thanks again, see you next time.😎🇦🇺🦘
You just solved my current problem, a beautiful path in autumn that goes back to a sliver of lake. I just need to open up the trees a bit and see more water. I always forget that we can invent changes. Thank you!
Thank you Ian. Two years ago I was feeling stuck in making any progress with my paintings. I picked up a paintbrush 17 years ago. I fell in love with painting Plein Air and with oils. Over those 17 years sometimes I would take classes, get out and paint, or just travel with a sketchbook. Months would also go by when I would not pick up a brush or a pencil. Then two years ago (COVID times) it was time to start again. My work is really benefiting from your instruction. Thank you for your generosity.
Fantastic perspective regarding how to think about transitioning from a photo to a painting. As a photographer you created a beautiful painting that supersedes the photo. Thanks so much.
Oh, Ian, I learned so much from that little bit of blue. That line on the distant shore is perfect. There’s a whole year of art lessons in this one video. Just watch it 30 seconds at a time and implement that in your own work.
Awesome video and how to change some things and make a painting look better. Thanks so much for all you do for us. Your books are a great source of information. Blessings and take care.
Ian, I’ve just discovered you on RUclips. Thank you so much for all the great videos. I’ve been a watercolor painter for years and dabble in oils. I’ve learned so much by watching your videos. You simplify your art so that it is so understandable. Please continue giving us these lessons.
Hello Ian. I always look forward to your tutorials and the manner in which you present your videos. I find them very informative, interesting and inspirational. After 50 years of painting, I still struggle with actually leaving it alone. The details call me but I miss the mark on creating the soft peaceful warmth of the landscape. Your videos inspire me to continue reaching that goal.
Went to visit an exposition on William Turner yesterday and noticed he'd apply on his paintings everything I've learned from your videos and books; it was really cool being able to quickly notice the armature, value masses and the use of defined and undefined edges to direct the eye towards the focus, and how he used various elements to distract and redirect and keep your eye from getting stuck in one place. I felt like I finally knew what was going on and it was super interesting; I can't thank you enough for the invaluable knowledge you share with us.
Perfect work, if you ask me. The solution works! And... not. At least not for me. The situation as is gives a boxed in feeling which affects the way space works. The space seems to get shortened, and... at the same time, it's not. I am very fond of such situations where space is somehow... distorted? maleable? It's intriguing.
HI Theo, I wanted to create depth, pull the viewer's attention back into the scene. That seemed the best way to do it and without that opening it constricted to me. All the best
Very nice Mr. Roberts, your imagination opened up the space for the viewer to be drawn into the painting. It's beautiful to see your process in producing your art. I'll be looking out for your reprinted book here in Madrid.
This month I've been consciously wrasslin with my resistance to deviate from photo ref. But as I've been working forward through your videos I've been thinking about applying this notion of compositional intent to creatively adjust photo ref. This video comes at a great time for me. Gives me a lot to think about. Thanks. Ian, you've made me much better at interpreting what interests me in landscapes, with a greater understanding of what I'm doing, in a very short period of time. I'm deeply grateful to you. Thank you so much.
Thank you for another wonderful teaching video. I’m always amazed that you see possibilities in a scene that I would pass by and then you turn it into a really interesting painting. Especially love the fence and the “blue line” in this painting.
Great video.. really useful...I have that problem a lot of the time..I see an interesting view , take a photo and it can be so disappointing and confusing trying to work from the image. Great to see how you tackled a tricky photo and really wonderful painting at the end. I really like the the initial block in with charcoal drawing over it too.. thanks Ian.
Glad you found it helpful Edna. I was looking at that block in with the charcoal too and although it didn't grab me that much as it was it did make me think it was interesting and maybe could be pushed into service somehow. With a bit more thought. All the best
This was an eye-opener in explaining the transformation of photographic raw material into artistry through the application of composition principles! Great video and a real masterpiece painting! Thank you.
l love this painting!
Thanks so much!
I watch your videos all the time 🤓
This demonstration of creating a painting from a reference without being glued to the specifics of the reference is truly eye opening to me. Thank you!
You're so welcome. Delighted you liked it
Yes, this is how understanding composition and having years of experience come together. I have a photo taken from a fishing cabin high above the North Umpqua River in Oregon where the view is obstructed by many trees. I know what lies beyond the trees: the riverbed and bolder rocks, the fast flowing water hitting the rocks and creating beautiful crashing water effects plus beautiful splashes of sunlight hitting the water and trees. So great, but why in the world did I feel so hampered by the trees blocking the view and why didn’t I just get rid of some to clear the view to the river? It amazes me that such a SIMPLE solution has evaded my thought process and prevented me from painting this beautiful scene for several years. Am I the only painter so dim witted? After all, I’ve been painting for many years and still get hung up on these composition problems. Your tutoring is truly opening my eyes, though, so thank you again for a great video.
NO, you're not the only painter that would have a problem changing the photograph! I've often felt compelled to paint exactly what the photo shows..warts and all.!! I'm better now.
Please don’t be so harsh on yourself- I have the same stumbling blocks. They’re common. Especially with a photo as a reference- photos feel like I have to do what’s in them. Like it’s already finished and I’m only copying it.
Thanks so much Lillian and I"m delighted you found the video helpful. From the number of likes for it I think you are definitely not alone on clearing out the trees. All the best
That's not all! You are such an inspiration! Where have you been all my life!!!
Thanks so much. Very kind of you to say
I am a photographer and I sometimes will paint my photos. Sometimes I will run into problems because I know what I am seeing through a camera. I know the depth of field and what I want to show through a particular lens I have on the camera. Then, I want to put the photo on canvas and I see it differently as I paint. I believe this video will help me next time I tackle one of my photos. Thanks Ian.
Would never have thought of adding the lake, totally transforms the picture.
Thanks Raymond
You really lighten the value of the shadow where the man is
The camera will often push the darks much darker than they are in real life.
I just finished readying your book Creative Authenticity. I just wanted to thank you so much for your insightful writings. My favorite two sentences “it’s one thing to give expression to something you feel strongly about. It is another thing to find a simple way to express what you have discovered so another person can appreciate it”. We can all do with being less self centered and focusing on things outside of us. I think that is when we truly become great communicators as Artists.
Thanks so much for sharing, and well said. So glad you are enjoying the book so much. All the best, Ian
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I am patiently waiting for your next Art Workshop. Unfortunately I missed the last one in February
Thank you Ian.
As a photographer until now.
So much in my archives...
Thank you.
Every time I see you paint, I can’t wait to get to my easel. Such a motivational video. My results never live up to yours, but it it sure is fun to try. Thank you, Ian.
Thank you so much Martha. Enjoy the painting process & have fun with it. All the best, Ian
your episodes are such a treasure, thank you
This lovely painting made me smile as it was so inviting and serene. Thank you for the wonderful demonstration!!
Thank you so much! I'm a beginning painter and have started my first large work ever. The examples and concepts in your video will be part of my final painting!
One day, my finished paintings will be half as good as Ian's block ins... something to aspire too
I would love the photo and painting to be side by side at the end. Gorgeous work!
Thanks so much Laurie
Your book arrived today (I’m in northern Alberta), and it feels like I’m on a new journey with my painting.
That is wonderful. I hope you enjoy it! My hope was it is something you can revisit year after year. All the best
I had some lightbulb moments watching this video. I need to get into my studio and solve some problems. Thankyou Ian.
Wonderful. Thanks so much Wende
I am just seeing this now Feb 2024 and I'm smiling. When I first started to paint not all that long ago, I did a painting of a photograph "as it was". I t was horrible so I put it away. Then I started watching your videos on composition and pulled the paint out. I also had a road that hit a dead end and did exactly what you did in this painting. Cleared away the trees and had the road go to the ocean. . I softened the edges and simplified the shapes and now I love it. It may not be the best thing I ever did but the fact that I learned from you to have a critical eye and ask myself questions leading to a solution makes this a painting I love. Thanks so much Ian and I hope to go further with you in your classes. I'm in MC now.
It’s always sad when something great ends, and I’m definitely feeling that way now. I’ve been watching your videos since the beginning, and I want to thank you, Ian, for everything you’ve taught me. Good luck in your new endeavour. Hopefully, we’ll see you again, and I’m looking forward to receiving your emails.
This was worth waiting for (after the “trailer” in the brushwork course)!
Watching your progression from photo to under painting to blocking in and your thoughts about simplifying and correcting as you go towards the final painting are a practical course for any artist.
Thanks for this!
Thanks so much Joe. See you Saturday.
You are such a good teacher. I much appreciate your videos.
Thanks so much Roland, I appreciate your telling me. All the best.
I learn so much by watching your videos.
Could you create a video on composition for a square canvas?
I really struggle with square compositions. But love square paintings and formats.
Thank you!
I don't know if the lake actually existed or not, but it was genius to reveal it to the viewer through the use of negative space. Just excellent, thank you.
Thanks so much Mark
Super helpful! It does look better with the composition opened up back there.
Loooove your compositional fix confidence. Adopting!!
Oh, so beautiful, your paintings are so calming, balm for a soul, composition and colors you use are just so pretty to look at❤️
Thank you very much!
I just put in an order for some copies of Mastering Composition for the bookstore at the John C Campbell Folk School in NC where I'm teaching Composing Dynamic Watercolors soon. I have used the book for many years and highly recommend it- regardless of genre. I now want to order your other book too.
Thanks so much Annie. I know you will find the Authentic Composition book also helpful
Have been sidetracked and really want to get back to painting. So satisfying to the soul to see your magical lessons again!!
The whole time I was watching this video, I was thinking about your video about painting shapes, not things. That, together with values, and you have a painting! Marvellous!
You are so welcome!
Es ist einfach wunderbar, Ihnen beim Malen zuzusehen. Sie erschaffen mit Pinsel und Farbe einen lebendigen Organismus mit soviel Liebe und Hingabe. Ich bin leider ein impulsiver, aggressiver, dekontruktiver Maler. Ich wäre gerne da, wo Sie sind. In der Ruhe und Ausgeglichenheit...💝🙋♀️💝
Thanks so much for the kind comment (I had to translate it). All the best, Ian
Beautiful painting Ian and excellent teaching as well, thanks Craig
Thanks so much Craig
just love.... always VERY helpful. I suppose, the "eye" takes time to achieve. applause!!
Thanks so much Cheri
Thanks again for your insights and ability to explain process a rare talent in itself.
Picked up the book a couple of months ago. Thank you.
Excellent lesson…amazing result !😮
Hi Ian, I feel so blessed to have come across you on RUclips! You really "have the goods" on Composition that I need in my work!!
You are so welcome. Glad you are finding my videos so helpful
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I have already done one painting yesterday and I am amazed at the result when first blocking colour shapes. Today, I received your book Mastering composition, ordered 2 days ago on Amazon. I am thrilled as I am already planning my next painting. I have already read more than 50 pages of your book and listened to numerous videos over the last days. You have heightened my inspiration. I have also recommended your channel to a close friend.
I really love these videos. They are super helpful, great explanations of not only how, but why you choose to do what you do! I enjoyed the video about copying a master, well tomorrow my task is to copy one of yours!😅 Thank you
This video has filled a blank slot in my mind 😳 😅. What an eye opener! Sir, thank you so very much ❤ 🙏.
Most welcome! Delighted to hear this
You make it look so easy. Lovely painting!
Thank you very much Aino
My word! Yes, the painting is truly spectacular, but what amazes me even more is your creative brain! How you solved your problem (that every one of us would never knew existed haha) and threw down your solution like it was no big deal. So perfectly executed as though it was all there in the photo already!
And thank you for your generosity in sharing, it’s always so inspiring 💝
Thank you for such genuine lessons! Book is on the way in the mail! Yay!
Wonderful! I know you will enjoy the book. Thank you Karrie
These videos are gold and inspirational, thank you !
The lake at the back is just like a cherry on a cake. You made it complete Ian🎨👌
Usually, I steer clear of telling myself 'I need that book', as all I really need to do to improve is paint. However, I need that book!
I know you will find it helpful!
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Received a lovely new copy in the UK this morning, and although I have only flicked through it, I can already tell it is so packed with insight that it's going to be of huge benefit to me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you Ian. This is a terrific tutorial, I learned heaps in a very short time.
I paint mainly from photos or paintings from days gone by, ( not copying, just learning from the compositions and colours used)
Thanks again, see you next time.😎🇦🇺🦘
Lovely painting!
You just solved my current problem, a beautiful path in autumn that goes back to a sliver of lake. I just need to open up the trees a bit and see more water. I always forget that we can invent changes. Thank you!
You're so welcome Judy!
Thank you Ian. Two years ago I was feeling stuck in making any progress with my paintings. I picked up a paintbrush 17 years ago. I fell in love with painting Plein Air and with oils. Over those 17 years sometimes I would take classes, get out and paint, or just travel with a sketchbook. Months would also go by when I would not pick up a brush or a pencil. Then two years ago (COVID times) it was time to start again. My work is really benefiting from your instruction. Thank you for your generosity.
Makes me so happy to hear, Kathleen. Thanks so much.
Gorgeous painting, great tuition again too. Thank you.
Thanks so much Matt
Thank you Ian, much appreciated.
Cliff
Very welcome Cliff
Fantastic perspective regarding how to think about transitioning from a photo to a painting. As a photographer you created a beautiful painting that supersedes the photo. Thanks so much.
Well said. Thanks so much Susan
Thank you. This is very helpful. Such a lovely painting.
Well explained and illustrated. Appreciate you sharing.
Glad it was helpful Adrian
Awesome painting lesson! ♥️🙏🌷
Thank you very much!
Again an excellent tutorial with inspiration and professional skill advice. Thanks
Thanks so much Wolfgang
Oh, Ian, I learned so much from that little bit of blue. That line on the distant shore is perfect. There’s a whole year of art lessons in this one video. Just watch it 30 seconds at a time and implement that in your own work.
Wonderful. Delighted you found those tips helpful Raye
Thanks Ian. Great composition tips.
Glad you enjoyed it Kamlesh
Awesome video and how to change some things and make a painting look better. Thanks so much for all you do for us. Your books are a great source of information. Blessings and take care.
You're so welcome. Delighted you are enjoying the book
your book is excellent, very good info within.
Fantastic and very helpful! Thank you, Ian!!!!❤❤❤
You're so welcome Nataly
I love that painting!!! I am pulled into it.
Thanks so much Maureen
wow, it's a very beautiful painting
Thank you so much
Thank you Maestro!!
Ian, I’ve just discovered you on RUclips. Thank you so much for all the great videos. I’ve been a watercolor painter for years and dabble in oils. I’ve learned so much by watching your videos. You simplify your art so that it is so understandable. Please continue giving us these lessons.
I plan on it. Thanks so much Judith. Glad you are enjoying the videos
Hello Ian. I always look forward to your tutorials and the manner in which you present your videos. I find them very informative, interesting and inspirational. After 50 years of painting, I still struggle with actually leaving it alone. The details call me but I miss the mark on creating the soft peaceful warmth of the landscape. Your videos inspire me to continue reaching that goal.
Went to visit an exposition on William Turner yesterday and noticed he'd apply on his paintings everything I've learned from your videos and books; it was really cool being able to quickly notice the armature, value masses and the use of defined and undefined edges to direct the eye towards the focus, and how he used various elements to distract and redirect and keep your eye from getting stuck in one place. I felt like I finally knew what was going on and it was super interesting; I can't thank you enough for the invaluable knowledge you share with us.
THanks so much for letting me know. Happy to hear it. All the best
I received your book today! WOOT!
Excellent. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks John
Thank you so much Ian for sharing your process of painting from a photo. You are a wonderful teacher, love your videos.
Soooooooo beautiful !!
Perfect work, if you ask me. The solution works! And... not. At least not for me. The situation as is gives a boxed in feeling which affects the way space works. The space seems to get shortened, and... at the same time, it's not. I am very fond of such situations where space is somehow... distorted? maleable? It's intriguing.
HI Theo, I wanted to create depth, pull the viewer's attention back into the scene. That seemed the best way to do it and without that opening it constricted to me. All the best
Sir, you are the real deal!
Beauifully done
Thanks, Ian, very inspiring.
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi Ian. Great seeing you. This was a very informative video. Thank you! Take care. g
Nice to hear from you Gayle. Hope all is well. Glad you enjoyed the video. With very best wishes.
I didn't even know you wrote a book! I just ordered it!
Thank you! I know you will find it helpful
Very nice Mr. Roberts, your imagination opened up the space for the viewer to be drawn into the painting. It's beautiful to see your process in producing your art.
I'll be looking out for your reprinted book here in Madrid.
You are very welcome Mark. Thank you. I know you will enjoy the book
I just found your channel and I am so excited! Thank you for helping us
You are so welcome!
Love, love, love! You amaze me!
Thanks so much Sharon
This month I've been consciously wrasslin with my resistance to deviate from photo ref. But as I've been working forward through your videos I've been thinking about applying this notion of compositional intent to creatively adjust photo ref. This video comes at a great time for me. Gives me a lot to think about. Thanks.
Ian, you've made me much better at interpreting what interests me in landscapes, with a greater understanding of what I'm doing, in a very short period of time. I'm deeply grateful to you. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the kind comment. So glad you are finding my videos so welcome. All the best, Ian
Thank you for another wonderful teaching video. I’m always amazed that you see possibilities in a scene that I would pass by and then you turn it into a really interesting painting. Especially love the fence and the “blue line” in this painting.
First time I’ve seen your videos. This is just awesome!! You make it look easy 👍
Thanks so much Linda. Glad you like them
Thank you! Very helpful and a beautiful painting!
You are so welcome!
Love it! Thankyou! Big hug!
You are so welcome!
Lovely, you make it look so easy!
Thank you so much
Great instruction as always. Good news about your book.
Glad you enjoyed the video. I know you will enjoy the book also
Thank you Ian, very helpful and inspiring
Thanks so much Jan
Great video.. really useful...I have that problem a lot of the time..I see an interesting view , take a photo and it can be so disappointing and confusing trying to work from the image. Great to see how you tackled a tricky photo and really wonderful painting at the end. I really like the the initial block in with charcoal drawing over it too.. thanks Ian.
Glad you found it helpful Edna. I was looking at that block in with the charcoal too and although it didn't grab me that much as it was it did make me think it was interesting and maybe could be pushed into service somehow. With a bit more thought. All the best
Thank you. Informative and inspirational.
You're so welcome Gayle
Wow, so much to learn in this video!
Glad it was helpful Nick
Your lessons are so helpful-and entertaining to this painting nerd. I work in pastels, but your composition principles work for all media. Thank you!
Love the way you paint. So clean and precise! Your videos are clear, concise and inspiring. Thank you.
Thank you so much Virginia. Very kind
Really loved this video. Want to start right away 👍
Go for it. All the best, Ian
Marvelous. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it. You're welcome
So much good information and solid advice packed into 8 mins! Wonderful painting, thank you Ian.
Glad you enjoyed it Barbara
Your work is so very helpful. Thanks.
You're so welcome!
This was an eye-opener in explaining the transformation of photographic raw material into artistry through the application of composition principles! Great video and a real masterpiece painting! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much Kathy
Great thanks Ian.
Very welcome
Really really nice Ian !
Thank you!
Everytime new and absorbing ..!👍
Thanks so much Mohan