2 Steps to Better Paintings: Think Structure and Shapes

I know many students struggle with simplifying an image. And with detail. What to leave out. Seeing the image in terms of structure and shapes solves those problems. They build the foundation of your painting.
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[@coloradocorri]

I would be interested in what makes you choose one image over another when selecting an image to use as a reference for a painting. I have to be honest, if that photo were on my camera roll, I would’ve swiped right on by without even considering it! But Ian Roberts sees a painting in it and indeed turns it into a very lovely and interesting painting that is far superior to the photo!!! I know you have covered this topic in the past, but I would be interested in learning more, as I feel that is often times my biggest struggle...choosing an image or scene to paint!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Corri, in a sense this is the ten million dollar question isn't it? I just came back from a trip up the coast taking lots of photos of cliffs and waves (well and a lot of fog rolling in too) but over 300 photos. I think maybe one I might paint. I wish it were easier. Why I choose the ones I do, now that seems more obvious, but obviously to me. Not to you. I mean my particular choices. Most of it has to do with the structure I see and the big value masses and how much I can get that to carry the painting. I know I've said that on the videos. But I don't know how else say it. Hope that helps a bit.

[@HondoTrailside]

I think that is the answer, though Sargent (not exactly a relevant standard for my poor work), said he could be plunked down anywhere, and come up with a good painting. He was said to often choose a spot for the comfort. I think that could be taking the idea a little too far. For one thing because he produced a whole series of works from a quarry in Italy, which had all the aspects of light that region has, along with lines and shapes that would delight Ian, possibly. So he did get hooked on the possibilities of a specific place. Another comment I like, is from Josh Been where he says: "If we paint our curiosity, the body of work represents our soul on the canvas. Authenticity of any kind has an audience. I look for interesting interplay in shapes in the form, patterns in the light and shadows, color harmonies, contrast in edge relationships, instead of subject mater specific arrangements. Doing this stops us from going to the same compositions and scenes every time. We broaden our possibilities range by unseeing nouns, and seeing relationships of the visible language elements: value, shapes, edge, and texture." This is against the background of his painting a lot of small pieces of fairly random parts of a very big picture landscape. He did some of the big scenes also, but he is showing you that even if you look for found compositions, then really look, they are all over the place. So imagine you are going into Yosemite Valley. I am sure one can paint El Cap, but it is iconic, you can't generally give Brad Pitt a big nose, because it makes a better composition. But on the way into the valley, you might see many arrangements of boulders, or trees, or minor waterfalls that might be perfect compositionally, and if you have to move one a little, to make a stronger painting, it will work because you are conveying the feeling of the experience, and aren't tied to assumptions of what that landmark, or another is supposed to look like.

[@Surai00]

It's amazing how, when your vision is as bad as mine, I can take off my glasses and get an instant idea of only the big shapes, the shadows, and the highlights. I spent my life seeing that as a disadvantage, but it goes to show that life is always about perspective.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Always about perspective. I guess that is the ultimate philosophy.

[@HondoTrailside]

And you can put on some reading glasses to get one's blur on, and also red lenses and get some pretty immediate feedback.

[@evandegenfelder4554]

I feel it's worth saying again: I wish I'd had an instructor like you, Ian, when I was in school. It would've saved me decades of struggle and frustration. Thanks for this, it was a great demo and what a wonderful painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So nice of you to say so Evan. Both about me as a teacher and my painting this week. Thank you.

[@karensliwinski1243]

Another wonderful demonstration. I must learn to think and see like an artist though. You’ve taken a scene that I would not have considered painting and turned it into a compelling piece of art! Can you one day speak specifically to this issue of how to evaluate a subject that might be worth painting? I so appreciate your generosity in sharing your knowledge.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Karen, glad you liked it. The 23 likes to your comment makes me think you have asked an important question. Let me think about it and see what I can come up with one week.

[@karensliwinski1243]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition that would be great! Thank you 😊

[@shirleybrady4492]

Thanks! I’m a beginner who never realized I could draw, much less actually paint! I love learning the building blocks of composition & technique, but mostly you’re helping me see my world in a very new & fascinating way! It’s always been there, but using an eye that tells me “oh, that would be so fun to paint” and then just drawing out the design & putting paint on canvas! Wow! We’re so blessed by you sharing with us; my notebook is filling up with notes, sketches & ideas. I’m so glad to have found your channel! BTW, I’m retired & you’ve enriched my life with a whole new way of seeing my world!

[@houstonkimbrough3632]

I so look forward to Tuesdays and am so grateful for your generosity in sharing your talent with us. Have learned so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome! So glad you are enjoying the videos

[@DesignDrawDo]

Oh my god. Your videos make my jaw drop each time!!!! Such a wonderful teacher I'm SO GLAD to have discovered your videos thanks to Paint Coach!

[@pattititman1621]

The block in was the best! Simple, perfect values, not too much information to distract. Good lesson. Very motivating to get painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Patti.

[@mandyinseattle]

That is the most beautiful painting of a most beautiful picture!

[@josephpalen7149]

Jarring my memory from back in school.

[@iamcleverdic]

Thank you Ian. I love watching your videos. I am trying continuously to get my head around composition and structure because I can see how important it is. I love being able to take things out of a photo so that I can build it into my own painting and not try to make it a photo. I appreciate your effort.

[@paulbugnacki7107]

I love how you use light in this one. It really pops in your finished work.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like it Paul

[@cockatielnation5425]

My view of the world has changed since watching these videos. I practice seeing shapes as I drive down the road...

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I am delighted, and a bit concerned for your well-being. Eyes on the road. I have to say I have the same problem.

[@noelcastles4035]

Ian this video is not just instructive it is also enjoyable and entertaining. You have a a way of presenting that draws me in. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Noel!

[@anniemcc100]

Informed and inspired. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're very welcome Annie

[@orlane219]

Thank you Ian.You are a wonderful teacher. We learn so much from you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure! Thanks Hannah

[@patriciamorgan7091]

Hello Ian a painter friend of mine told me about your videos and I'm so delighted to have found it. I've been painting transparent watercolors for 18 years and teaching for about 15. But I still always want to learn more about design and your site has been a gift. Thank you so much for sharing your talent. Pat

[@annesantarossa4546]

Another inspiring lesson...never tire of watching you paint Thanks Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Anne

[@ritalawas8965]

Cant count how many times I’ve heard you say “look at the verticals and horizontal lines “ finally i heard it.!! Off to take another look at my photos. Thanks so much for your wonderful teaching methods. Look forward to the videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It's funny how you can hear something over and over and not hear it and then one day oh, now I get it. That's great.

[@klausfluegelschwanz6759]

Oh yes it's better alright Ian ... I am always totally blown away by a few last touches from your hand that make it totally great. In this painting the light to the side of the hedge on the left side

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Klaus.

[@joannegagnon-marihart]

Trying all weekend long to put into practice and in watercolor what you teach us every tuesday . Steps by steps and the feeling that I made some (small) progress. Thank you for your generosity.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching Joanne

[@123tabatha]

So good. Can't get enough. Thanks.

[@Kerstin151263]

Amazing demonstration! Love to watch how everything comes together.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it

[@janettovey3928]

Brilliant, love this one Ian, there was a sign posted at an art school I did a workshop at that read: 'let go of outcome, commit to process'. And I love that you give that to us - thank-you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That's a great quote Jane. Thanks.

[@shellyarnold9238]

When I find myself shifting focus from “shapes” to “objects”, I turn the photo and canvas upside down. This forces my focus back on shapes.

[@joycesumara416]

Hi Ian- so helpful to see how you simplify. I could watch a lot more of these!

[@gizmogimble9559]

You are such a great artist & an equally great teacher.

[@susankahn7219]

Wow! So helpful! Thanks.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Susan!

[@colettemorgan4503]

I have always wonder if one can just paint like that without drawing first. I guest you have just answered my question. Thank you Ian, you are a master of what you do.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I guess it just depends on the specific image. There are scenes I probably would not do it.

[@colettemorgan4503]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition yes i can imagine free painting a city with out sketching, 😂 have a good week.

[@judyberman6540]

Your demonstration is very helpful and timely. I began a painting today with a building, trees, bushes, etc. I’ll be keeping your comments in mind as I continue. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Good luck Judy.

[@belindawebb3162]

I love the blocked-in version...the looseness of its semi-abstraction. The finished piece is an excellent example of simplifying the representational image, but in the first you've really captured the essence of the overall idea. I know it was your intention to continue working on it, so its great to have a record of the two stages. Masterful execution, as usual 😍. Thank you for the lesson 😊

[@janelintern6969]

Magic ! Loved watching this. Jane

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Jane!

[@OurWisdoms]

As always, you make things easy when they're not :)) I think that one the most difficult tasks of a painter is to achieve the synthesis of the subject. Perhaps because that if a sign of maturity or evolution. Fresh painters tend to concentrate too much in details and it takes some training to start seeing blocks of value. Thank you for another awesome lesson. I recommended you to more people. You're a great instructor!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are a wondrous soul to recommend my videos. Delighted you are enjoying the videos.

[@Mia-lo8fg]

Ian that is a great video. You explain things so simply and clearly. I have learnt so much from you more than any other instructor. Thank you for making me a better painter. Wonderful content, demo and explanation. Look forward to more videos.

[@giovannisiano574]

And this superbly demonstrate, despite many figurative painters strongly doubting that, how strong is the relation between abstract (non figurative) paintings and figurative works.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Giovanni, you are exactly right. I think you correctly make the distinction between figurative and non-figurative because all painting is abstract.

[@happyfarmer979]

thank you- so helpful!

[@patriciamckeen432]

Lovely. Thank you Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Patricia

[@maggieinsc1967]

Always find your posts so informative. Thanks so much!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Margaret

[@riffsandpics]

Very useful content as usual. I'm starting to consider my compositions more and more in these ways.

[@cindylin5255]

Good demo, love it!

[@Ladysmyth]

Love love love this one!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Diana. Nice to hear from you. Best wishes.

[@sandy411]

Love this, Ian. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Sandy. Best wishes.

[@deborahrech7429]

Beautiful painting. I’m struggling now with learning how to structure a painting. This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@christinelewis5765]

This is excellent! This is so helpful...when Artists can start to see the bigger shapes. Really nicely done. 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Christine.

[@shellylee107]

Very helpful 👍 Thank you, Ian.

[@udellcustomshop6758]

Thank you Ian! Always informative! Lovely painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Udell

[@tracyforester9825]

Fantastic video.

[@mitchmenzmer3185]

Yes, very clear. The block in vs line approach is cool!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Mitch!

[@trisht5064]

thank you Ian as always an excellent demo and explanation i really look forward to Tuesdays keep them coming 😀

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

More to come! Thanks Trish

[@annstuart8886]

An amazing teaching! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Ann!

[@barbararuigrok]

This is brilliant again! Thank you, Ian !

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Barbara

[@paraleeeckman1728]

Thank you for this video! I am starting on another painting for a grandson's marriage. It is quite a detailed photo, and this will help me notice major shapes and shadows!

[@jerrieglidden245]

This was fabulous, thank you for sharing your knowledge!!!!!! I always look forward to Tuesdays to see what I’m going to learn !!!!!!😀❤️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome! Thank you!

[@maryannnash653]

Thank you so much! Loved this video and I can’t wait to paint a painting with these great tips in mind. Goodbye to unnecessary detail!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@clarestratton3343]

Always enjoy these sessions! Thanks for sharing your gift of teaching

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Clare

[@timprobasco9882]

Very helpful video… Love your style and awesome techniques and tips. Your getting me so motivated to paint again

[@joygeorge2175]

Your demonstrations are wonderful! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for watching!

[@kamleshsunak3176]

Thank you Ian for this wonderful video. There is always something new to learn, every time I want watch you paint

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching Kamlesh

[@jonathanroger4705]

Useful to have a choice of approaches, a new shapes approach instead of a detailed drawing. Interesting mental approach leading to action.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Jonathan!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Excellent demonstration and lessons. Really appreciate your lessons Ian. Thanks so much for all of your help.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@sherryblack7586]

Ian, this is fantastic. I am learning more from you than I did in school. You are an amazing teacher! I love your work, too.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wow, thanks! Makes me happy to hear. Thanks Sherry

[@rscottenglish]

Thank you Ian for your videos. I've been painting for 50 years, mostly abstract. I've always wanted to paint representationally and usually spend about 2 months of the year trying to make progress with painting from life. It has been a real struggle. Your videos on painting shapes was the key. You've given me hope! you are a very good teacher. please continue and know that your vids are helping many struggling artists, students and pros alike.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Scott, thanks so much for letting me know. I really appreciate it and I'm delighted the videos are helpful.

[@WriteWorksConsulting]

I concur with Scott English 100%. Thank you, Ian!

[@paresh4914]

beautiful step by step demonstration with lessons!!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much

[@lisafred1362]

Love love this painting

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@1969kbl]

Very helpful, and beautiful. I like how the buildings look rustic, so simply. Thank you Ian.🌷

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Katrina!

[@cassiooliveira7117]

Wonderful lesson, demonstration, and wonderdful painting! Thank you very much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you! Glad you liked it

[@oljas4642]

Great demonstration, thank you Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Olja

[@barbaras6845]

So good. This was just so good- easy to understand, helpful, loved the changes you made. Thanks for making these videos, Tricia- I always enjoy learning from you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Betsy!

[@dorieporcelli6516]

I am so happy to have found Ian Roberts. These videos are so very helpful in my process.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is very sweet. Delighted you are enjoying the videos!

[@selmaabbott7234]

Thank you, Ian for another inspirational demo! Amazing! I like the idea of working with shapes and I am ready to try your method. This painting is gorgeous, it brings light and nature, a peaceful spot!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Fantastic! Thanks so much Selma

[@Undergroundgirl1000]

Magical !🤩.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Therese

[@analivingston7590]

Hello Ian, wonderful demonstration, so simple and interesting. Thank you so much again. I do look forward to your Tuesday videos. You too have a good week.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You too. All the best.

[@Ghifji]

Ian, you provide such clarity through your description of your painting process. Really enjoy your videos and resulting paintings.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Chris!

[@lyndamarts4616]

Thanks for another great lesson. Your videos are so useful and helpful!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them! All the best

[@joannegagnon-marihart]

Wow great lesson as usual. With everyone of your demonstration we learn a lot.Thank you very much, the finish painting is exquisite. Lost of sun and luminosity!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you found it helpful. All the best

[@johankees1211]

Brilliant demonstration as always! I cannot thank you enough for these excellent lessons which changed my reading of my surroundings completely.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me happy to hear it Johan. Thanks for telling me. All the best.

[@colettemorgan4503]

Thank you ian for this, I've always

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Colette.

[@matmacmillan5147]

Thanks Ian, a pleasure to watch as always. I feel like I'm learning a lot - just need to go and actually paint to find out!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Mat, glad you enjoyed it. And yes going out to paint helps.

[@sapienproductions]

A lovely demo. Thank you very much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Matt

[@stephenjamison6124]

Thank you for another interesting and informative video. Tuesday is now my favourite day of the week!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Stephen! So glad to hear it

[@marieradi-nahas767]

Thank you for an amazing demonstration.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome!

[@diannebertold3602]

Goodness, you make it look so easy, Ian! Thank you. Into the studio I go.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Dianne! Enjoy

[@angshumansengupta6322]

Love the way you start this painting and maintain the abstraction . Amazing 🎨

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much!

[@wendyprest7479]

Thanks for that excellent demo!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Wendy!

[@jasperlotushawkins7607]

Fantastic instruction. Lovely painting! Thanks for all you share. ⭐️

[@lincolngordon824]

Love it. Can u do a demo on how u use colors?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Lincoln, that is a big topic for a video. but I can certainly do parts of it.

[@Mariana-iy5fc]

Dese Ian, I am enjoying your Book Creative Authenticity very much!!! Thank you for the Video!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Mariana, delighted you are enjoying CA and the videos. All the best.

[@georgeedward1226]

Great video. Solid advice as always.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful! All the best

[@Mamounalaframboiz]

Wonderful ! I love your approach. Very helpful. Great thanks Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure! Glad to hear it

[@sharonstratis2846]

Thanks for showing the finished block-in phase against the finished piece. That is very helpful. I can't wait to try this one.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@arieljiang8198]

I enjoy your videos! Thanks for making them and they are so helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them Ariel!

[@conniemcconnell8347]

Thank you! I was taking photos this past weekend that have strong light and dark. I'll be practicing what I see in your videos and in your book. Only in acrylics. So glad you are continuing your videos. I do learn so much from them.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Good luck with your paintings Connie. All the best.

[@jantivel2337]

Thank you for another excellent demonstration. You have a way of making these subjects so easy to incorporate into my own paintings. These Tuesday lessons are so helpful. I really appreciate your generosity in sharing these concepts with us.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Jan. I am so glad you like them

[@kimstepney9370]

Nicely explained- thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ramzihammoud5762]

You are a very good teacher

[@laurataggart8018]

Thanks again! This is very helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Laura.

[@annboughton1753]

I’m learning so much from you. Thank you for your generosity,

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Ann

[@skasskass8331]

Thank you for this great explanation. You are such a good teacher as you understand how a newbie might see things. My teacher always talked about leading the eye. I never really understood what this meant by how the eye moves in a picture. Still find it difficult, although I understand the principles of what is being talked about.

[@rosemarypoggione7062]

Love how you simplify the paintings by drawing the shapes, very interesting, love it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found that helpful Rosemary.

[@maureengarcia5478]

Terrific!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it!

[@sharondowney3302]

Thanks! So helpful!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome!