5 Principles to Master Anything

Registration for the 2023 Mastering Composition Course is now closed.
Sign up for the 2024 waitlist here: masteringcomposition.com/2023...

[@dorothyrogers6093]

The idea of "we have to have a lot of milk for the cream to rise to the top" is such a great analogy!! Practicing the right things, without expecting them all to be masterpieces is so freeing . Thanks for your wisdom and inspiration!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad that it resonates with you. You're very welcome Dorothy and all the best.

[@annamariepederson2149]

I took Ian's class. It has been one of the best investments in developing my artistic skills that I have ever made. It was the right amount of challenge and accountability with meaningful encouragement. Lessons were explained and demonstrated so clearly. I keep going back to what we learned and have recently cut back on my work hours so that I can devote myself to the kind of practice that he describes.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Anna Marie, it's so nice to hear from you and thank you and I am delighted to hear you are painting more. Makes me happy to hear it. My very best wishes.

[@sheenasproule5335]

I was feeling pretty discouraged with my practice lately now that I'm out of the beginner phase and am no longer seeing such rapid growth. This video is exactly what I needed, it addresses everything I've been trying to internally coach myself on but with added insight, clarity, and direction. Thanks so much for this video, Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Sheena, I think every long term project, and expressing yourself artistically is obviously one of those, hits plateaus. It usually means a period of consolidation of all the things that have been learned. Then it gets fully integrated and you have room again to entertain new things. So frustrating as plateaus feel they do serve an important service. All the best and good luck.

[@ianbrowne8871]

Five direct hits! As for deliberate practice, a student training for an operatic career repeated the difficult passages until mastered. This was in the days of vinyl long playing records and a neighbour suggested getting a LP so it did cause the needle to get stuck! The exiled Victorian poet in Venice, Robert Browning supports you, "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Ian, that's a good line of Browning's. I'll have to remember that. With best wishes.

[@amywhetstone5019]

Thank you, Ian, you are by far the best art instructor I have ever had!

[@joer1402]

This is a wonderful message. So glad I came across it. I'm on the 2024 waitlist, as I have some work to do in getting back into the drawing etc., but looking forward to more information on this course.

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ...

[@pch2230]

So much great stuff here.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Registration for the 2023 Mastering Composition Course is now closed. Sign up for the 2024 waitlist here: masteringcomposition.com/2023-course/

[@Mr-S.C.]

A very useful video Ian, with great clear messages.

[@hauntedmilk8540]

Great video - great content - clear presentation... thanks for putting out so much valuable info.

[@koiturnbull5700]

Simply, Thank you!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are most welcome Koi.

[@jeancollier2930]

Such solid common sense advice! Thanks, Ian, and wishing you a joyous 2023.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So nice to hear from you Jean and all the very best and a year of creative expression for you. Best wishes.

[@punkeasy]

Awesome content as always, thanks for all the valuable wealth of information over the years.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for watching!

[@georgeedward1226]

Fantastic advice. True wisdom that applies to just about anything.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks George.

[@donitafichter8298]

By the way….every single second, and every principal of this video has impacted me in a positive way. I would like you to know this because I wrote earlier about feeling frustrated being a detail loving artist etc. etc. but don’t want you to misinterpret, for even a moment, my question as an attack. Again, thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Donna, I didn't take it as an attack. Completely legitimate point.

[@CoreyRossArt]

deliberate practice. love it. thanks Mr. Roberts

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are most welcome. All the best.

[@robertdufour2456]

Mr Roberts, thank you this amazing presentation!

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ...

[@catmeow333]

Thank you Ian, very helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful.

[@tjadertjader2597]

You are a treasure of knowledge for young artists. Thank you for this!

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ...

[@JGalegria]

This is great for anything! As for university art courses they're extremely expensive, are three years if completing the course full time and include art theory. So you can't really compare retention rates for a short skills based course.Three years is a long time to stick with a curriculum of formal education which won't lead to a particularly useful qualification in terms of securing employment, especially considering the associated education debt. Student work is critiqued by the lecturer, so that's not why the drop out rate is higher.They tell you having a degree will help you to win grant applications and artist residencies, but so will being a good writer. A Diploma might be enough to score art grants and that is only one year full time study. With this in mind, there isn't a huge incentive to finish the bachelor of fine arts or visual art. 🙏💙

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

This is a fantastic video with great advice and guidance.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oficinamaolivre]

Thank you! Like.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for the visit

[@colettewise1306]

I am very excited that I signed up for the course. I need to really understand fundamentals. thanks Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm delighted you are joining us Colette. See you on the 21st. All the best until then.

[@jeannehayes7859]

Ian, I have enjoyed many of your videos and this vid especially feels like you are speaking directly to my creative mind! It’s so exactly what I needed to hear. I’m trained as an illustrator but haven’t painted in some time. Reducing things to simple shapes is a huge help. Thank you and I look forward to take your Masterclass. Do you have another one this year (after March)?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Jeanne, delighted you are enjoying the videos. Maybe even for than painters (if we are making a distinction) I find illustration really has to have strong design. So it is a great practice for a painter. This is the only time I will be teaching the course this year. All the very best.

[@twaoum6561]

0:45 #1 Principles not techniques 2:46 #2 Practice deliberately 4:43 #3 Practice with challenges 5:16 #4 Learn to overcome resistance 7:07 #5 Self-evaluation

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That's helpful. Thanks

[@twaoum6561]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thank you 🙏

[@cenkmars]

This video summs up 10 books and 100 hours of inspirational content

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ...

[@chompers11]

As a semi pro sculptor trying to take the next step this is incredibly helpful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know. Best wishes.

[@tigerli6812]

Your KZbin videos are awesome! I’m thinking to take your course this month. I also want to join the zoom live. I know it will on Saturday. Would you please let me know the time? Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I am delighted you are enjoying the videos. I'd be delighted if you joined us for the course. You need to be in the course to attend the zoom call. All the best.

[@ihsurart5389]

You are the person i wish i watched when i was 13, now im 17 and i wonder how much i could've grown if i used this earlier on.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so lucky to be 17 and thinking like that. You have time. I wish you a life of exuberant creative expression. Good luck.

[@josephfcampisejr7816]

Ian...thank you for this video...your calm, methodical approach is informative and most encouraging...if one is traveling, is it possible to still take the course or will it be offered later in the year?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Joseph. This is the only time the course will be offered this year. You can take the course while traveling as long as you have access to your supplies/materials and good enough internet to post your work and watch the lessons & live calls each week.

[@lantanalanta1709]

So true, efficent working instead of hard working. So many artists work so hard without any progress.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I am glad you liked the video Lantana

[@andreasilerfoothillhs3054]

I missed the start date. Will you be hosting another course? Thank you.

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ...

[@donitafichter8298]

You are so incredibly kind to offer your wealth of knowledge in a meaningful understandable and non condescending manner. I have learned a great deal from you Thank you so much….. May I ask something 100% not intending to contradict or question your opinion? I have seen in a past video that you spoke to the all too often used “painterly” outcome as the ultimate goal one would benefit from . I don’t know that you used those exact words, but I have run into that theme endless times in my art journey both in person and of course via “teaching” videos. So I ask……Is it so so awful that some of us lovvvvve detail and if done well should he considered just as professional or successful or “painterly” as those enjoying loose styles? I am very frustrated that we naturally detail loving artists get so shot down and told we should change. Do I tell loose painters to change? Nope. I promise I’m not calling you out on this personally. I really want to know what you think about we artists out there who would like to be seen as enjoying a different yet equally successful approach. It’s so discouraging to continually be told to change the very thing that compels me to paint in the first place. Thank you so much for your gifts and your time!!

[@sharonstritzel9490]

I have been wondering the exact same thing and would love to hear Ian's thoughts about this.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Donna, I've been hanging around plein air painters for decades. I teach it. And the kind of standard thing is a loose interpretation that looks great from 8-10 feet away but up close it just brushmarks. And that is what almost everyone aspires to. That is my experience. But that has nothing to do with it being right or better. IN this day and age, everything is open to use in art. And of course the most important thing is what draws YOU in in the process of painting. So I am responding to what I know lots of people want. Not what is right or wrong. Good or bad. You follow your path and pull us in with it. That's all that matters. All the best.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Sharon, I've been hanging around plein air painters for decades. I teach it. And the kind of standard thing is a loose interpretation that looks great from 8-10 feet away but up close it just brushmarks. And that is what almost everyone aspires to. That is my experience. But that has nothing to do with it being right or better. IN this day and age, everything is open to use in art. And of course the most important thing is what draws YOU in in the process of painting. So I am responding to what I know lots of people want. Not what is right or wrong. Good or bad. You follow your path and pull us in with it. That's all that matters. All the best.

[@donitafichter8298]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition thank you for replying and for your much appreciated insight and experience. We all grow when we share our experiences and I am grateful for you taking the time to share all that you have. Donita. 😉

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

@@donitafichter8298 You're very welcome!

[@kaybronstein7025]

What are the dates of the course? What day and time is the zoom?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Kay. The program dates are January 21 to March 11, 2023 - I would recommend looking at the frequently asked questions section on this page. masteringcomposition.com/2023-course/.

[@carolinegreene372]

Ian, I have arthritic joints in my thumbs and fingers and can’t always draw with a pencil due to discomfort. Do you think your course would still be a fit for me if instead I use a tonal range of Tombow (or other) brush pens?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Caroline, we could try it. You might not get the subtle of range of values you do with a pencil. But you would still be crafting the value shapes and seeing how that translates into an image. Also, I found this on the last course, if you use a pencil a bit at the beginning you might find that your muscles get stronger. Maybe just to use the pencil to soften edges and make gradations. My concern is that your edges will be too hard but the pencil could help you soften that. It's up to you. You could try a couple of weeks and see how it is going and if it is just not possible then we can give you a refund. Probably worth a try. All the best.

[@carolinegreene372]

Thank you Ian, I appreciate that very much.

[@scottcampbell8168]

Ian, I'd like to ask how many times this class will be offered in 2023 and when? I'd like to enroll, but just not now.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Scott, this is the only time I will offer it in 2023. I'm not sure when I will teach it again. This course leads to a brushwork course, then a color course and by the time I'm finished them all (it takes most of the year) I'm ready for a break. All the best.

[@ShuchihMurray]

I didn’t see the link I want to sign up

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ...

[@MilaMirage]

I wonder, who is the composer with a high result, but without many pieces? And who is the composer on the opposite side, not as popular as Mozart and Bach, but who wrote more pieces than they?

[@bargdaffy1535]

He answered my plea to myself "Create some shit before you are gone.' lol.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

YES!!! Done is better than perfect (or even pretty good). Onward!

[@solea59]

I think you would agree Ian that impatience is maybe the biggest impediment to learning anything.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Brian, That and I suppose a lack of curiosity. Are they different or just aspects of the same thing.

[@borculo1]

At what time are the zoom calls held?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

The zoom calls are on Saturday at 9 AM PT, but they are also recorded if anyone cannot make it.

[@bluntsage8616]

Yes We totally need all that milk...

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Exactly!

[@fabianamesaros6383]

The Scheme means proportions of color and something else,please I don’t understand everything.Thanks.

[@USERNAMEIANROBERTSMASTER-]

ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜꜱᴇʀɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇ-ɢʀᴀᴍ ᴀᴘᴘ...

[@user-ck1fl6ui3d]

ha ha ha. Those thumbnails could be mine.

[@LaurieSequana]

I love your videos, but the course is beyond my means. If you ever offer a few scholarships I would love to participate.❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I"ve seen a lot of them!

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I have made a deliberate decision to not critique other people's work. Something has changed since last I was here. I have discovered that I am autistic. I have been catching up on Doc Martin recently, I hadn't seen the first few series, I had forgotten most of the intermediate series, and lately I had assumed it was all reruns. Then there was an announcement, tha new series, the last ever. So I had to catch up. One thing I discovered, it's supposed to be somewhat comedic. I saw no comedy in it. Doc Martin is very like me, exaggerated. I don't display outward signs of autism, but if you know what to look for, it's fairly clear. There are at least three scenes where Doc Martin explains to Louisa that he has no idea what she's talking about. He's trying to understand her, he's just not capable of it. I understand that it's difficult, maybe impossible for me to understand neurotypical people. I hope they understand me. I don't understand mood in art. I can enjoy art, but if the artist had an idea or a feeling, I don't expect to get it. My special field is photography. I try to make interesting photos, I often try to conceal stuff, I always try to put my camera in places most photographers do not. I don't understand story telling, I have given up on it. Hamelin Bay is important to me, my memories extend over seventy years. If you show me your painting or your photograph of Hamelin Bay, I will reflect on those memories. Not on what ever mood or feelings you tried to impart. I find no place for the "rule of thirds" in my photography. If an object seems to me to be facing one way or the other, I mostly put some space in front of it. If that results in something being on the thirds, that's because I think it's actually a good place for it, but it could be on the quarter, or even near the edge. When the sea is in the shot, almost always the horizon is centred. Or I use a tilt shift lens. I have the option of cropping later, so you see what I saw. I like strong lines. Straight like rail and roads, curved like bends in rail and road and shoreline. I like rows of waves,, of baled hay. I like black and white, colour is mostly a distraction. A lot of photos by very good photographers just leave me cold. I don't want to be like you, so I won't critique your work. I will, however, shamelessly pinch your good ideas.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You use whatever ideas are helpful John. All the best.