Composition In Painting (Don't make THESE Mistakes!)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Did this video help you to compose better paintings? If you liked this try Watercolor Pencils (7 Mistakes Beginners Make!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnrNi5RspZaYrqs

[@BrazenHearted]

Can I dare to make a personal comment in a completely platonic way? In my youth I did makeup and I have cut hair for myself and my family since 1980. I think this is the best personal look you have put together in all the years of videos I have watched. This deep dark rich hair haircolor is most flattering of the shades I have seen you wear. The green and dark top, and the multiple swag necklace also in greens is very flattering to your pale complexion.and the loose whisps of long hair from your bun is most charming. I just felt that you would want to know that this specific look is really great on you. 🤩

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks that's kind of you.

[@ConnieWoodworth]

Great session, each session from Michele is chocked full of valuable, professional usable tips and in-depth techniques. This is my go to art site.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Connie!

[@schragdenker5425]

Very fine video, and I hope no dogs were harmed at the failing to plan part, either! 😂

[@margaretnoble4805]

Thank you, Michele, for this lucid explanation of the dreaded "composition". I'm sure it is the main reason for my boring pictures, not my painting techniques. I've always been intimidated and confused by the art school lessons on composition, but your tips are straight forward and easily absorbed.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's good Margaret, I hope it helps!

[@ibAdiBaby]

You are simply amazing Michelle. I keep coming back to your channel because you give the best advice, you keep it simple and you get straight to the point! I am growing as an artist because of your guidance/videos. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much!

[@BrazenHearted]

Watch her go! Rewatching many of your older videos, and truly enjoying myself and learning new things as well as reinforcing things I learned from you before. Thanks Michele!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Excellent video Michele! Thank you again for your kind generosity in helping us to improve our paintings. ♥️😻👏♥️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy to help!

[@bramwell249]

Dear Michele, thanks for today. You have kept me company for hours whilst I tested colours for a picture I have been planning to sketch or paint for my mum and dad for Christmas. I am busy re-organising the structure of the original sketch I had made according to a lot of your tips today. My kind thanks for your lovely, straightforward and creatively inspiring ways to improve my potential work of art!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@monicadewit9766]

I love how you cover a lot of information in a relatively short amount of time

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I try Monica, thanks for watching!

[@chrismarcotte4241]

One of your best videos! Thank You I take a lot of time planning a composition. It clearly makes painting easier and have a better result !

[@rosejordan4245]

I love your helpful basic tips which all us beginners net. Thank you

[@eileenvalachovic9435]

Thank you. There was a lot of useful information. Re thumbnail sketches, I took a plein air workshop this past week in an urban area. As part of the workshop, I did a thumbnail as well as took a photo.. After I had started on my watercolor, a car parked in front of part of the building in the scene. My thumbnail was very handy for the details that were blocked.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Well that's an unexpected bonus, hadn't thought of that!

[@PARoth2011]

Loved this, especially Mistake #8.

[@susanhamilton3212]

This for me is one of your most invaluable lessons, I will refer to it often & hope it sticks in my furry mind. Especially the diagonals. Thank you as always :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@kathiecranston1577]

Ah! And I am one of the few people who are able to visualize 😊 Had a teacher once tell me that only a 3rd of the population can do this. I'm glad to know that it counts as "planning." From Kathie in Lebanon, Tennessee. GOD bless you Michele❣

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I find it weird when people can't, especially when you are trying to persuade family that your crazy home decor idea will look great!

[@kathiecranston1577]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Me too! Still. And I meant to say 3%, not a 3rd. Only 3% Michele!

[@votisit]

Thank you. As always I'm learning new things by watching your videos :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Natasha!

[@philipdown3147]

Enjoyed this video Michele its got things I've not noticed before, greatly appreciates your videos you share as always they are done to inspire and improve my painting. Thanks greatly appreciated stay safe

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@annepercival7814]

God tip about using objects or a different colour accent to create diagonals

[@jaspermartin7444]

I would love a video on "color composition", and also "shape composition". loved this one but I could still use more help on figuring out how to design my own original art! You are a most excellent teacher, what you say makes so sense to me! But in general the subject of composition is usually not taught very well, so there just isn't many videos on the subject, consequently, yours is basically my first lesson ever and I could use a lot more.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Noted! I do have that sort of content on Patreon where I talk through a whole painting, including composition choices. Some Patreon tutorials are also put out as mini courses.

[@shaf7643]

great video. i’ve watched many videos on composition, but i really like the way you explain these elements of composition in a down to earth, coherent manner, devoid of too much technical jargon, which as a beginner myself , can be confusing. Many thanks for your help on my journey 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you very much, I wish you much luck!

[@christineharris1090]

Thank you Michele, this will be so helpful for me as I struggle with composition. You have made it easier to understand. Love watching all your tutorials

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

So glad!

[@lakeannabailey4575]

Lots of good information. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@tamarar9803]

Very important information which we all need. You give the best examples and a good amount of them for each main point-Like using diagonal lines to draw the eye in and the many ways to do it. Thank you for being such a good teacher.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for being so supportive Tamara :-)

[@susieunderwood4645]

Great video, Michele! Thank you so much for these excellent tips. Aerial perspective is a new one for me and I'm looking forward to applying this.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wonderful! I may actually do a video on that by itself!

[@shilpidabral4372]

Thanks Michele for these wonderful tips....... but would have understood much better as a beginner, if you would have shown "a pic with the right composition" as well. If you have any such video already, it would be very helpful if you share the link.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I don't have that video, but my Patreon subscribers get a downloadable PDF guide that is illustrated. I will bear it I'm mind for a future video though 🙂

[@nereida116]

Thank you for such valuable information.

[@LoriF25403]

I liked the premise, but it would help if there was a comparison. I think I got confused #4

[@martiseelye6443]

I have never taken an art class but I am instinctive with composition because you've basically told me I'm doing it correctly. Thank you! Of course there are points I was unaware of and it's always helpful to know why I see things a certain way. I love learning from you, Michele. Thank you so much!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome Marti!

[@freeandfabulous4310]

Your content is so helpful! thank you!

[@melissakonneker1213]

Excellent explanation. Thank you. Examples of both right and wrong together would be even better. For example how to balance out the image you showed of a tower on the left.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great suggestion!

[@jonrunning5952]

What a step-up to creating successful paintings. Thank you for your experienced insights. 💞

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome!

[@IoH_AwoL]

Unseen shadow, great tip! Thank you, Michele :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbararivera2380]

thank you

[@carolshappyplace5828]

Another excellent video - good reminder of the fundamentals. These rules will also help me in my photography too. Love your cat sculpture too. Thank you Michele! 👍

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I rescued the cat sculpture, my ex who I am great friends with was about to throw it out. It has a chipped ear. I painted the chip black and gave it a new home :-) I found I only got good at photography after I started to understand painting composition.

[@annepercival7814]

Thankyou Michele.....great tip about fallen petals at base of vase of flowers!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It works a treat!

[@guillermovaldezchavira8159]

Estaba cometiendo el primer error y ahora se porque se mira extraño el dibujo gracias!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

mi placer :-)

[@MG-iq6lr]

Very clear explanations thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Michele. Yup I can't visualize. Though since starting to paint I can now think in color. My daughter can visualize and it frustrates her to no end that I can't. However I'm excellent with volume and mass. I can tell what will fit in or fill anything. I am forever doodling on scraps. Not that it always helps. It's coming along. Slow and steady. Lol.🙃💜

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You can do it! We all have strengths and weaknesses, I have no sense of direction, could get lost in my own bathroom.

[@phylliswilliamstn]

Your videos have helped me so much here in the beginning of my watercolor journey. Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That is awesome!

[@majesea]

Great instruction 😊

[@CarissaWyles]

These are great tips!!! Thank you! 💙🙏

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@tamarar9803]

Thank you for mentioning how to join Patreon as I so believe in this and can't believe how much I've learned and am able to implement into my paintings...I'm a better painter because of this!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome, thank you!

[@BarBaraWhorleyCrawfordESS]

Awesome insights. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem 🙂

[@Cheeseygirl26]

Enlightening, as always! Thank you, Michelle 💜

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you, Michele.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Any time!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow that’s a wonderful informational video. I don’t think 🤔 I have used the diagonal lines to lead to my focal point in my paintings. There’s definitely a few more things to think about with composition. Thanks for sharing this 😃!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markdonovan1540]

Very interesting, I'd never thought of these things. Looking back at my paintings, I seem to follow these "rules (or concepts?) unconsciously. And when I don't, yes, it can look odd.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes for some people it's instinctive 🙂

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes for some people it's instinctive 🙂

[@deebarnard5439]

Enjoying all of tour lessons

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks 👍😊

[@christineHoxsey]

Thanks helps me so much!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad to hear it!

[@beaulieuonnp593]

Off topic: Can you to a video on windows, I would like to see a variety of ways to do windows. For example, I tend to stick to black boxes for windows, which is a bit boring after a while, though easy to do 1. How to do windows with sun reflections 2. how to do windows with something you see behind the window such a person, door or another piece of furniture 3. How to do different windows such as surburban windows as opposed to cottage windows 4. How to do stained glass windows for a church 5. How to do a open window and the perspective and shading 7. How to do a window with washing hanging out like in some countries, with the perspective of the rod 7. How to do windows with one panel as opposed to six panels for an old building. Since starting to learn watercolour this year, I have started to look at windows in a more interesting and fun way but I don't want to make a hash of it. Just for yur info if you want to do one. You probably have loads of things on your To Do list. It is just nice to have a video just on Windows so we can quickly use it as a quick resource. Thanks.

[@scoiataeli]

Wow! Easy to understand more advanced tips for beginners 😁 This is how I would describe this video. Love it! Also, understanding “jazz” as a metaphor, there are people who would go straight for solo with no skills whatsoever and expect to be priced. For a 💩piece of work. Oh well 😅

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you liked it!

[@margaretbutters6181]

such good advice thankyou

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Any time!

[@BreannaBell]

Great info! 💜

[@michaelthornton5113]

So, if I paint the salt and pepper shakers should I move them to the side to make room for the suger bowl? High in the Rocky Mountains the aiir is thinner with less atmospheric perspective. A distant peak can seem much closer than it actually is. This has fooled both hikers and painters.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's interesting! Apparently pollution can have a lot to do with it too.

[@krystenfitzpatrick7246]

Without even watching the video I’m liking it purely as it’s cat approved. So cute 🥰

[@jeandebrosse3380]

It would be helpful to see an example of what not to do next to an example of what TO do. Great info.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Noted!

[@ramonlibranda9727]

hi Michelle, thanks for this video. i just want to know how to paint tree lined street in acrylic with clouds overhead not infront. i still got a lot of questions so pls dont get tired of me.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem, I am thinking of doing some acrylics tutorials this year :-)

[@ranger2316]

Thank you, I've been binge watching these. I'm primarily doing pencil drawings with a focus on trees, shrubs and old buildings, but your tips and techniques are so helpful. I'm getting a better idea and grasp of what I'm doing wrong. It's painful, but I've kept all my drawings so I can go back and see where I've messed it up. Thank you again for helping us out! I thoroughly enjoy your presentations. Could you possibly do a presentation using pencil and shading techniques?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes I will try to do this soon!

[@rubirun]

Would be helpful to share corrected versions of each example

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Great advice. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome!

[@donnacarraway9182]

Awesome video!! Thank you!!💕

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@abassage655]

I am having no success finding the downloadable pdf files. I do not have the Patron (?) you referred to. Help , please. Loved this video! More, please. Like, understanding warm and cool colors

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi, if you open up the video description (below the video. You might need to click 'see more') you will see "GRAB Your Free PDF downloads:" and 3 links. If you click those and enter your email address (which also puts you on my mailing list), you will get the PDF files. :-)

[@marnsimpson8718]

ty

[@nxwxkkendall3987]

Hello Michele, Thankyou for this great lesson about composition, and 8 common mistakes. Great bonus is your humour! I laughed at your comparison of did you draw up a thumbnail sketch before starting to paint, or are you like a cat trying to escape from a paper bag? As a cat owner, I have watched that exact scenario unfold in front of my eyes. 😳

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Cats are endless fun!

[@user-tc1pf8zi8k]

Veni, vidi, vici ! =Found your vid, liked, subscribed, commented. I think you really deserve it! GREAT!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wow, thank you!

[@davidwells6556]

That's one thing I like about tattooing. I don't have to stay in a square or rectangle, I can wrap my art around body parts. I also always make a drawing first to stencil on the skin. I don't always follow it exactly unless it's my focal point. Another thing I liked about the leaf painting was no hard edges. That's one thing I'll change about water color, not that all have hard edges, but I will stay away from that whenever possible. It's a personal thing I guess, I just don't like it. I will listen to my master though.🤭

[@SharonH11100]

Composition is so important ~ I learned a lot from a photographer: my dad.💁🏼‍♀️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I did it the other way around, my photos were terrible until I learned to paint!

[@SharonH11100]

Why am I suddenly moving my sofa?😻 Maybe the cat told me to put it closer to the window ~ 🙋🏼‍♀️💖

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@@SharonH11100 😂😂😂 cats should always be in charge of furniture location

[@shahseem1927]

It would be much easier for a beginner like me to understan if you have also shown the examples of rightly done paintings without these mistakes as well. Waiting for the rightly done paintings to be shown in the other video as the second part of this one.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I can't put links here but you might like this video: How To Draw (EASY Perspective Do's and Don'ts!) just paste it in the search bar with my name.

[@shahseem1927]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thank you.

[@kh884488]

Thank you so much for your very well explained and clear compositional tips. I've been painting for awhile, but it is always good to have some good reminders of proper technique. On a topic related to watercolor painting in general, just as with East Africans being heavily represented in Olympic long distance running competitions, there seems to be a large concentration of British talent in the area of watercolor painting. Do you have any thoughts or reflections as to why this may be the case? Very curious to hear your thoughts.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You could be right, although Asia is also strong in this area. In the UK it was traditional for 'young ladies' (think Jane Austin era) to learn watercolour painting, as an 'accomplishment' alongside things like piano. As it was easy to transport, many, many people took it up, Turner used it of course and it became synonymous with being an accessible beginners medium, and a hobby for the gentry. The truth is that it's one of the hardest mediums but perhaps the fact that it was so widely used has led to many artists becoming proficient in it... Just a guess. Strangely enough until recent years it was almost never taught in schools and I have taught people with art degrees who have never been near it!

[@Bijourain69]

Hi, I'm going through all your videos, it will take me some time 😂. Have you done a post on hiw to know when your painting is finished and to step away and leave it alone? Also do you have one on how to create contrast/tones within a watercolour? I'm quite new to watercolour and will enjoy making my way through your videos 😊🎨🖌

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Think how long it took me to make them :-) Not done anything about when to finish a painting yet, but no doubt I will. I do have a video on tonal contrast, I can't put links here but the title is Tonal Values (in Watercolor Painting) if you put it in search with my name.

[@Bijourain69]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Thank-you 😊

[@stephenb7533]

Hi Michelle, in the rose video, you used a rubber or eraser, I’m sure you have plenty, but what type or make do you use ? Especially removing pencil under watercolours. Have you done this in its own right, tutorials? Many thanks, Steve

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Steve, I don't have a tutorial. I use a daler rowney firm putty rubber. It won't remove everything if you have painted on top though so take as much as you can off at each stage, when dry of course.

[@bjgoels]

Off topic, but I love your necklace. And, no, you don't have to tell me where you got it or provide a link. I'm just saying I like it. 😊

[@tbm7187]

Sometimes I will take a picture of my under painting (oils) and minimize it. It can help show if things are out of wack.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Good idea!

[@carolynnixon7095]

Cats Rule! Wonderful video, one to refer back to over and over. Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem, cats do of course rule :-)

[@NaomiCoutureArt]

I agree composition is important and I tell people that to help them...and yet I never think about it until I’m finished and think oh I could have moved that or did this different lol Any one else have the same problem? 😂

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing 😅

[@NaomiCoutureArt]

@Magdalena Worthington yes I love photoshop or procreate to play around with moving things around first!

[@Angela27red]

What is the art work that is in your thumbnail?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's not a painting, it's a stock photo :-)

[@marcwheeler4406]

Lol I had my daughter go around our city and take pictures of all the historic bldgs and she decided I'd like the ones with columns.. she took all these pictures of just bldgs with columns.🤦‍♀️ I mean theres tons of historic bldgs in my area ...why oh the ones with columns..lol....very difficult to draw out in a study if your just on your beginner of study of columns.its not like I dont have a million other things to learn..lool.. then to be able to watercolor which is my fun time....but I refuse to be defeated by historic columns..🏛...lol..my goal is to be a okay watercolor column artist.🥴🎨👩‍🎨..mikelle ny 🏛disliker at this time in my WC journey study

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Columns... you will dream about them I think!

[@agbobier2657]

I get a kick out of your sense of humor!

[@davidwells6556]

I learned a long time ago in school you always use odd numbers. 2 or 4 of something just doesn't look good in art.

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Actually I knew someone who bought a sax and dove right into experimental jazz, without knowing anything about music or how to play. Must admit it sounded absolutely horrible🤣

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's funny, I think you just proved my point!

[@kathysouthall3488]

Add good examples after the bad please

[@liamwatson5125]

Sometimes I like things to be even.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Me too!

[@agbobier2657]

I'm referring to the zombie babies!

[@gaemlinsidoharthi]

Far too many good videos on this channel. I’m going to have to pace myself.

[@davidwells6556]

Wow you have a lot of videos. Don't think you're not good, or a good teacher. So don't let that go to your head. It's stupid KZbin's algorithm. They constantly change it. Once you hit 100k you'll gain so much faster.🥳

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I hear that happens, let's hope so! Actually many people make far more videos than me to get to 100k (and some people make less of course)

[@davidwells6556]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Most don't make it at all, but you definitely will. Just think how happy you'll be to make the silver KZbin button video. It will be nice to see a huge smile on your face.

[@ronantiagi]

i got ur ip thanks!

[@aliciamolloy5948]

Great tips, thank you so much!