Dramatically Increase the Illusion of Depth in Your Landscapes

In this video, I show you how just a couple of touches of color can create dynamism between foreground and background in your painting, and will dramatically increase the sense of depth in your painting. The focus of this video is that a couple of small changes can dramatically yield big results in the success of your painting.
I created a "Before and After" video of the paintings based on your comments. You can watch it here: • Before and after image...
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[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I created a "Before and After" video of the paintings based on your comments. You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKOue5eArqh8d7c&ab_channel=IanRoberts

[@sandyedwards2681]

Ian so glad to see your channel taking off! Congrats on your book and all you’re doing to increase art in the world.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Sandy. I am glad so many people like my videos. Thanks for the kind comment. @@sandyedwards2681

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thanks so much for the kind comment Sandy. Best wishes.@@sandyedwards2681

[@shsummers]

You should switch between before and after a few times after the exposition; this would allow the viewer to more readily see the effects of your changes.

[@roccoliuzzi8394]

Or show the images side by side. This is very subtle but I can see it has great affect. Thanks.

[@michaelavolio]

​@@roccoliuzzi8394Yes, side-by-side comparisons are extremely useful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Next time I will. Side by side they are a bit small but back and forth would be helpful. Thanks. All the best.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Side by side they were a bit small, but back and forth a couple of times would have been a good idea. Next time. All the best.

[@elenareid266]

I did it to scroling back to compare. I find this video very helpfull. Thank you for showing this type of small tricks, that have a big impact.

[@Dennis-Hare]

It's fascinating how impactful those few strokes can be, after painting dozens and dozens of them. The illusion of painting is mind blowing. It seems that your previous video on transitional colors, goes hand and hand with this one. Thank you for yet another insightful lesson, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Dennis. Yes, my videos all relate. Glad you are finding they can help you as a group. All the best.

[@gladyshorst6257]

This is a great example of when you know something is "off" about your painting - it just needs tweaked! Your changes are so subtle that I almost need to see the before and after side by side.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You were not alone in that. Side by side made them a bit small, but if I do that again I'll show before and after a couple of times so it is clearer. Thanks and all the best.

[@josephinejamison8180]

Enjoyed your video, very helpful

[@rebeccabrown941]

Wow! A masterclass in 10 minutes! Amazing! I need to watch this one several more times to absorb all the nuances - thanks so much Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Rebecca. Thank you so much

[@coreliemalcaba93]

Well…what can I say! That was so incredibly insightful and helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos and sharing them with the world.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for watching

[@YosemiteLee]

This is one of the most helpful landscaping tip videos I’ve ever seen in my long life. It’s one thing to give students a list of rules, and quite another to demonstrate the rules right before their eyes. Bravo!!

[@mariannelifrieri2251]

Great tips that would go unnoticed had you not brought to our attentions!! Looking forward to next month.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Marianne. Glad you enjoyed it

[@christianek_h]

Consistently impressed with the higher level education you provide here for free Ian, thank you so much for your generosity! Your videos always make me feel like I've snuck into a college painting class!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is kind of you to say Christiana. Thanks so much.

[@TOPFIVEFIT]

This completely changed my understanding of the next thing I'm painting. Really opened my eyes, thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Excellent. I am so glad it is changing how you see things. All the best.

[@htth3152]

I audibly went "HOLY SH*T" at the sixth example. Such a strong shift with such few changes, it's actual magic!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. I am delighted that you saw what I meant. How small changes can yield such big results.

[@sandradonofrio413]

Excellent. I agree with previous comment that more back and forth on changes would be helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

If I do it again I'll do that. I think it would help. Thanks and all the best.

[@pproniewski]

Very good lesson! I have your Mastering Composition book and love it. I consider myself a professional (with some awards in juried shows and gallery representation) and I find your lessons beneficial to me! Many thanks!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That makes me happy to hear. Thank you very much. All the best.

[@Jancass5]

Small changes…huge differences! Fascinating!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Small changes, big results. Thank you for watching and glad you liked it

[@heatherh3457]

I have both books and they changed my whole approach to art. Didn't think Creative Authenticity would have as significant an effect as it did but I think I got more insight from it that Mastering Composition . I highly recommend both.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much for letting me know Heather. All the best.

[@diamondplums503]

I think I can use this lesson in my digital art!! Thank you Sir Ian!! :DD

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Absolutely. This can be used in digital art, or any medium. All the best.

[@mollymarch9186]

fantastic! I so much miss seeing you every Tuesday, but deeply appreciate the once a month gems. Thank you for your generosity and for sharing your expertise with all of us.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Molly. I appreciate your kind words.

[@kristahall136]

This is super helpful. Thank you! I found myself going back & forth several times between the images, so I took several screenshots & compared them side-by-side & that helped my brain to absorb the differences. Others may find that useful also. Perhaps you might consider setting the images side-by-side after you discuss them. Love your videos!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Krista, that was a common comment. I figured it was video. You could rewind it. But I think it would have been better to have them side by side. If I do it again.... All the best.

[@swapneelswami7925]

Noted Ian 🫡👍 soft edges, cooler and blueish in the background. Happy Summer to you too ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Happy summer!

[@marthacanady9441]

Excellent demonstration. I could easily see what you meant. Who knew that could make so much difference? Thanks, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it helped Martha. Small changes can make a big difference

[@artgirl7649]

Thank you for the several lessons on painting depth into paintings. I will keep your tips in mind as I paint.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome. Thank you for watching

[@jytte47]

This is fantastic. Just some few lines placed and the paintings turns into masterpieces. I will keep this in my favorite library.:o)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Excellent. Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed it.

[@pglatt]

I appreciate how you guide student painters to develop better self critique skills.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is one of the best ways to master composition.

[@debwicks2523]

Ian, this session was extremely helpful! Edges, values, directing attention to where you want the viewer to go - thank you for these valuable lessons! Your books are a constant resource and must-haves for every painter’s library. Many thanks, Deb

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Deb, so nice to hear from you. Hope all is going well. Delighted you enjoyed the video. My very best wishes, Ian

[@108bhavani]

This was another great lesson from Ian. I pulled some older small pastel works from the cupboard . Thought they would be in the box till I am dead. I applied the techniques as shown in Video. Voila yes the small changes do make a difference I am now in the process of framing them with some store bought frames _____this is becoming. a bit of a nightmare 😂. Pastels seem to come alive once they are behind glass . Now they will more than likely sit in a box framed. Thank you Ian. I am now relating differently to fore ground and background as well as paying attention to soft and hard edges. Cheers Miriam. Sustralia

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Miriam, Gotta get you and outlet for all those framed paintings now. Glad you found the video helpful. All the best to you.

[@michaelharris9615]

Subtle, maybe a little complex, even subjective, but edifying! I agree with the comment about showing before and after. Not just this video - I've had the thought on other videos too. Appreciate the wisdom, thank you.

[@laraadamczyk]

Thank you, this compact lesson was a game-changer. I would love to see more of your insightful advices based on your students works. It makes a huge difference when you can observe corrections on a real work. Thank you again!

[@Garden366]

Well, now I see what’s holding me in the foreground of the painting currently on my easel as I’ve already blurred and blued the distant mountains but there is little differentiation between anything in the middle ground and the foreground BECAUSE the edges of receding ridge lines are too distinct and in one area, the value is too dark. I also need to darken my immediate foreground because a strip of it is very light. I stood at my easel this morning and looked at my work and said well this one is going to be over painted, and I’ll scrape the canvas. Thank you so very much for these tips, and allowing my mind to be unblocked as to what the problems were in the composition of this current painting. This is the first panoramic landscape I’ve attempted. Thank you, thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That's great. It really helps to know what the problem is. The main problem. Because you can go back in, knowing something is wrong, but not sure exactly what, and just keep making tons of small changes that in the end ruin the whole thing. Glad you found it helpful

[@TomH_YT]

Love your book and your videos. But this particular video is exceptional. The visual examples demonstrate the idea effectively to train the eye to see. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That makes me very happy to hear. I've been wanting to do a video on this for a while. All the best.

[@SingYourselfWell]

So good, Ian, so helpful. Thank you!

[@ulrikeselleckart]

Thank you again Ian, so good!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. All the best.

[@user-sy8eu2rf2c]

A fantastic lesson! Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome. Thank you so much

[@smitamehta9523]

This is a great lesson indeed, a very practical and very interesting!! Please have a few more like this, very very helpful! Thank you !

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. I am delighted you enjoyed it.

[@susanrscott7910]

Love your book but watching how you edit real paint is even better. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Susan. All the best.

[@karlylvisaker6047]

Warching the greek scene I watch over and over and could not see what you lightened and what you removed in the forground. But I am loving this lesson!

[@song4night]

Great informative lesson, Ian. Thanks

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching

[@dragonskinavi]

Just what I needed to push me in the right direction....wonderful Ian, thanks!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Perfect. Thank you and all the best.

[@dragonskinavi]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thank you!

[@pch2230]

Excellent video. I'd never thought about slightly reducing the colour of an interesting foreground and heightening it further back to draw the eye in. I need to think a lot more about my edges too. I tend to forget them

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks so much

[@artenamored9074]

I'd like to compliment the students' compositions. Even without your suggested changes the paintings are nicely rendered. The topics you addressed are subtle refinements, but certainly valuable considerations. I hope to apply this lesson. Thank you, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is why I chose those paintings. Because they had good structure. They already worked. It was because they needed so little that I used them. So yes, I agree with your about their paintings. All the best

[@anupamroy1771]

This session just blew my mind

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. Delighted you enjoyed it.

[@BibleStudyPastor]

Wonderful illustrated instruction on how edges attract the eye. I learned something! Thank you. Have a wonderful summer. Ralph

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Ralph. Glad you enjoyed it and hope you are having a wonderful summer as well.

[@jw7903]

wow, it looks like you cast a magic on every pictures. thank you for showing the technique.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@nevertooldtolearnmore]

The best part of Tuesdays, as usual; but it might have had even more impact if we were shown befores and afters.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Herb. I did show before and after. Not sure what you mean. You mean show it the shift two or three times, not just once? All the best

[@nevertooldtolearnmore]

Oops. That sentence should have ended: at the same time.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

@@nevertooldtolearnmore I see. I will do that for next time. All the best.

[@Coco2345ful]

Love it. Thanks

[@abigailbarrett2909]

Thank you Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome Abigail

[@nickrodis6862]

Thank you Ian Roberts

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're welcome Nick

[@sydene54]

fantastic, thank you.

[@ladym6738]

I would be rubbish at critiquing. Actually liked all of the student pieces, thought they were really good. Do have a better understanding of where pics should be going. Thanks to the students who allowed their pieces to be shown and to you for your comments. Blessings.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes, their paintings were good. I wanted to choose ones that were good and only a small change was needed. All the best

[@ladym6738]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Like I said, I would be rubbish...haha.

[@soniamurray1185]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@donnaduhamel6004]

Brilliant!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Donna

[@TaoofMiracles111]

This information is so subtle, SO helpful, and so good! Thank you!

[@02rivail]

Thank you Ian!! All the Best!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Same to you. Thanks so much

[@benouihein430]

Thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome!

[@monicacote6304]

Your insights are always invaluable. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure Monica. Thank you so much for watching

[@iaincphotography6051]

All makes sense, there are photographers who will stack images to make everything sharp in a landscape which looks so wrong and messes with depth. Using wide angle lenses on the vertical and filling the foreground with some nonsence or other and the subject being over powered. So watching this is a breath of fresh air.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. I am delighted you think so.

[@Toontex]

Thank you I have known I had a problem in some of my paintings and been stumped as to what was wrong.Thanks to you at least one of those problems has been solved

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That makes me happy to hear. Thank you

[@dianneparks3625]

Another great lesson! You're the best and we all thank you, Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. All the best Dianne

[@trent5555]

9:10. I especially liked the change in that last example. Also, you got me. Your book will arrive tomorrow.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Excellent. I hope you enjoy it. All the best.

[@cathysheffield4346]

Excellent, thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are welcome Cathy

[@dianetough8100]

I always learn something! Thank you so much! Love your book as well.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Diane. All the very best.

[@lynnbuffone9555]

Thanks Ian! I love your book and all your tips! ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. Glad you like my books and videos.

[@angelajsacaartistaffiliatedwpl]

Thx sir love the showings.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them Angela. Thank you

[@MrsLyle1]

this was so helpful, thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm so glad. Thank you for watching

[@juliejroth29]

Wonderful lesson, Ian!! ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Julie

[@janecochrane3574]

Another great masterclass - I find them so helpful, thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them. Thank you Jane.

[@yvonnegeelen6571]

Love this I am going to think about this as I paint I will have to watch this a couple of times it’s a small change with a lot of power

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Small changes do have a lot of power. Thank you and glad you enjoyed it

[@user-ub1dw3hp7d]

Thanks, Ian! This video ties so well with your video on "raw edges." I now feel more confident on how to "fix" some edges that are grabbing too much attention in paintings I have completed for the brushwork course. Wish me luck!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful and good luck!

[@sylvainst-pierre8725]

Thanks again M.Roberts. Everything makes sens.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Very welcome Sylvain. All the best.

[@evandegenfelder4554]

Good to see you Ian, that was an excellent video!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Evan

[@julessmithpaints]

Great adjustment Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Jules.

[@kservant71]

I have that book. Very good, Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. All the best.

[@annettefournier9655]

Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Annette

[@CoreyArt]

Super helpful thank you ! Great video.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful. Thank you

[@jesiledesma9029]

oh wow, yeah the paintings are much improved❤ thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome!

[@user-nh3wx4ok9l]

Very very usefull (again). Thank you so much Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it

[@joanl3115]

This is very helpful! Subtle changes make such a difference!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

They certainly do. Thank you for watching

[@joanieford3434]

Very awesome, as always.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Joanie.

[@peterhearn]

Excellent advice.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Peter

[@db4006]

Ces exemples concrets, avant après, nous sont d'une aide très précieuse. Il n'y a pas mieux pour nous faire comprendre ce dont on n'a pas conscience sans ces explications. Quant on regarde une peinture réussie, on n'a pas conscience de toutes ces subtilités que le peintre à utilisé sciemment, et qui réunies font qu'une peinture devienne captivante, à commencer par la composition, valeurs, couleurs, contours, autres petits détail, etc etc... Merci Ian pour ces explications, des super informations et une super leçon en quelques minutes, Vous êtes un excellent professeur et beau de surcroît. Salutation depuis la France.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well said. Glad you found it helpful. Thank you for the kind comment. All the best, Ian.

[@scotts6702]

wonderful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Scott

[@mitchmenzmer3185]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Mitch

[@dganim9196]

Ian really great video, these before and after breakdowns you do are so educational. Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them!

[@kamleshsunak3176]

Thanks Ian for this great lesson. Have a great summer!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it. You too Kamlesh

[@1missmellie]

Wow! That was great instruction!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful. Thank you and all the best.

[@Tuamadre551]

Excellent explanation thanks!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks so much

[@joannegagnon-marihart]

Extremely helpful, thank you again!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Joanne

[@marykahn6803]

Very informative! Thank you again Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Mary

[@beatricebiederman7895]

That was very helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you think so Beatrice. Thank you

[@marilynrose8122]

Thank you so much for this valuable lesson, among many others!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Marilyn. Glad you like them.

[@lyceum4177]

Great ideas, thank you very much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them. All the best.

[@G1g1658]

What a revelation! It is so helpful to see the before and after. Let’s have more of these sessions! Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Patricia. I plan on it

[@WolfgangToeglhofer-gm9ep]

fantastic video as always. Please continue

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@salilweling]

It's pleasure to watch your video because of your teaching techniques so skillfully that anyone can understand it and easily implement it. You showed us very IMP focal point adjustment in painting by adding small changes . Thankyou very much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It's my pleasure. I am glad you enjoyed it. All the best.

[@dianerose4469]

ian...thank you, thank you for this lesson. It's wonderful! It's great and just what I needed. I now have your book Mastering Composition, so I can continue to learn from your .lessons!! Thank you again!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful. Very glad to hear you have my books also. All the best.

[@lagarza2973]

Thank you for your fantastic explanations

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching

[@betsyvancura]

Great lesson!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Betsy

[@simpleshoes]

This is invaluable information. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@WatercolourHazard]

This was honestly eye-opening, thank you so much for this!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm so glad. Thanks for watching

[@sylhayes8152]

Absolutely wonderful, I learn so much from your vids

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Happy to hear that. Thank you and all the best.

[@yay-cat]

Thank you Ian! the before after pics really explain the concepts so well (and it feel like a helpful crit to attend so that add to my experience as an artist). Also thanks for including portraiture because that's where I struggle most with composition elements

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome. I am delighted you found it helpful for multiple reasons. All the best.

[@jonathanbisher]

Really good quality tips, thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Jonathan