Exploring Interpretive Color to Transform Your Paintings

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The colors on my palette:
Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Permanent
Quinacridone Magenta
Dioxazine Purple
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Blue
Chrome Oxide Green
Phthalo Green
To purchase Mastering Composition click this link: www.amazon.com/Mastering-Comp...
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My website: www.ianroberts.com/
Facebook page: / ianrobertsartist
Instagram @ianrobertsartist: / ianrobertsartist

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

If you try doing a painting in the next days or weeks, let me know how it goes and any thoughts or insights you had on the process. Good luck!

[@cindymcchlery-hendy1968]

Thank you Iain, your videos are always so interesting. Looking forward to the next one. Stay safe and thanks again.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thank you Cindy. I am glad you liked this one.@@cindymcchlery-hendy1968

[@gaylemartin6498]

Good to know. I follow you so I will stay tuned! Take care. g

[@19th-centuryartist56]

Thank you, Ian! Of all art teachers on KZbin, I always find your advice to be the most practical and presented in easy-to-understand, not intimidating, way. I am sure many of us feel inspired to go and try what you just showed in your video.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much and I hope it inspires a few people to give it a try. Best wishes.

[@sabinamurphy4101]

Very helpful and a real eye opener for me. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're very welcome! @@sabinamurphy4101

[@artistapprentice7021]

I struggle so with values….enjoyed this video, very helpful . I’m learning!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me happy to hear. Thank you for watching and glad you enjoyed it.@@artistapprentice7021

[@sindicta5757]

This is possibly my biggest struggle in elevating my art from basic to artistic, thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I hope it inspires you to try it. Good luck with it and all the best.

[@kut2o2]

Ian, this is remarkable. Your passionate efforts to illustrate your insights through practicable examples really sets you apart as a teacher. It is rare to see such passion in a "free" video like this. The "value" you provide is phenomenal

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much and thank you for letting me know. All the best.

[@noiseintheoffice]

I see what you did there! LOL "value" LOL

[@mariemorris768]

You have a natural affinity for teaching in a way that easily breaks down the most pertinent information in an understandable & organized way. Very good information. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome. Thank you for the kind comment Marie, and best wishes.

[@timothycastillo5635]

Ian, I have to admit that I'm not a painter but i had to give you a compliment. You have the perfect voice for an instructor. Your tone seems to guide the listener to what you are teaching. I wish you continued success!

[@carolclay7082]

Perfect. This is exactly the direction I've wanted to go with landscapes and wasn't entirely sure how to get there. Using the color wheel to determine the palette makes perfect sense.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful Carol. I am very glad to hear that.

[@andreaberger4286]

New sign for my studio " my reference picture is not the boss. I am!!"

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes exactly. Less subject, more artist!

[@amywarren8380]

I’ve watched every one of your videos and have learned so much from you, but this one stands out as especially mind opening. Thank you so much Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you enjoyed it Amy. Thanks for letting me know. All the best.

[@heatherbennett1129]

This knowledge of intensity of hue is what the expressionist movement did with their colour palette 🧚 They layered various hues of colours in the same intensity which enlivened the artwork Thanks for your generosity and kindness Ian 🥰

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Heather. All the very best.

[@pipemma1893]

It would be fun to see all those paintings framed and hung together. Or…I could do my own small series. Thanks for the lesson and the inspiration.

[@beckyhofer4328]

I took screen shots of each to compare. It’s helpful!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It is worth a try, doing a series of the same image and shifting the hue. As an experiment. The secret though is a really sound foundation image of good structure of value masses. Then you can push off of that in various ways and the structure will help hold it all together.

[@grandpa_eric]

Great video and demonstration, Ian! So important. As a curious art student(now and forever) in the 70s, I’ll never forget the time I visited my neighbor who was art director/editor for the Saturday Evening Post and Look magazines. He had an original Norman Rockwell hanging on his wall. And he pointed out to me Rockwell’s use of color on shadow area of the face. It was a bold deep reddish purple. My neighbor told me that because the VALUE was correct, the color worked! And of course, relative to other colors in the portrait. Same as you demonstrated here. Wonderful!

[@OMtNI]

All three on screen during the closing segment would have been great.. But I've always preferred using attractive colours over the dullness that can be absolute realism, so thank you for the demonstration on how to control it without being too lurid.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. I will keep that in mind. I am glad you liked this video for more exciting color. Best wishes.

[@craftdipper]

Very inspiring and exciting, while teaching us how to avoid brashness. Thank you so much for this helpful lesson🖼️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome. Very glad you liked it. All the best. @@craftdipper

[@debraedmunds3649]

Thinking outside the box opens up a whole new way of looking at a scene. You have explained it quite easily and what happens in the end is a variety of expressions of mood. I especially liked the last one.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Debra. I am delighted you enjoyed the video, and especially the last painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That was my favorite too.

[@123youknowme]

You are as a talented teacher as you are an artist. An artist's artist. Thank you for sharing.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I like that, an artist's artist. Thank you.

[@guizachristiane4824]

I watched this video five times today. I cannot get enough. It is really a gift.❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wow, makes me happy to hear it. Best wishes.

[@rebeccabrown941]

Wow Ian! This completely opened my mind to such endless possibilities! I tend to be a slave to trying to match the colors in a scene - to think about those in terms of value rather than hue is really helpful … thank you!

[@gentleyogaforanybody1520]

Just excellent advice. I think my favorite comment you made was "the photograph is not the boss, you're the boss." Good point to always keep in mind!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well that's what happens, doesn't it? It starts to exert this weird control. When hey..... wait a minute.

[@chadmensa]

A good lesson with great examples. It's so easy to just not think about this possibility, but it opens up so many options. I'm a fan of muted colors, and this allows me to depart from the usual green. Thanks!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is the thing whether more intense or muted you can shift the hue like this. And then as you say it really opens up a lot of options.

[@guizachristiane4824]

This video helps me a lot in my artwork. I use this from now in my portrait painting. It is long time I am looking for a color system you are explaining here. Thank you. This kind of using colors I can never forget. This gives so much freedom in artwork. Great. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I do think this could work really well with portraits as well. Good luck with it. All the best.

[@markdonovan1540]

Mind blowing, yet perfectly natural! I love this type of exercise to break us out of the comfort (or not so comfortable) zone.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you like it. I hope you have fun with exploring it yourself Mark. Best wishes.

[@oliviaboone-mh3jh]

I tried it out in watercolor. Did the first two and then went out on my own with the same composition and did a pink and teal. It was fun to bust out of conventions and do color schemes I’ve never tried. I will have to try on other compositions now and loosen up. I feel like I could drop in some similar value colors into these dark colors for intriguing effects. Thanks Ian for your wisdom!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm delighted you so quickly just took the idea and ran with it Olivia. Makes me happy. All the best.

[@florisabelcastillo7688]

This is such wonderful teaching Referencing the color wheel with all the changes and modulations in colors and values , that was a first for me. Thank you so much Ian!! You’re an amazing teacher 😊

[@vinodkumarpammy6438]

Thanks Ian. Great suggestions, to liberate painting into creative mode instead of being caged in a preconceived formula. 👏🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it. It is so easy to start letting the subject dictate everything. Best wishes.

[@marit4660]

It was so helpful to see these "shift" examples unfold. Thank you so much! I've always wanted to try this but haven't had any confidence. Your demonstrations and explanations have inspired me to give it a try!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

YES! makes me happy to hear it. Have fun.

[@TaoofMiracles111]

Where was this video when I was in art classes? No teacher ever broke any of this down so simply. Value? We did the exercise of making10 or 12 boxes of adding white and black to a color, but it was NEVER explained how to use it - value mass in a painting. This makes it so clear and simple. Thank you!!!!!

[@21ruevictorhugo]

Thank you so much for these ideas! I haven’t been painting because of recovering from a long time of major surgeries and medical problems. I want to paint and this has inspired me completely.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me happy to hear it. I wish you a fully recovery and many years of engaging painting. Best wishes.

[@AlyssaAleksanian]

this is brilliant!! So exciting! Thank you

[@rhondacalabro867]

Fantastic!

[@marshadavis-riley5754]

I truly appreciate how you take such a huge topic and can break it down into bites--sort of like the way you paint. Extremely helpful. thanks.

[@nanwilliamson5936]

Ooo! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're very welcome!

[@markhope170]

Ok, this has to be the most enlightening, consciousness raising video Ive seen in a long while Ian. I knew some of it on an instinctive level. It was the components of colour that was especially useful. Exactly what I needed. Thankyou....I will be definitely trying it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So glad you found it that helpful Mark. Best wishes.

[@02rivail]

Thank you Ian!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure.

[@DetraDearmas]

I wish I had known a week ago I could have joined. Missed it last year and wasn’t sure you’d do it again.

[@stephenschildbach940]

Thank you for breaking down something I never clarified to the degree that you do when choosing what landscapes to paint. Value is the anchor, make sure there first is a clear pattern of darks and lights. Then, if I don't want to go with the typical blue and green which is most landscapes, try shifting the relationship around to another side of the color wheel, but keep the same intensity. I will be using this suggestion in my landscapes. So helpful!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it helpful Stephen. It is true, if you have a solid foundation ( the main value masses) then there is a lot of room for expression. Like a musician improvising off of a standard.

[@sandradonofrio413]

Just so illuminating!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thanks so much Sandra.

[@mariaanduplooy9716]

Thank you, this is a very helpful. I wanted to play with this idea before, but did not know how to approach it.

[@tchatcha1423]

Thank you so much, I will surely try this on my next painting, it gets me going! ❤

[@moscowcowboy_13]

Mindblown.

[@moonarc.illust3552]

awesome Ian....

[@diannejonasson4663]

So interesting and helpful! I can see where I've gone wrong when I've tried to be more creative with my colour. Thank you so much for your lessons. I learn heaps! Greetings from Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia 🎨🤗

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Dianne, hope you find the ideas helpful. Good luck and best wishes.

[@robhead22]

I love this. Exactly what i needed. Thank you!

[@philomenacesta563]

Thank you Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Philomena

[@viktorbobrovsky3632]

Glad to see you again. Thanks for the video!

[@candacetroystudios]

You said it in more than one sentence! Give yourself permission! I definitely want to try this exercise because it’s like patting your head and rubbing your tummy!😅Thank you for the inspiration!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Good luck with it. Candice.

[@joycesumara416]

What a great concept. I can’t wait to try it! Thanks once again, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're very welcome Joyce. All the very best.

[@rentiacoetzee3621]

Very excited! Can’t wait to try it! Thanks for the great lesson Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Have fun with it. You're so welcome.

[@jeffreypostma6832]

I loved the third result. Changing the hue creates such a magical atmosphere that was les obvious in the original photo or in the more straightforward first painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Jeffrey, I thought the third one turned out the most interesting as well.

[@alisturkericmacnanty159]

FANTASTIC!!!! ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thanks so much!

[@taketimetoseait396]

This is your best lesson to date more on this subject. Because color is what sells. It's what sells me on what I want to paint. Let alone what 1 wants to buy.😊 Ann, Florida fan

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Anne, delighted you liked the video. Color does get all the attention. But for me the underlying compositional structure of value is what really sells the painting but it's the color that gets the credit. With best wishes.

[@gertdijkstra]

Thank you Ian for, once again, an inspiring video!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're so welcome. Thank you for watching

[@WXI-ez4wn]

thank you for the great demos!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're so welcome. Thanks for watching

[@pepperpoteater]

A game changer for me! Many thanks.

[@skyofhoney7]

Fantastic video. Thanks so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're so welcome.

[@susanj-s6425]

Thank-you for this demo. I've been debating on how to interpret an old sketch into a pastel painting, and whether to keep it a more traditional gray day, or make it more colourful and sunny. Have been trying things out on the ipad first, and loving some colours on the trees. Your demo will help me put my painting thoughts down more cohesively! :)

[@albinatoktarova3364]

Thank you so much for opening new page for me!

[@andrzejmaranda3699]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH for this video, Ian! It's VERY INTERESTING & INSPIRING!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you think so. All the very best.

[@Paula-wo6qm]

Thank you Ian ! I allways learn a lot with you .

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad to hear that. Best wishes Paula.

[@nicoleweddepohl]

I❤it. Thank you 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're so welcome Nicole.

[@mlcs179]

Loved, loved this. Great tips thanks Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thank you

[@ascoltando1]

Thanks Ian. Another inspiring video and definitely something I’ll try. And all three of your paintings looked great - impossible to pick a favourite.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. Best wishes.

[@dianecourtney2724]

Awesome. Thank You ✌🏼

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure Diane.

[@wendymorrison7137]

Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're very welcome Wendy.

[@jsunnysis]

Thank you Ian, what a fantastic demo!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you think so. All the best.

[@DK-pl8xd]

Gorgeous colors!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thanks so much.

[@junejaruchika]

Thanks for this tutorial. I have started watching your videos regularly and have been trying the exercises. I am a figurative painter and want to explore more landscape painting and your videos and books ( currently studying mastering compositions)definetly help a lot.

[@mikepolo2887]

Thank you for putting it together so clearly!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure Mike. Best wishes.

[@MsSarah32503]

Your videos are always helpful and engaging! Look forward to the next one. :)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them Sarah. Thanks so much.

[@anniepais700]

love this- taking black and white photos of the paintings too- is helpful in seeing how the values stay constant even though the color palettes change.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Annie, it helps a lot to see the image in just black and white first doesn't it. Glad you found this helpful. With best wishes.

[@kathleencallahan6882]

Thank you I finally get why and how artist are able to use different colors but still make the paintings work! You are a wonderful teacher and your book is great too.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thanks so much Kathleen. Glad you like my video and this video, especially. Best wishes

[@1msfit]

This is terrific! The change of hue changes the entire mood or atmosphere and yet the unity is preserved so it still works! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience and insights with all of us.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're so welcome. All the very best.

[@tkataby73]

You send out such a sense of beautiful serenity! Thank you for your videos, I love watching them. Looking forward to try these experiments.

[@alikakumar386]

Absolutely loved this instruction. Thank you for your generosity.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Alika. Best wishes.

[@SuperPiano1234]

Utterly brilliant! Thank you. A simple but powerful analysis that delivers successful visual freedom on a plate. Masterful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much.

[@angelw5767]

A big thank you! A mind opening idea!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Angel. Thank you

[@barbarabrusilow3824]

Very interesting and an eye opener. Many thanks Ian.

[@Wildflowerartstudio]

I appreciate your videos! I am going to try this interpretive color soon. I have thought about changing up the colors from what we expect, but I seem to get in my own way, but your explanation makes so much sense to me now!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Julie, sometimes it just takes an idea to see how to try something. Hope you have fun with it. All the best.

[@Manishaayut]

Thank you for this wonderful lesson in creating art. You simplified the process with really good examples with the same picture . You are a really good teacher, can’t thank you enough. Your understanding of colors mixing is exceptional.

[@sapienproductions]

As always Ian you have delivered yet another wonderful and highly informative video. Some artists could take this concept and go their whole careers perfecting it and playing with it. Thank you again, always a great Tuesday when your video drops.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@kamleshsunak3176]

Thank you so much Ian for this amazing lesson. Very inspired to try all three paintings. Always look forward to your next lesson. Best regards.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Kamlesh. Delighted you like it and I hope you have fun trying it out. Best wishes.

[@marciaerne]

I learn so much from your videos! this one especially is just what I need right now to push my more conventional approach to painting. thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It's true Marcia sometimes we need a nudge from outside, an idea or direction, to help us break out of our "shell". Good luck.

[@KateWentCamping]

Thank you Ian, this is come at a very timely point in my growth as a painter. With all of the experimentation photographers are doing with post shoot adjustments increasing intensity etc. I was wondering when enough is enough and when to push it. Seeing you address this subject has given me a lot to think about! I am definitely going to start experimenting

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Kate, hope you have fun with the experimenting. Good luck and all the best.

[@johnmorgan5495]

Thanks Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're very welcome John.

[@annabelmarsh5613]

So very interesting. Thank you, Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Anna. Best wishes.

[@sarahgreenstreet7137]

Your content is so interesting and informative. Thank you so much for your clear advice!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're so welcome Sarah. Thanks for the kind comment.

[@dutchamericanman]

Brilliant, Ian. You are such a strong teacher. Practicing what you teach elevates my practice. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. Delighted you like it. Best wishes.

[@stefanstern3542]

That was a stunning video! - Thank you, Dr. Roberts!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thank you Stefan. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@leakorteromanschmiede774]

great, thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are welcome.

[@terryedwards8564]

Ian, this was a great video - some may say simple, but, just what I wanted, thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Terry. Best wishes.

[@vickifraser260]

What a great painting experiment. Can't wait to try it. Thanks so much. 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I hope your paint brushes are light and free. Enjoy the process and best wishes.

[@judynail1690]

Yes! I love this. Its exactly how I've been feeling and I appreciate this lesson so much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So glad Judy. Thank you for watching

[@deborahrech7429]

Awesome tutorial! Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're so welcome Deborah.

[@bluerooster24]

Thanks Ian - that was inspiring - you are a wonderful and generous teacher and I’ve watched every single one of your videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wow, thank you. That means a lot to me!

[@user-tl8jp2rh1t]

Thanks you Ian. I appreciate your lessons very much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

you're so welcome. Thank you for watching

[@viveksinghchouhan948]

Love you ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. Best wishes

[@deloralalande8017]

Thank you SO MUCH Ian! Such great teaching. Would love to see all three paintings side by side.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome. Thank you for watching

[@stephenjamison6124]

Ian, in your debt a always. A fascinating video, I found it truly interesting and informative. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Stephen. Good to hear from you. All the best.

[@michaelharris9615]

This is a tremendous lesson. Thank you so much. I really wanted to see all three examples together. Here is my best effort: @5:00 @8:30 @11:20

[@yiliao123]

Always love you talk along the way ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thank you. Glad you liked it.

[@las174]

Such an important lesson...Thanks so much, love you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you like it. Best wishes.