Find the Structure, Express the Essence, Ditch the Details

[@elizabethkane6665]

I am watching ALL of your instructional videos … great content and extremely educational … thank you !

[@SockMonkeyofcourse]

Thank you and enjoy your off-camera time. May you find yourself being a better you in 2024. That's all that matters!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I appreciate it. See you in 2024!

[@19th-centuryartist56]

Thank you, Ian. People who argue one should not paint from a photograph should see this video. It will change their mind. It's really inspiring to see what a real artist can do. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much - a lot can be done from reference photos with good compositions. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well

[@olgaelias3383]

Good to hear from Ian. I appreciate your response about a limited palette. Thought it might challenge us supporters. Cheers from Northamptonshire, UK

[@kathytomanec7984]

I've watched this a few times now, learning more each time. Thank you so much for your dedication to sharing with others what you know. It's much appreciated.

[@marissashell]

So then what *is* the point of drawing from observation instead of photos? Why is drawing from observation a class that is required in most college art programs (albeit taught very differently these days)? And why do we still draw still life set ups? The camera makes it easy, taking the place of traditional paper view finders, and does the work of trying to actually see and decide what you want in your composition, so couldn’t we argue that this is an exercise in photography and selective drawing from these photos? This is an acceptable way of working as a more advanced painter, but I am wondering how these skills can be taught to college freshman without using a camera as a crutch, and what your thoughts are on having them actually look at their subject matters and not photos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Kathy.@@kathytomanec7984

[@jmmead2545]

A born teacher. Seems you are just instructing me. You make it and keep it so simple. I'm hoping it all sinks in one day. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Be well and take care. All the best for the new year.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome and I am so glad you're enjoying the videos. Happy holidays and best wishes.

[@DavidDickerson-i8s]

Thank you. For being a part of what's good in this world. 😊🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thank you. That is kind of you to say

[@evandegenfelder4554]

Ian, no matter what an awful day (week? Month?) I'm having, your videos are really a balm to my soul. When you started the clouds (always my nemesis) I had to laugh in delight when you put the tiny touch of white at the top. Boom! There were the clouds. Thank you for doing these wonderful videos and sharing your expertise with us all.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Evan. This message brought a smile to my face. I have an older video from 4 years ago about how to paint clouds - it's about four minutes long. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYDUmWZvet6Nh8k&ab_channel=IanRoberts. I hope you enjoy it. All the very best.

[@WandaSolo1503]

The best thing for me in 2023, was completing your Mastering Composition Course and experiencing the wonderful community you've built around it. Thank you for continuing to share your knowledge. Wishing you, Anne, and the TAs all the best for the festive season and the coming year 🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Belinda, I am delighted you have enjoyed the courses, and the community. Wishing you all the very best for Christmas as well.

[@dawnholder8819]

It always helps seeing someone demonstrate what they are explaining and that is why your videos are so interesting, insightful, eye opening and helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge - it is very much appreciated! Glad to see you are recovering and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much - feeling much better now. Happy holidays to you too!

[@enrikacardoen7780]

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. And thanks 4 All the lessons

[@ianbrowne8871]

I had just come in from the gym and made a cup of coffee and this came up! Having completed the MC courses I have had a break to regain energy and started again - by doing 5x6 inch pencil studies before putting any paint down. As usual this is a clear and helpful post and good to be reminded of the skills we started to sharpen in January 2023 - cropping, simplifying and shading!! With best wishes for Christmas and 2024.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Ian. I read your email. I'll respond there. My very best wishes to you for Christmas and the New Year.

[@brianlove541]

Love your empowering affirmation that is the foundation of your pedagogy. They serve brilliantly your repeated theme to pay attention to the essential need for composition.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Brian. I appreciate you saying so

[@Argyll9846]

Thank you for all the great videos you've brought us during 2023. I hope you and your family have a great time during the festive season and look forward to more of your insight into painting in 2024.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

And the same to you. Happy holidays and see you in 2024. All the very best

[@karencase8495]

Well done and so helpful, Ian. Even though you did it in a Covid haze!! I am thrilled that I took the Mastering Composition Course. I cannot thank you enough. Have a joyous Christmas and a happy new year too!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Karen. You are so kind to say and I'm delighted you joined us too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

[@oltedders]

Lovely. One of your best landscapes. IMO.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Wonderful.

[@thebirdartistscottage]

I was so happy to see a new video from you this morning! I am recovering from the flu these days and still trying to find my motivation and creativity. Seeing you paint through your Covid haze gives me great inspiration to fight through this last bit of flu fatigue and get back to painting. When I saw that ugly fence in the foreground of the photo, I thought you would leave it out but you transformed it! Thank you for sharing your knowledge of painting, composition, and making works of beauty. Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas to you and may your 2024 be filled with joy, light, and color.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoyed watching what I did to transform the fence. I am feeling much better now - I hope you recover quickly as well. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones.

[@annlgs7303]

Ian - I'm so glad you have moved through Covid and are feeling better. Once again, you have shared another beautiful painting that perfectly illustrates your lessons. Thank you. I am grateful for starting my third year as a member of your online community (as of January 2024), and for the joy I've found in painting. My very best to you, Anne, and your family.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Nice to hear from you and delighted you continue with us in the community. To another year of rich creative expression. My very best wishes to you.

[@andrzejmaranda3699]

This video is VERY INTERESTING, IMPORTANT & INFORMATIVE! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH, Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure. Delighted you liked it.

[@inkonmyhands]

Very satisfying process of painting, I always enjoy that :D

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it

[@21ruevictorhugo]

Loved seeing the layout of your palette. For years I had always started with red, orange…. All the way too purple. Then brown and black And then one day I realized that it made ever so much more sense to start with yellow. 👍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you found it helpful

[@gailwilliams1160]

That was brilliant. I look forward to January 9th and your upcoming class. When I watch your videos, I get it. Then I don't exactly get it when trying it. I think the drawing before the painting is where I struggle the most and I definitely get that it is very important. Anyway, best of holiday wishes and see you on the 9th!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Drawing before the painting can set the stage for success before the paintbrush even hits the canvas. Thank you for watching, and I'd be delighted if you joined my January class. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones

[@kenneth1767]

I used to struggle painting from life. Now I struggle to paint from photos. After a few photo paintings I need to get back to naked-eye painting to refresh the 'eyes of the mind'. Have a blessed Christmas and happy creating.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Kenneth. I have a few videos that you may find helpful that discuss taking photos for paintings. Here are the links to them - How to Take Good Photographs for Painting kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqbEf4OEq9J1jNk&ab_channel=IanRoberts Getting the Most from Your Reference Photos kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmKXpnagqZ15ocU&ab_channel=IanRoberts Taking and Editing Your Photos for Painting kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4TSnmB-brRsaKc&ab_channel=IanRoberts Hope those help. Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@crafteariee]

Hello Sir Ian! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and understanding of painting with these videos & your resources freely presented to us online! Hope you & your loved ones are in good health and wishing you in advance a Merry Christmas! Enjoy the holidays ahead and hope your workshops go well too!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and New Year with your loved ones as well. Best wishes.

[@hollybythesea78]

What a gift you have for teaching. You condense these lessons into practical applications. You are humble and generous with what you have learned. I hope you & your family have a blessed Christmas & New Year.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Holly. May your 2024 be a year rich in artistic richness and expression. All the best, Ian.

[@ExploringSpirituality303]

Thanks for another great painting lesson. Happy holidays to you too!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Happy holidays to you! You're welcome

[@kathyriggs2308]

Merry Christmas. Stay well and thank you for all our videos and books. You are an excellent and patient teacher.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you as well

[@sylvain_st_pierre_2019]

Thank you for all the you provided to a multitude of artist during the last year. May you and your family have a great holiday and a peaceful and happy 2024.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome. Thank you for the kind words and I wish you a happy and peaceful New Year as well

[@beverlyshepherd6472]

I hope you have a full recovery from your Covid illness and are able to enjoy some magic this Christmas - thank you for sharing your wisdom and love of painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Feeling all better now, and happy holidays to you.

[@wyzeyzere]

Most interesting video with the best advice i ever got in painting! Thank you very much

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wow. Thanks so much and so glad you liked the video

[@dfrozendog3849]

Between Paint Shapes- Not Things, Muted Colors and this video, most of my issues have been solved. Now, if I can motivate my old a.. , self , to get started.

[@JDLandscapePainter]

Ian, I can’t thank you enough for sharing all of your wisdom for free with us. Composition and the design process are the most fascinating and exciting parts or making art for me so your channel is one of my favorites. I hope you never stop making videos on the topic ! Thank you again

[@georgiagibbs.art.design]

Thank you for this fantastic demonstration. Have a wonderful holiday season~

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Happy holidays! You are very welcome

[@payntpot7623]

Merry Christmas and a fruitful New Year to you too, Ian, and all your viewers. Thank you for sticking with us and making these videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

it is my pleasure. Thanks so much and I'll see you in 2024 in my next video. Happy holidays to you

[@Dee-g8x]

Wonderful finished work Ian, despite painting it while having covid. Your instructions were so clear and informative. You’ve convinced me to finally do the initial groundwork of drawing the painting map first. Get those shapes in and don’t get caught up in all the details so much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It can help immensely with the success of your painting. Have a go and I think you will see the payoff. Happy holidays to you and your loves ones. See you in 2024

[@indra0704]

I wish quick recovery from COVID and to have a wonderful 2024! Happy holidays and thank you again for sharing your experience with us!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome. Feeling much better now thank you. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones

[@Kabira50Nora-wj4yi]

Merci infiniment grand artiste .vous m'avez aidé enormement

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Merci beaucoup. Cordialements.

[@wojciechkowalczyk1264]

Thank you Ian, very, very much. Painting, as you shaw and comment, is poetry and music for eyes. Beauty is what I try to find- and you learn how to put it on canvas. Keep learining, we need You, and take care.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted that you enjoyed it.

[@roseconfectionart409]

Still finding your videos again and again when I'm stuck in figuring out how to do compositions and mixing colors. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom😊😊👏👏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them!

[@taketimetoseait396]

Great ideas... fantastic values... was the sign needed... to eye catching maybe? Ann, Florida fan...

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it. I think that sign also played a role in slowing the eye down from the strong structural pull back into space. That was my take on it anyway. All the best.

[@taketimetoseait396]

Well, 😢like a picture of a deer at night in headlights... the red eye gets all the attention...Ann

[@sukeywatson1281]

Have a great Christmas and New Year’s. I detected no loss of your usual clarity in this video. As usual, this was excellent and very good. Thank you so much. M

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. I was very happily surprised that this video all made sense. Glad you enjoyed it

[@christinefischerart]

Thank you for another instructional video on the importance of composition and structure. I'm appreciate your ability to teach drawing, editing, blocking in large shapes and paying attention to edges and saturation. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Christine. Very kind of you to say. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well.

[@martinabonarska8209]

Wow, I am glad I found this channel. Most of my paintings rely heavyly on the photograph and none of my painting were done by redesigning boring photos but by looking for interesting composition etc directly from nature probably because of problems with designing good composition myself. When I looked at the photo you were referencing I saw it very different from your view. I wouldn't push the sign into shadow or remove other signs. I thought the opposite. I would use fluorescent paint and bring a strong contrast of colour and value against those dark greens. And the light fragment of road in the background I also wanted to do a little longer and maybe like a narrow line. The shapes of signs I thought of very geometrical, strong, clear shapes, maybe softening but just a little bit with depth. Your version is more calm and harmonic. It is interesting to see very different approach.

[@dutchamericanman]

Every lesson delivers years of value and practice. Thank you, Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you think so. Thanks so much and happy holidays!

[@wendyprest7479]

Thank you for that wonderful, inspirational 12 minutes! I hope you leave Covid in the dust, never to return, and I wish you the happiest and healthiest of holidays! See you in 202!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Wendy. I am feeling much better. Happy holidays to you and see you in 2024

[@margomcgrew7154]

That is dedication to give us a demonstration while sick. Blessings for a Merry Christmas and a healthy happy New Year!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Feeling much better now, luckily. Thank you so much and happy holidays to you as well

[@laurataggart8018]

Thank you Ian. I can’t believe I missed this one when it came out. It’s very helpful. I’m learning by looking.

[@anneadamczewski4187]

Hi Ian, what a powerful video to show how to ‘see’, ‘simplify prepare and paint. I find your videos so inspiring, thank you 🙏 Have a Merry Christmas 🌟 & a great New Year 🎉

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Anne. I am so glad you enjoyed it. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones

[@markoartist5273]

Ian, your teaching is just perfect! ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Mark

[@glorious5389]

How good painter you are as well as good person! Wonderful, wonderful paintings and good teaching. God bless you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. That is kind of you to say

[@CompassCreative]

Thank you Ian. Blessings to you and your family for this holiday season! Look forward to seeing you again in 2024

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

See you in 2024. Thanks so much and happy holidays to you

[@lucindadangles-ru5il]

Thank You. You made 2023 a great learning year. Hopefully 2024 will put all that to work.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You can do it. Happy holidays to you Lucinda

[@patcampton7163]

Another great picture of sunlight and shadow. All the best for Christmas and lets hope next year sees a bit more peace in the world.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Pat. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones as well

[@peldridge2627]

Merry Christmas, Ian, and Happy New Year to you and your family. Thank you for a year of wonderful tutorial videos. My understanding is enhanced every time I watch one, and this video was no different. I have yet to do a preliminary drawing - I always want to get right into painting - but I will do it! Because, when i want to get right into painting, I'm frequently thinking "what is it I want to paint?" I use watercolors, am a novice beginner with an occasional successful painting. So, your holiday expression at the end for more creativity in 2024 - YES! Thank you for generously sharing your artistic skills, your gentle instructions, and tranquil, calming art. Peace and Health to you.🎄

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Puts a smile on my face to hear things like this. Thank you for telling me and may your 2024 be a year rich in artistic richness and expression. All the best.

[@catherinebast4456]

Thank you Ian. If that painting was as yu say through a haze I can only imagine how great it would be without the haze. Thanks again for all the great instruction.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it - haze or no haze. All the best and happy holidays

[@FionaLeong-w9j]

Im glad i finally started watching the video- have been procrastinating as i wasnt sure how to take notes. I will focus on better planning in the start stage

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted it was helpful.

[@karensliwinski1243]

Best wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year! Looking forward to more of your very helpful videos in 2024. Thank you Ian 🙂

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Merry Christmas and happy New Year! See you in 2024 and thank you for watching

[@BibleStudyPastor]

Ian, it is amazing to me how you have trained your eye to see light and shadow patterns, whereas I see ugly details. Learning to see is key. Thank you for teaching us to see. God bless you during this Christmas season. Ralph

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Ralph, you are right. It is a perception shift not a thinking problem to be solved. My very best wishes to you for Christmas and the New Year.

[@boooo6789]

Hi Ian, I just want to let you know that your book Creative Authenticity really helped me through some rough times, when I was dissatisfied with normal everyday life but hadn't embarked on my artistic journey yet. Thank you so much for what you do. Have a wonderful Christmas!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much for letting me know CA was helpful. I really appreciate that. And my very best wishes to you for Christmas as well.

[@ivarboneless2649]

Gorgeous painting! One of my favorites you’ve done. Your lessons have made my paintings go from good to great, I’m so grateful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That really puts a smile on my face. Thank you so much and glad you enjoyed this month's video

[@jillbuckmiller1400]

I love your videos! Simplifying and composition are truly the things I struggle with. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I hope you continue to recover.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Jill. Luckily I am feeling much better. All the very best.

[@MarVelJones-n2n]

Your book on composition was on of the first books I bought after a 40 year break from painting. It really got me going again. Highly recommended. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That puts a smile on my face, wow. Thank you so much for the comment. May your 2024 be a year rich in artistic richness and expression

[@BarbaraStevens-u2l]

What a great video Ian - really helpful. I've struggled to find suitable subjects for the final challenge in the Mastering Composition course, and these examples will really help me to see my surroundings and my photos in terms of compositional design. Your course was absolutely brilliant, and I recommend it to every artist! Wishing you and your family a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much and my very best wishes to you for Christmas as well. And a new year of fulfilling artistic expression. All the best.

[@rogerfgay1]

Been watching your videos. I'm almost shocked by the wonderful way this one puts things together. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you found it helpful.

[@PaulWillhoft]

Thanks Ian, hope you feel better soon.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you - feeling much better now luckily

[@gardengrrlWendy]

Thank you for sharing so much valuable information. As others have said, my painting is improving the more I grasp what you're teaching. You are very much appreciated! Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and 2024!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome. That makes me so very happy to hear. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you

[@dganim9196]

wow Ian, its like hypnotism watching you work. Excellent tutorial thank you. Those early photos look like the Bruce. The paintings from the photos are beautiful, and the light is spot on. Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your family for the following year. And thank you for all your videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones

[@toniswiffen5039]

Very best wishes to you and your family Ian and thank you for another great video, Toni 🎄

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Toni. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!

[@annesaffer629]

Excellent video, thanks Ian! I often use photos and like you I don’t take just one and think I am done! Especially in urban subjects, I will move a bit to the left and right, back and forth, and take multiple shots of the scene. One shot will be perfect, but you never know in advance which it is!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Exactly. It takes a lot of attempts to find the perfect reference photo. I have many videos about this, in case you want to learn more - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqbEf4OEq9J1jNk&ab_channel=IanRoberts. Best wishes.

[@carolclay7082]

Thank you Ian! "mastering composition" is my number 1 goal for next year. Glad you're feeling better. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is a great goal to have. Thank you for telling me. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones as well

[@arpeegee_studio]

I can't thank you enough for your channel! I'm learning digital painting after fearing to get back at it since I was mediocre in this field in art school. Your thoughts and explanations on values, composition.. have helped me a lot. I wish you were my teacher 20yrs ago!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome and I appreciate you saying so. Thank you

[@peterhearn]

Excellent advice as always. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Peter

[@tdav3237]

Absolutely excellent! I agree with the viewer who said they liked the painting, but not the photo. This video really helps explain what to look for and how to apply it. Love watching you paint while you’re explaining what and why you’re doing each step . Very helpful. Hope you feel better. Have a Wonderful Christmas.! Look forward to your videos in the New Year!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful and that you enjoyed it. Thank you so much. I am feeling much better now. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones

[@colinjoyceart]

It's always a pleasure to listen to your calm and considered delivery Ian. I've been painting a long time but believe you're never too old to keep learning and I certainly do from your videos. I live in Scotland and was able to purchase your book recently from Amazon. I'm already wishing I'd known about it before now. Thanks again for your channel here, I'm continuing to work my way through previous videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Colin. Delighted to hear you're enjoying my videos and hope that you enjoy my book also. Happy holidays to you

[@BarBaraWhorleyCrawfordESS]

Brilliant ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much

[@PaintsbyEric]

Merci Ian pour cette présentation. Toujours un travail sur la lumière tout en restant simple.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

C'est une bonne façon de voir les choses. Regarder la lumière et rester simple. Heureux que vous appréciiez les vidéos. Avec mes meilleurs voeux

[@moscowcowboy_13]

As a jazz musician, you begin with a foundational set of skills, riffs, and techniques. You work within a specific set of scales to ensure your notes harmonize correctly when you improvise. It’s crucial to observe and listen to what’s happening around you. The first time you play a solo, you might rely on long, sustained notes that complement the chords, allowing you to get a feel for the moment. As you grow more confident, you start adding intricate details. But no matter how far you go in your solo, you always have the root scales to return to, anchoring you back to the core of the composition, which is, at its essence, little more than black notes and symbols on white paper. This structure is essential; without it, the music would lose its form and become mere noise.

[@josephineherrera8508]

I’d like to take your Mastering Composition course. Especially if it teaches us how to draw our value studies before painting. I am a watercolorist and pastelist, but this helps me a lot, regardless. I love the simplicity of your work.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Josephine, I 'd be delighted if you joined us for the course in January. That is exactly what the course does - how to do value studies before beginning to paint. I'll be talking more about it Jan 9 so you can see examples of before the course and after the course then and you'll see. all the best.

[@samiahkhashoggi277]

Thank you for your informative videos, I already purchased your books a while ago and now I’m a bigger fan of your tutorials. 🙏🏽

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm delighted you're finding them helpful!

[@dschmid8845]

Ian, this was an excellent video, from photo to the finished painting. Perfect for any beginner and experienced. Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I appreciate you saying so

[@marykosterlitz7904]

Great video as ever! Really distills in this one lesson your ideas from your online course, which I took and was excellent and your book. Which is also excellent. Every time I get stuck in a painting, I go back and realize whoops I forgot to look at the underlying structure and to simplify! When I do it again using your principles I get a much better result. I often rush paintings when painting plein air. I am either battling elements or get seduced by the pretty scene. But if I take the time to do a careful study first and draw it, it is always better. Even if I lose the light or something else and I have to return and do it again. Thanks for your insights.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Nice to hear from you Mary and of course delighted you enjoyed the video. And still at it. All the best

[@reedfish99]

That was great thanks Ian! I loved the painting, and the sketch! It was a great little spot to paint too

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I am delighted you liked it

[@quickstep2001]

Wonderful! I just watched this with my kids - you are a great tutor! Hope this inspires them as much as it inspires me! Have a great holiday, Best Regards from Germany

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well that would be fun if your kids got inspired by it. Best wishes for the holidays.

[@KateWentCamping]

it’s uncanny that each time I see one of your videos you are talking about the thing I’m struggling with at the time. Happy holidays.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Funny how the timing works out that way. Glad it does, though. Happy holidays Kate

[@loiseilers5058]

Thank you for sharing your brilliant knowledge on composition, color and value. I am heading over to Amazon now to get your book, “Mastering Composition.”

[@terrierose5917]

Glad you are better, and the lesson was wonderful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much and I am glad you liked it

[@trisht5064]

Thank you Ian very interesting and informative . Best wishes to you too and a happy 2024

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones. See you in 2024!

[@suepidlubny3183]

Thanks Ian for yet another wonderful video. Simple shapes and value are key. I need to hear this over and over and over again. LOL. Maybe one day it will sink in.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Repetition, repetition, repetition. Glad you enjoyed the video Sue. Thank you

[@williamdaly1005]

Thanks, Ian, for another terrific lesson. Artist do and always have used the tools available to them both in history and , of course, contemporarily. You make it understood in your lessons how we can use those tools to accomplish what we want; an inviting and compelling composition for the viewer.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well said. Thank you very much William. I appreciate it

[@emmanuelledesachy7476]

Many thanks for your generosity and those valuable vers hepful information. Have à great Holiday season and à Lively veginning of 2024, see you in the program !🎉😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thanks so much Emmanuelle. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones as well. See you in 2024

[@christinemay2411]

Excellent advice. You make it so clear! Have a fabulous (painterly) Christmas and New Year! All the best for 2024.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you - May your 2024 be a year rich in artistic richness and expression as well

[@mtinus-y3w]

Thank you Ian. you also the best wishes for next year. Theo from Holland

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Theo. All the best to you as well.

[@howlingwind1937]

Thank you for the year of instructional videos I look forward to watching more next year. I hope you've well and truly gotten over COVID now, when I had it I was pretty crook, but the fatigue it left me with lasted longer, so make sure you are kind to yourself and take plenty of rest. I wish you and your family wellness, happiness, plenty of laughter, fun and love for each other, be safe. Cheers from Australia!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I am feeling a lot better, luckily. I hope the same to you and your family as well. Best wishes.

[@b.comeau2597]

Such a beautiful painting! I hope you are feeling better !

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Best wishes.

[@janesoncanvas8337]

Many many thanks once again for all you do for all of us! So good to hear that reinforcing messages and examples you give us. Hope you can now rest and relax over the holidays, and of course get completely well from being sick. We will anxiously await your new video next month!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Jane. Feeling much better now - thank you. I hope you have a relaxing holiday as well and best wishes.

[@02rivail]

Thank you Ian! All the Best to you and your Family, have a wonderful new year!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You as well. Thanks so much and happy holidays

[@colettemilner2517]

Thanks Ian...glad you re over covid. Love your utubes and the clarity they give.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

thank you so much. Delighted you enjoy my channel

[@fatherburning358]

This is exactly the knowledge I need to absorb to progress on my artistic journey. Thankyou Sir

[@leesaunders5495]

Many thanks very helpful videos as always. Every good wish to you and family for Christmas and the new year.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome. Happy holidays to you and your family as well

[@moiraevans355]

Hello Ian, thank you very much for your excellent and generous teaching, a master at it, I am most grateful. May your Christmas be peaceful, many warm regards from Chile.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Happy holidays to you and your loved ones. Thank you so much. See you in the new year

[@MrJayson204]

Yikes, I feel you on trying to paint while recovering from covid...I recently got Covid for the first time as well and it knocked me out for the week lol my (usually) powerful desire to draw and create just vanished and I had zero motivation to do thing. Hopefully, you're doing better now!

[@agold1702]

Wonderful! Such clear and encouraging instruction!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much!

[@quietestkitten]

This video was very helpful. I hope you’re recovering smoothly!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I am feeling much better!