Getting the Most from Your Reference Photos

Do you ever have the experience of wanting to paint from a photo, but realizing there may be a problem there? And so, you hesitate and you don't do it? I mean, I have the same experience. This week I’m going to show you an image I wanted to paint for years. I’ll show you the problem, the solution I found, and then how I translated that into paint.
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Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Permanent
Dioxazine Purple
Ultramarine Blue
Chrome Oxide Green
Phthalo Green
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[@paintcoach]

l love this painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much!

[@lusinegrigyan5307]

I watch your videos all the time 🤓

[@lilliann3705]

Yes, this is how understanding composition and having years of experience come together. I have a photo taken from a fishing cabin high above the North Umpqua River in Oregon where the view is obstructed by many trees. I know what lies beyond the trees: the riverbed and bolder rocks, the fast flowing water hitting the rocks and creating beautiful crashing water effects plus beautiful splashes of sunlight hitting the water and trees. So great, but why in the world did I feel so hampered by the trees blocking the view and why didn’t I just get rid of some to clear the view to the river? It amazes me that such a SIMPLE solution has evaded my thought process and prevented me from painting this beautiful scene for several years. Am I the only painter so dim witted? After all, I’ve been painting for many years and still get hung up on these composition problems. Your tutoring is truly opening my eyes, though, so thank you again for a great video.

[@pleinaire8698]

NO, you're not the only painter that would have a problem changing the photograph! I've often felt compelled to paint exactly what the photo shows..warts and all.!! I'm better now.

[@heidikarpa2278]

Please don’t be so harsh on yourself- I have the same stumbling blocks. They’re common. Especially with a photo as a reference- photos feel like I have to do what’s in them. Like it’s already finished and I’m only copying it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Lillian and I"m delighted you found the video helpful. From the number of likes for it I think you are definitely not alone on clearing out the trees. All the best

[@elrelster]

This demonstration of creating a painting from a reference without being glued to the specifics of the reference is truly eye opening to me. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome. Delighted you liked it

[@marthacanady9441]

Every time I see you paint, I can’t wait to get to my easel. Such a motivational video. My results never live up to yours, but it it sure is fun to try. Thank you, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Martha. Enjoy the painting process & have fun with it. All the best, Ian

[@lusinegrigyan5307]

I just finished readying your book Creative Authenticity. I just wanted to thank you so much for your insightful writings. My favorite two sentences “it’s one thing to give expression to something you feel strongly about. It is another thing to find a simple way to express what you have discovered so another person can appreciate it”. We can all do with being less self centered and focusing on things outside of us. I think that is when we truly become great communicators as Artists.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much for sharing, and well said. So glad you are enjoying the book so much. All the best, Ian

[@lusinegrigyan5307]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I am patiently waiting for your next Art Workshop. Unfortunately I missed the last one in February

[@anthonycotts2451]

I am trying to apply your videos to watercolors (ending in details of egg tempera). Amazing what you did what that photo. I can see why it fascinates. Nice altering of the scene, and final rendition of the photo.

[@PleinAirAdventureswithTezDower]

The lake at the back is just like a cherry on a cake. You made it complete Ian🎨👌

[@joeirvine3398]

This was worth waiting for (after the “trailer” in the brushwork course)! Watching your progression from photo to under painting to blocking in and your thoughts about simplifying and correcting as you go towards the final painting are a practical course for any artist. Thanks for this!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Joe. See you Saturday.

[@timkeagy4094]

I am a photographer and I sometimes will paint my photos. Sometimes I will run into problems because I know what I am seeing through a camera. I know the depth of field and what I want to show through a particular lens I have on the camera. Then, I want to put the photo on canvas and I see it differently as I paint. I believe this video will help me next time I tackle one of my photos. Thanks Ian.

[@2bhberman]

I am just seeing this now Feb 2024 and I'm smiling. When I first started to paint not all that long ago, I did a painting of a photograph "as it was". I t was horrible so I put it away. Then I started watching your videos on composition and pulled the paint out. I also had a road that hit a dead end and did exactly what you did in this painting. Cleared away the trees and had the road go to the ocean. . I softened the edges and simplified the shapes and now I love it. It may not be the best thing I ever did but the fact that I learned from you to have a critical eye and ask myself questions leading to a solution makes this a painting I love. Thanks so much Ian and I hope to go further with you in your classes. I'm in MC now.

[@RaymondOreFineArt]

Would never have thought of adding the lake, totally transforms the picture.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Raymond

[@muyiwaosifuye2231]

Thank you Ian. As a photographer until now. So much in my archives... Thank you.

[@cynthia_artistpro]

That's not all! You are such an inspiration! Where have you been all my life!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Very kind of you to say

[@ladeanwoodssaussotte4004]

Thank you so much! I'm a beginning painter and have started my first large work ever. The examples and concepts in your video will be part of my final painting!

[@chermontro]

Have been sidetracked and really want to get back to painting. So satisfying to the soul to see your magical lessons again!!

[@luvurobert]

This lovely painting made me smile as it was so inviting and serene. Thank you for the wonderful demonstration!!

[@judylearnstopaint1040]

You just solved my current problem, a beautiful path in autumn that goes back to a sliver of lake. I just need to open up the trees a bit and see more water. I always forget that we can invent changes. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Judy!

[@rudykammermeier8227]

It’s always sad when something great ends, and I’m definitely feeling that way now. I’ve been watching your videos since the beginning, and I want to thank you, Ian, for everything you’ve taught me. Good luck in your new endeavour. Hopefully, we’ll see you again, and I’m looking forward to receiving your emails.

[@cynthia_artistpro]

Hi Ian, I feel so blessed to have come across you on KZbin! You really "have the goods" on Composition that I need in my work!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome. Glad you are finding my videos so helpful

[@paulinnes2900]

your episodes are such a treasure, thank you

[@dragonskinavi]

This is one of my top 3 favorite paintings by you, Ian. I feel instantly drawn to and transported to this place! There's something very inviting, serene yet mysterious about this composition, the colors and the simplicity of it all......great stuff, and thanks again for all you do!

[@1964ilovebears]

Soooooooo beautiful !!

[@lindas.martin2806]

Lovely painting!

[@aliciamolloy5948]

Thank you so much Ian for sharing your process of painting from a photo. You are a wonderful teacher, love your videos.

[@wendemather9780]

Your book arrived today (I’m in northern Alberta), and it feels like I’m on a new journey with my painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is wonderful. I hope you enjoy it! My hope was it is something you can revisit year after year. All the best

[@thereserioux2178]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I have already done one painting yesterday and I am amazed at the result when first blocking colour shapes. Today, I received your book Mastering composition, ordered 2 days ago on Amazon. I am thrilled as I am already planning my next painting. I have already read more than 50 pages of your book and listened to numerous videos over the last days. You have heightened my inspiration. I have also recommended your channel to a close friend.

[@Slaneous]

Lovely work and great advice as always Ian. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Sean

[@antheablackmore5838]

These videos are gold and inspirational, thank you !

[@barbtate3763]

What a beautiful painting love it thanks Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Many thanks

[@1missmellie]

Such a lovely painting! Thank you for your insights!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much!

[@PatMeierJohnson]

What an amazing gift Ian's videos are! I get so much out of each one!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Pat!

[@Evekerlz]

Inspiring - as always! Your advice and wisdom is so helpful. Thanks again!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@kamleshsunak3176]

Thanks Ian. Great composition tips.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Kamlesh

[@gordsantarossa4924]

This may be my favourite painting you've shown us, and a great lesson. Thanks Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Gord

[@susanmeadows1788]

Your lessons are so helpful-and entertaining to this painting nerd. I work in pastels, but your composition principles work for all media. Thank you!

[@joanistotler8804]

This is SO beautiful!! I love everything you've done to make it the way it turned out. Thank you for sharing your way of thinking as you always do and please do more!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome! Thank you Joani

[@maryannnash653]

Such a beautiful painting!! What a gift to be able to watch you paint and listen to your thought process along the way! Thank you so much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Maryann

[@juliepowell9615]

I love this painting Ian. What a success it is with those changes! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Julie

[@apattonfineart5121]

This was such a helpful video. Thank you so much.

[@jazzman1626]

The whole time I was watching this video, I was thinking about your video about painting shapes, not things. That, together with values, and you have a painting! Marvellous!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@sandradodson540]

Great lesson! Very helpful. Love this painting. Thank you for this.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Sandra

[@carjam49]

Thank you. This is very helpful. Such a lovely painting.

[@evandegenfelder4554]

Thank you Ian! I've really missed your videos and this of course was no exception. Made my Tuesday morning seem like it's off to a better start. I can see what attracted you to that image; it is charming, kind of rustic and really gives off a vibe of calm. Plus, I have to say it is such a learning experience every time you paint a scene with multi greens. . . . The painting is lovely.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Evan. Glad you were able to enjoy this month's video

[@sapphiresennelier2319]

Loooove your compositional fix confidence. Adopting!!

[@deborahrech7429]

Thank you for another wonderful teaching video. I’m always amazed that you see possibilities in a scene that I would pass by and then you turn it into a really interesting painting. Especially love the fence and the “blue line” in this painting.

[@michellebrazeau798]

Excellent lesson…amazing result !😮

[@udellcustomshop6758]

Thank you Ian! Beautiful painting and excellent lesson! Thanks for sharing.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@roxykcny]

Beautiful painting and a great video. Thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much!

[@erinhills4290]

Thank you so much Ian. This was great. That was a nice solution to your composition problem. I appreciate seeing how you paint dappled shadows too.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Erin

[@barbaramurray4627]

So much good information and solid advice packed into 8 mins! Wonderful painting, thank you Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Barbara

[@ritalawas8965]

You have just given me the answers I needed to tackle two photos I’ve had for years. Thank you for a great tutorial

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Rita

[@maureengarcia5478]

I love that painting!!! I am pulled into it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Maureen

[@sharonfeingold2632]

Lovely, you make it look so easy!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much

[@sapienproductions]

Gorgeous painting, great tuition again too. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Matt

[@virginiarasheed1566]

Love the way you paint. So clean and precise! Your videos are clear, concise and inspiring. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Virginia. Very kind

[@nadineessary1038]

Love this painting! Thanks for explaining the changes that made it come together after the block in....now time to work on my own :)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Have fun and enjoy the process Nadine. Thanks so much

[@selmaabbott7234]

Thank you, Ian! Inspirational. I really follow your instructions and I started getting better results. Lots to learn yet, however, always learning a lot from you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful. Thank you Selma

[@pkaspar78]

Oh, so beautiful, your paintings are so calming, balm for a soul, composition and colors you use are just so pretty to look at❤️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much!

[@judithcarr1542]

Ian, I’ve just discovered you on KZbin. Thank you so much for all the great videos. I’ve been a watercolor painter for years and dabble in oils. I’ve learned so much by watching your videos. You simplify your art so that it is so understandable. Please continue giving us these lessons.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I plan on it. Thanks so much Judith. Glad you are enjoying the videos

[@rayegibson950]

Oh, Ian, I learned so much from that little bit of blue. That line on the distant shore is perfect. There’s a whole year of art lessons in this one video. Just watch it 30 seconds at a time and implement that in your own work.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful. Delighted you found those tips helpful Raye

[@johannarenee522]

Super helpful! It does look better with the composition opened up back there.

[@susanplunkett4]

Thank you Ian that demo really helped me. I am learning so much from you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad to hear it!

[@MichaelWurmJr]

Beautiful painting! Thanks for sharing your process. I can see why you liked this picture so much. It's very captivating!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Michael

[@dianabritton9713]

This was a terrific tutorial! It is so helpful how you talk through your thought processes to help us learn. I look forward to buying your compositon book. Thank you,

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. I know you will find the book helpful. All the best, Ian

[@sinman66]

Great lesson and a beautiful painting! Thank you 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Mansin

[@karriejackson93]

Thank you for such genuine lessons! Book is on the way in the mail! Yay!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful! I know you will enjoy the book. Thank you Karrie

[@natalykenny2069]

Fantastic and very helpful! Thank you, Ian!!!!❤❤❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Nataly

[@melbendigo]

Thank you, Ian! I would love to see more about how to resolve problems with photos. I struggle with this all the time. I'm amazed with the way you solved the problems and made this photo work as a painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Mel. Delighted you enjoyed seeing the process

[@Mr-S.C.]

Really really nice Ian !

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you!

[@mariannep1950]

Awesome painting lesson! ♥️🙏🌷

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much!

[@AinoShperber]

You make it look so easy. Lovely painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much Aino

[@Lubnadraws]

I just found your channel and I am so excited! Thank you for helping us

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@bevjack1]

just wonderful. Thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@And3aPet]

Thank you! Very helpful and a beautiful painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@dfw6773]

That was so helpful! I feel like I finally have the insights for being able to deviate from the photo to make a better composition.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jlmaybery]

Your work is so very helpful. Thanks.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome!

[@martimajor4766]

Just amazed. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adrianwilliams763]

Well explained and illustrated. Appreciate you sharing.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Adrian

[@craigseaborn4222]

Beautiful painting Ian and excellent teaching as well, thanks Craig

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Craig

[@sharonstratis2846]

Great instructions! It's been awhile since I've watched your videos and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them and learn from them. Great news about the reprinting of Mastering Composition. I have borrowed it from my library but now I can own it. Thanks for the heads up.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful. Thanks so much Sharon

[@ToySeeker]

Thank you Maestro!!

[@sharonstritzel1864]

Love, love, love! You amaze me!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Sharon

[@janoneill3904]

Thank you Ian, very helpful and inspiring

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Jan

[@alexandrasanches2473]

Love it! Thankyou! Big hug!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@darcymanwaring1489]

Beauifully done

[@markdonovan1540]

Very nice Mr. Roberts, your imagination opened up the space for the viewer to be drawn into the painting. It's beautiful to see your process in producing your art. I'll be looking out for your reprinted book here in Madrid.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Mark. Thank you. I know you will enjoy the book

[@kathyprince1608]

This was an eye-opener in explaining the transformation of photographic raw material into artistry through the application of composition principles! Great video and a real masterpiece painting! Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much Kathy

[@LaurieSequana]

I would love the photo and painting to be side by side at the end. Gorgeous work!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Laurie

[@MSDFairfield]

Thanks again for your insights and ability to explain process a rare talent in itself.

[@rolandmorris3510]

You are such a good teacher. I much appreciate your videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Roland, I appreciate your telling me. All the best.

[@AnjaKoster]

Really loved this video. Want to start right away 👍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Go for it. All the best, Ian

[@wendyweissman908]

Super helpful! I've been grappling with a photo I really want to paint, and your demo gave me some new things to take into consideration. I sincerely appreciate your sharing your knowledge so generously!! Thank you so much. :)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Wendy. Delighted you found the video so helpful

[@masonleblanc6726]

Thank you for sharing your great knowledge. Your tutorials have completely transformed my paintings.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Mason.

[@edbiggs7168]

Thanks, Ian, very inspiring.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gregwing6409]

Ian….excellent job! Very beautifully done. Love the repeated structures and the areas of interest. Cheers-Greg

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kathleenflanagan6760]

Hello Ian. I always look forward to your tutorials and the manner in which you present your videos. I find them very informative, interesting and inspirational. After 50 years of painting, I still struggle with actually leaving it alone. The details call me but I miss the mark on creating the soft peaceful warmth of the landscape. Your videos inspire me to continue reaching that goal.

[@gaylecroissant7444]

Thank you. Informative and inspirational.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Gayle

[@ednamclennan1721]

Great video.. really useful...I have that problem a lot of the time..I see an interesting view , take a photo and it can be so disappointing and confusing trying to work from the image. Great to see how you tackled a tricky photo and really wonderful painting at the end. I really like the the initial block in with charcoal drawing over it too.. thanks Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it helpful Edna. I was looking at that block in with the charcoal too and although it didn't grab me that much as it was it did make me think it was interesting and maybe could be pushed into service somehow. With a bit more thought. All the best

[@anniepais700]

I just put in an order for some copies of Mastering Composition for the bookstore at the John C Campbell Folk School in NC where I'm teaching Composing Dynamic Watercolors soon. I have used the book for many years and highly recommend it- regardless of genre. I now want to order your other book too.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Annie. I know you will find the Authentic Composition book also helpful

[@shawn4387]

Love this one