How to See Like a Painter

Perhaps the most useful tip to see like a painter is to think less in terms of "subject matter", but to think more in terms of compositional structure and design. Essentially, seeing the big picture first. Then, you're able to simplify the painting and strip everything away that doesn't support the design or composition. I'll show you what I mean in this video.
Link to join my email list so you receive the New Free 20-Minute overview on Mastering Composition plus these videos weekly to your inbox: masteringcomposition.com/free-...
The colors on my palette:
Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Permanent
Dioxazine Purple
Ultramarine Blue
Chrome Oxide Green
Phthalo Green
Link to some recent paintings by Ian Roberts for Sale:
masteringcomposition.com/prod...
To purchase Mastering Compositon click this link: www.amazon.com/Mastering-Comp...
To purchase Creative Authenticity click this link: www.amazon.com/Creative-Authe...
My website: www.ianroberts.com/
Facebook page: / ianrobertsartist
Instagram @ianrobertsartist: / ianrobertsartist

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I really appreciate every single comment. Thank you. And I read them all. In the past I've also answered them all. Given how much the channel has grown, answering them all is proving a bit daunting. Going forward know that I will continue to read them all. I really enjoy your comments. If there is a question or comment that might be interesting in a way that is generally helpful I will continue to answer those. But please do know that I read all your comments and appreciate them. Thank you and best wishes.

[@sharonstritzel9490]

Thanks for all you do!

[@leilaluginbill916]

After watching many of your compositional videos, I have noticed that the way I view the world has changed. I’ve painted in watercolor for decades, so my sense of color and value is pretty well tuned, but now every where I go, I mentally compose pictures from landscapes to cityscapes to people doing activities. I’ve even become very aware of how movies are filmed to get the best composition to catch the viewer’s eye. I just watched the Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power filmed in New Zealand…the videographers are certainly masters of their craft. The whole time viewing, I was mentally composing paintings based on what I learned from you. Thank you…you have made my life more enjoyable😍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much for sharing that with me Leila. I watched a film last year called The Dig that it seemed every scene was so considered in terms of composition. Best wishes

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you are seeing more in terms of shapes and designs too Max. All the best

[@sapphiresennelier2319]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Have to agree on that. I’ve been on digs. In that film they took an isolated element and transformed it into a world. It was impressive.

[@deaconseptember2002]

One of the best on-line instructors in oil painting. Keep 'em coming, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Edward. I appreciate your telling me. All the best

[@ivangreen5018]

Ian, you are a highly effective communicator. When viewing other well-intentioned instructors, I come to appreciate your work even more.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're a prince Ivan.

[@julieburke1579]

Your videos always hold such gems of information Ian. Sometimes its a reminder of a concept/idea previously known yet I've forgotten how important it is to remember to remember it, or sometimes it's a totally new-to-me gem. Your videos are little treasures, especially in the context of the pressure these days for us painters to be film makers too and produce a slick, quick, attention getting, "junk food" like reel to feed the social media gods. Whereas your videos are like "whole foods", making me just want to sit down with a nice cup of coffee and take the time to thoroughly drink in and digest your informative, helpful and enjoyable content. I do have both your books and pull them out over and over. Oh, and lovely painting too!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Julie, thank you for equating my videos with whole food. I too find it so easy to let my attention get distracted by youtube analytics. But I think what I have to say it pretty much decided so I don't stray looking for more.

[@jebberjay4324]

You are a master artist and a master teacher. Thanks again for another act of generosity, sharing your talents and what goes on behind the eyelids. 🧠 Thank you!

[@decomposed_croissant295]

Thank you for your videos! I’m not that proficient but even listening to it casually I feel like I’m learning a lot. Cheers!

[@c.augustin]

Even as someone doing large format pinhole photography instead of painting, I find your videos very instructive! While I can't leave out things that are there, it helps to get a better sense of what the important elements of a scene are. Pinhole photography has some slight similarities with painting, as it smoothes out many small details and forces to simplify the composition.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Sounds interesting Christian. Good luck.

[@smailhamza7251]

I think the secret is just to love "painting" then we will see entire life in paintings visions. I love what you do ... from algeria

[@joanistotler8804]

Absolutely gorgeous!!

[@luludesjardins]

Thank you so much Ian.

[@glorious5389]

Excellent work. Love it.

[@christinemay2411]

Fantastic advice. Thank you!

[@francoforleo4971]

Beautiful painting Ian, as always…. Thank you!

[@sharonstritzel9490]

Just beautiful!!!

[@Slaneous]

Marvelous work and process Ian as ever.

[@lisaramscar]

Thank you so much for your lesson. Beautiful

[@deborahrech7429]

Another wonderful video! So helpful.

[@rudyadnan1445]

Brilliant. Thank you very much for sharing 🙏

[@yenhoff22]

Your color harmony is so lovely.

[@apvandev]

NIIIICE! so painterly and fresh!

[@brigittefortier1211]

WOW! What an eye opener, thank you sooo much!

[@txsckb]

Another home run, Ian. What a great synopsis on composition, design and simplification. Once again, “shapes, not things.”

[@marynugent2424]

Your lessons are very helpful. Thank you!

[@barbararuigrok]

Fantastic Ian (as always)! Thank you for your great advice!

[@theodoradanielacapat298]

Such a good way of explaining - thank you!

[@jeanettekamphuisofartistic1414]

Those first words …. To c the picture from the back…. That was an EXCELLENT advice bcz the emotion will be easier to get in the painting

[@rgrvrrth]

The grasses are so full of vibrancy in such simplistic way!!!! Unbelieavable!!💚

[@sophiefernelius6900]

Beautiful painting Ian!! Thank you for renforcing the essential, composition!!

[@divyasinghart]

Your videos always bring me clarity. Thank you so much

[@tedewilkins]

So helpful and informative. Thank you!

[@user-rx3ph3ox4i]

Thank you Ian for the lesson! You make me look at painting more professional every time. Thus, you support my creative work at professional level. I've learned a lot from you.

[@RaviSingh-pp4qn]

I really like the way you simplify things. Its so good to watch you work

[@ARTPAINTING101]

I love that you included some of the mixing process it is educational.

[@douglasmattingly1250]

Another useful reminder of how to approach the start of a painting. Thank you, Ian.

[@simonknights7526]

So interesting, and so concise. Ian, I have learnt so much from you over the last year or so!

[@meiredeabreu8665]

Gorgeous ! Thank you so much! Loooove it!

[@morvenb7759]

Hugely inspiring! thank you

[@jermainejeromyart]

Your videos always give me a shot of inspiration to keep painting

[@Coco2345ful]

Thank you for a very thoughtful and provoking demo! I really enjoy watching you paint. Thanks again!

[@natalykenny2069]

Thank you, Ian, for another great video tutorial! Very clear and helpful. ❤❤❤

[@sandramillar9067]

Oh it’s so good to be back and listen and watch your very very helpful videos. I love how you delineate the composition at the very beginning and walk us through all the next steps. I also admire your colour mixing skills 👏🙌🏻👏 your way of teaching is kind and encouraging. Have a wonderful day Ian!

[@santone1849]

great book great video thank you Ian

[@liesesadler5295]

I’m stealing the analogy of “ coming in from the backside” - it really speaks to finding the skeleton or structure to hang an idea on. When painting outside sometimes it’s hard to get someone to see shapes, so I think this will be helpful!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad that was helpful Liese.

[@leannemoss7002]

This one was magic! Great painting, and great reminder to sketch out the design first. Learned that the hard way this weekend working on a large piece without a roadmap first.

[@horsthh1]

Thank You, Ian.

[@evelynasher2177]

I value your instruction, Ian. Each time I gain insight and new techniques. Keep hammering home Mastering Composition which I find inspiring.

[@brendajeannewyche2294]

Absolutely beautiful. This is very helpful information. Thank you.

[@janenef]

I loved watching you construct this painting and mixing the colors. The finished painting is awesome. Country roads are among my favorite subjects. Thank you.

[@gerriekaychurch658]

Again another fantastic tutorial! I love the way you teach. Thank you for your generosity🤗

[@roslynr9767]

Thank you so much! Once again, another excellent lesson.! I cannot get enough of hearing, "Simplify" !

[@jd-ke7uy]

Thank you Ian. I think it is one of your best pieces!

[@paulbrown6008]

Thank you so much for all the insight you bring and the demonstration showing your process from the initial drawing to the mixing of colors to the application of it to the finished painting. I'm so glad your book is back in publication, definitely have to get a copy.

[@lisaburda5490]

Thank you so much, Ian! I am a beginner and your videos are incredibly useful! All the best!

[@acaccholi]

Thank you for another great video! Very informative!

[@rayaru1]

Love how you simplified eliminating unessential elements of the scene. How you direct the focus to the center of interest, love the whole process. Thank you. This will help me see better!!

[@lorraineferraro8946]

Amazing Ian !

[@cathyabramson3357]

This was so helpful and I love how you show your sketches and the thoughts behind each one. Learning color mixing is a hard one for me. Thank you Ian! 🎨

[@phyllisalden9983]

So helpful, whether oil, acrylic, watercolor. Thank you!

[@ivarboneless2649]

You’re a legend Ian, most helpful instructor I’ve watched

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you sir.

[@notyourtypicalpainter]

I love how you simplified the painting from the photo you took! Those shapes that you pointed out truly make it interesting! I will be honest I do the exact opposite most of the time (I like complexity) but I do agree 100% on how you explained that we as artist can pick and choose what we keep from the photo in the end if it helps with making a better composition!

[@mimiwhitney8317]

Working with all those greens was terrific. Nicely designed, also.

[@craigseaborn4222]

That was a beautiful painting Ian , and the video's are always helpful! Thank you so much , Craig

[@clemencelartigau]

Oh my! Things seem so easy when I watch your videos… I love it ! Thank you !!!

[@AndyWalkerArt]

Really helpful video Ian - thanks for making everything so clear and simple. Love the painting by the way!

[@greenmacaroni8872]

Your painting is beautiful. I’ve often wondered, what to look for when taking pictures for my own paintings. This is great help. Thank you. Julie 🥰

[@maliabryngelson5581]

Wonderful video, thank you!

[@tanyatanu1]

The finished work is very beautiful ❤

[@koriabdouch3589]

I find your breakdown of the composition, simplification of the design, and the painting demo clips so helpful! Something I am working on and still find difficult especially when I am out painting in plein air. You make it look so easy, and I know it's not. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us!

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Extremely helpful. Thank you so much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@smatheson7527]

Perfect painting.

[@jasmink7231]

This is so helpful, thank you!

[@joannschoenleber813]

Brilliant! Thanks for these lessons that helpfully simplify it all!! 🙏👍

[@tdav3237]

Love it! So helpful to see step by step, and what you edited out to make the painting stronger. So often I get hung up on “getting everything in”…seeing this reminds me “less is often more”.. thanks!

[@pradeepjhuboo9458]

A very helpful tutorial that simplifies what the artist should see first. This relieves the tension the every single detail would add to at first sight. Thanks again Ian !

[@iaincphotography6051]

Thank you for that Ian, Informative and very helpful.

[@WWStu]

Really clear communication, one of my favourite KZbin painting instructors. Every time I think “I’ll remember that for next time”! I’ll have to put your book on my wish list.

[@brentladue]

Just want to say thank you for the videos, they have all been really helpful and well presented. Big fan of the book as well. Looking forward to what you have planned next!

[@normamiller2316]

Thank you for another outstanding and helpful lesson. Your words on design resonate! I learn so much from your lessons, thanks.

[@rosesinfaith]

Thank you. I took a picture of a scene with this style of information and did not know what to do with it. You answered every question.

[@robertdufour2456]

Again! Just outstanding insight! Thank you, Sir, for sharing your experience and passion.

[@andreatorraca8755]

Beautiful….thank you😇

[@joycebutler3494]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@TwiLisa]

Thank you so much!!! New painter here and I found this incredibly helpful.

[@144pinfinity]

your videos are very relaxing and helpful while also still being very engaging

[@wendyweissman908]

I so appreciate your help, Ian! Although my style is a lot different from yours, the information you so generously provide is the single most important element that is improving my work. Thank you!!

[@user-vo6wy7km6c]

Thank you so much for sharing your practice with us! You are a very helpful instructor, and your book is also a treasure. Thank you thank you!

[@janeiwan3809]

Ian, your demos are an incredible gift to your audience. Many thanks. Jane

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Jane. Nice to hear from you

[@normavite-leon8493]

I listened to your interview in the Learn to Paint podcast and I was intrigued by the way you explained the relevance of composition in a painting. This video and the clear, concrete, example you used, helped me understand much better how to think about composition. Thanks so much, this was super helpful!

[@immanuel7925]

awesome work sir! good lesson!

[@janabroeckx6316]

Thanks Ian I learned a lot from your demos. It's also very useful for Aquarel paintings. I'm new in this art world.

[@sabinelloyd8532]

So much makes sense that did not gel before! Your explanations are down to earth and easy to follow.

[@laurieh5190]

I love your videos, and this is one of your best! I learn so much from each of them. Thank you so much!

[@juliamoon6562]

Quite helpful, Thank you.

[@tamarageorge6966]

I love your book. I have returned to it many times. And I’ve watched your videos that go along with it. You are such a consistent teacher. I really like the way you present concepts. Thanks so much for these shorts.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@thereserioux2178]

Just what I needed. I often tend to add too many details. Your approach will be helpful.Thanks.

[@gypsyjay5789]

I live in France and I am surrounded by beautiful light and landscapes and I have long been wanting to start painting landscapes in oil. Thinking now is the time to start this journey, I stumbled across your tutorial. It is so clean and simple to follow! You really are able to transmit your confidence to the watcher! I love your style too!

[@neetsrb]

Just fantastic! You have such a gift for mixing colors-thank you for presenting these videos so we can see how a composition evolves!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure

[@bellap2570]

❤️❤️❤️👩‍🎨🎨🦋 Thank you so much…I begin in peint…I love your explanation.

[@peterthespacemanp.j.f.3067]

Thank's Ian, love you approach to painting also love your books are very informative. Thank's for sharing your video. 😃💖