Paint Shapes, Not Things - Demonstration Video

This week I am adding a 20 minute video of my blocking in a 20" x 20" canvas shape by shape.
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[@Tuxon86]

This is probably the best how to start painting tutorial. I always feel intimidated when I look for a subject by the amount of details that I forget that painting is more about shape and light then tiny details, at least at the start. You go from simple to complex, not the other way around. Thank you for diminishing my beginner anxiety level!

[@Stormywind53]

🎉

[@RustyOrange71]

It's people like Ian Roberts that make KZbin such a valuable teaching and learning resource. Thank you Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Paul. I really appreciate your letting me know you are enjoying the videos.

[@dearbh1736]

I can't believe how much I am learning about my watercolour work through watching your tutorials in oil paints. The two mediums couldn't be more different but so many of the principles you show us can apply to all mediums. The improvement in my composition is really making me feel good about what I am doing. Thank you so much Ian. You are a wonderful and generous teacher.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Of course oil and watercolor have their own dictates about how to apply paint. But beneath that as you point out is the composition, the design, the big value masses. Those are the same challenges for each. Glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@MarinaMichaels]

I agree! I've recently taken up watercolor again after not painting for too long. I'm browsing around for tutorial videos to brush up on my skills (pun intended), and found this one. There's a lot to learn from this video that applies to any kind of painting medium.

[@2dmajor999]

I also learned alot from this for my digital painting skills! I see now that Charcoal drawings, oil, water colour, digital is basically all the same! Amazing!

[@Tammykaye]

I’ve also been doing watercolors for a little over a year. I just stumbled upon your videos and this is helping my mind conceptualize how to do the details in a painting! I see how color blocking makes everything come together. You make it look so easy. I will be trying this painting myself with watercolors. Thank you so much and I’m excited to see your other videos!

[@sammanthaford3982]

Right!!

[@richvanatte3947]

I found this video memorizing. I was interrupted twice while watching, but instantly glued to it again as I continued. Very nice!

[@blackpoppymagazine]

"Push the darks, pull the lights". Love that.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found the video helpful

[@abelardogreen]

Shapes!!! See the beautiful shapes even if the subject is not pleasing. They are everywhere. The beautiful shapes.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much!

[@suepidlubny3183]

Thanks for this demo. I’m working on “blocking in” and my paintings are improving. I find that my paintings often go through an “ugly”stage. And, because of your demos I am learning to work through this to some level of success. I too live in Ontario and a lemon tree would be spectacular.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Sue, I suppose all paintings go through the initial enthusiasm stage, all vision, then as they proceed reality starts to creep in and the vision starts taking a hit (the ugly stage), then you just bear down and pull it together and it doesn't really match the glory of the initial vision, but it works.

[@mynameisgrot-x2i]

Hey fellow ontarian :D

[@innocentqwa4630]

In the first few minutes of this video I learned more about how I should start a painting than I have learned in all my years at school. Thank you.

[@saddlebredfever]

Your commentary hits me right where I need it. Somehow your vocabulary really penetrates my brain. Thank you for the longer version.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That's great Jenny. Glad you found the vocabulary resonated with you.

[@Ghost_PM11]

Just witnessing the creative process, it's the most interesting thing to me.

[@johnwalker4060]

Thank you for knowing and thank you for sharing. Tuesdays would be incomplete without your videos.

[@virginiaaustin5331]

Your the only art instructor that turns his picture upside down. I do it and thought I was a stand artist.

[@GaiaCarney]

A lemon tree is a miracle to this PNW native as well! The blossoms must smell amazing

[@lenabelfrage-blau3898]

Yes, an extended video demo once a month would be great. Thank you. Already a happy subscriber. Lena B

[@patcooke3261]

Just enjoy watching another left-handed artist paint!

[@veronicastern3187]

Brilliant! Can't thank you enough for simplifying things which takes the mystery away and makes painting so much easier.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Really happy you find the videos helpful and making painting easier. Thanks for letting me know. Best wishes.

[@jonathanallen6753]

The GENEROSITY OF KNOWLEDGE imparted in this excellent tutorial is noteworthy. CLEARLY explained and a well executed tutorial! Impatiently awaiting your next video....

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you enjoyed it Jonathan!

[@abbe1255]

I’m not an artist in any way but I still found this video enjoyable. Your voice is so calming

[@gregautryphoto]

the longer vid was wonderful. It really helps viewers to understand more fully the process, working value, and color temp, back and forth. And the narration is really valuable to help viewers to understand "your process".. I love the brushes...

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Greg. More people watched, so far, the long video than the short one. Not sure what to do with that information. I thought the reason everyone liked the videos is they were short and bite-sized.

[@lisakunish936]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I like your composition videos because they are so very well articulated and the subject matter of composition is critical (a concept this beginner learned from you and your book!) and because most other artists posting on KZbin do not talk about composition. When discussing composition, the shorter videos on Tuesday mornings are perfect as they get the point across with the right amount of time to hold my interest. Later when I have time, I love watching the longer “companion” videos to see how the painting is developed and hear your thoughts and rationale behind all the choices you make. Keeping the longer ones under 30 minutes works well for me. In other words, the long complements the short - and I love them both.

[@PaulaJoW]

You're the first artist I've viewed who does a voiceover of the process. Very helpful!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@isabellefoubert785]

cher Ian, vos cours sont d une tres grande qualité, depuis que je suis votre méthode mes résultats sont infiniment meilleurs merci

[@lorraineferraro8946]

I am a senior just thinking about trying my hand at painting for the first time. Thank you for your instruction.

[@margaretlacey8653]

Thank you for this longer demo. The short ones illustrate a point, highlight an approach, remind us of techniques, but the long form shows us beginners the essential details of how you make it happen; how much paint, how you push the brush around etc. I love how you put the subtly different shades of colour down in shapes and don’t mess them into each other.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Marg, I'm delighted you liked them both. I have to figure out if I'm going to continue with the longer ones. Everyone says they love the 6-7 minute videos and then I put a demo video up and more people watch than the short one. So now I'm confused. Nice to hear from you. All the best.

[@jackyradbone3808]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I love both; both the short and longer videos are invaluable and I look forward so much to see what you post each Tuesday. So grateful for the huge amount of time, skill and energy you put into making these videos, it is so very appreciated. I love your books too, have them both. Thanks again for so generously sharing your gifts with us 😊

[@GloriaHodge-e9c]

I admire the subtle changes in the olours you are using right from the start and throuout the painting. The composition is lovely

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So glad you like it.

[@graceveenema4762]

Coincidentally, I’m on holiday in a wee cabin….and I brought a large canvas, determined to to go big for once. I have two subjects in my mind and while one is very nice, the other is “calling” me. So, today’s episode helped me decide! Thank you.

[@gol622]

your colors are so clean not at all muddy,its a pleasure to watch

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you enjoyed it Joan

[@Tizaheijting]

I'm into horses and portraits, but struggle with too much detail/overworking them. I'm going to try this method to see where it brings me. I'm so intrigued and fascinated to see how abstraction creates space. Love also how you exaggerate the light/warm colors to really enhance the light/shadow-play. This video is definately one of my absolute favourits. I'll go back to it time and time again for really a longer period of time. Thanks for your generosity!!!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it helpful Patricia. Portraits and horses are two subjects that really pull us into the parts too quickly. Just as you are seeing they requiring thinking in terms of shapes of light and dark first.

[@j8kethewizz]

I love how you just get right into it. I've always been intimidated by painting but this video pretty much destroyed any hang ups I have. I guess I've been approaching it as though I have to get everything down all at once but this method seems so much easier.

[@bonniediener5413]

Fascinating. The differentiation in the warm yellows of the leaves and the cool yellows of the lemons was very helpful. Love all the shadows!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Bonnie.

[@JayDouglas01]

This was an eye opener! Great video.

[@rodrigoalmeida9927]

Buena Ian, sencillo sutil y balanceado ..... no es facil

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Rodrigo

[@zippyustar6350]

Things you would think they would have taught…. Like putting puzzle together by color thank you I love this 🥳👏🏻

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Zippy. All the best.

[@debwicks2523]

Beautifully done, Ian! So helpful to see the “fully-loaded” version, especially the “whys” behind how you decide to modify and improve. Love your subject and your approach!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Deb. So nice to hear from you. See you Saturday.

[@mrs.trell_alamos]

This is a painter. 💯 Thanks for the demonstration.

[@KrisWiltseArt]

Excellent demo. Great composition, light and color. I appreciate how very articulate you are in describing your process and why you're making decisions. Thank you for sharing what you know!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad I could help Kris!

[@paulmckell7726]

Heyup Ian, this painting reminds me of Monet's lady in the garden , which I once copied ,and I can honestly say ,I did a good job , light against dark is one of the best captivating tools one can use.great video as per usual.

[@meredithfrauzel5204]

What a terrific video!! I can’t believe I only just discovered your account! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you are enjoying the videos. Best wishes

[@lolaolczak6565]

I learned a lot from this long demo, yes, please continue!

[@billcrouch4865]

I enjoyed seeing how you painted the top half of the painting.

[@yasminjan8979]

Very good idea to painting by blocking the shapes thanks for teachings

[@tampaflorida33610]

Wanna join others and thank you for the tutorial, it is just amazing and helpful to watch. Now I learned that we actually don't draw lines to make shape, but it is like the dark and light next to each other that makes shapes. Thanks a lot

[@Coco2345ful]

Beautiful greens...that bane of my existence....help!

[@kaymcanally9517]

I wish I had seen your videos when I first started my painting journey. You are a gifted communicator and an accomplished artist. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on youtube so all who wish to learn your craft can afford lessons from a master. Learning to see the value of painting shapes, colour temperature and your rule of composition have helped me rethink the way I will paint going forward.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Kay.

[@amd8992]

thank you for sharing the concept of painting shapes, not things. Very helpful!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad I could help AD!

[@salilweling]

Great Demo with detailing of light n shadow in landscape

[@Catbooks]

Lovely painting, and very helpful to show how to simplify - something I'm struggling with at the moment. I was also delighted to hear you mention one of my favourite artists, Fairfield Porter! I love his work.

[@emitch9213]

Fun to watch you at your lesson example of form painting. I have always been awed by the painter and perspectives. This was relaxing for me to rest into your view. I discovered I feel very relaxed. Thank you very much.

[@mmolpus7802]

Thank you so much for sharing your excellent teaching videos. 🙌🤩 And your left handedness is appreciated. 😄

[@sydene54]

Thank you the method of art; so clear, straightforward and honest. That's what I get from you.

[@guntherrose7267]

Hello from Saskatchewan!!! Lots to learn from your art!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Gunther

[@SG-dk9gn]

I'd put away my attempts at oil paintings but after watching your videos on blocking in (see the shapes not the things), values, and temps, I have a sense of fresh air, clarity to get back in painting again. Your videos are priceless, Thank you!💫👍🏻😀

[@candacetroystudios]

Thank you for going over the top with focus on pushing darks and pulling the lights. This was most useful. I love the complexities versus the simplicity. You are oh so kind to share your knowledge.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you enjoyed it Candace!

[@lindaclark2253]

Such an informative video, fabulous painting! Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it helpful

[@fxdaly]

Lovely painting and great technique and colour

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much!

[@rozenart5768]

I would have been painting so much better a year ago if only I would've known about the shapes instead of objects themselves! This is the second video of yours I watch on this subject and am so excited about my next painting...

[@theartoftk1]

wow beauty in the simplicity!

[@stephenlee9553]

Magnificent demonstration 👍

[@ChrisWilliams-le1we]

Bless your heart. You are an amazing teacher. Thank you.

[@bunnybeetle1304]

You make it look easy! 😅 thanks for the tutorial!

[@desvelame]

makes me remind of edward hopper. love it and all the explanation

[@artsygirll2010]

What a great detail tutorial on blocking and painting. I loved the way you blocked and demonstrated how the painting to developed. Excellent!!! Thank you Ian!!!

[@ceilingworm]

I'm curently an art student and your videos are really helping me grasp basic painting concepts, keep up the great content!

[@josykeully637]

Great explanation and painting. Thank you.

[@javanthisingaram4843]

Such a beautiful painting. I was mesmerised by the way you added the details and brought the painting to life. You made it look so simple.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed. Appreciate you letting me know you like the painting.

[@StarsShineForYou63]

Merci Ian pour votre démonstration et vos bons conseils.

[@marty-annkerner2936]

Thank you so much for your videos. They add a new perspective for me to try!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted that you found it helpful

[@sandy411]

This is a beautiful painting, Ian, and the longer edition is very helpful. Thank you!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Sandy, glad you found the longer one helpful. See you Saturday. All the best.

[@traumwandeln]

Really a good work. The fact she is holding a bouqet of flowers, while there are no blossoms to see anywhere else in the picture makes me interpret it, but i keep the interpretation for myself since this is a beautiful painting nevertheless. ♥ Also thanks for the lecture about how you paint. it helps me as an artist to get motivation again and try something new.

[@mikeinengland9982]

such a great picture in such a short time. but as one great painter said, there's a lifetime of experience. very inspiring Ian, thank you.

[@heatherjohnston5427]

Brilliant thanks for the step by step instructions.

[@vickireid3435]

Love your videos! So I informative and beautiful!

[@steffenbjoern]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. I think, I should really reconsider my approach to painting by working in basic shapes instead of detailing too much in a graphic style!

[@holly_kay5570]

I am so happy that I found your channel a few days ago. I love (yes love :) ) the way you describe and explain things!!! I'm currently learning/using watercolor, but I have painted with oils in the past. I really I enjoy both and I may return to oils some day because I love the texture and the sculpting quality of oil paint. For now the challenge of watercolor has me engrossed and I find many of your demos applicable to any medium/applicable to the creation of art. I've watched many YT channels where I learn a little and then I move away from that artist and find someone else. On yours though, I keep watching more and more of your demos. You're a great teacher and I thank you for sharing your experience and love of creating :)

[@grainneconroy2193]

Thanks for sharing your expertise.😊

[@Zenon-fg4dw]

One of the best tutorials on painting. You made everything so simple and logical and has taken all the mystery out it. Thank you for this demonstration video.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome!

[@Josht_ASL]

Hi Ian! This is a wonderful video and I am learning so much from your channel. Thankyou for sharing and teaching!

[@badchips5118]

Love your illustration

[@kathyriggs2308]

Thank you again for an extra longer video---I do enjoy my Tuesdays.I just bought your book and find it very useful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Kathy. I know you'll find the book helpful.

[@cristysmiley4508]

I really appreciate your knowledge about Art.

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Ive just found you and subbed. Your so clear on your teaching. I’m a watercolorist, but also love to do oils. Your blocking in was so perfect. I’ve known about “ large shapes”. but watching your step by step was so helpful. Thank you so much. 🌴 Tallahassee Florida

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me really happy to hear it. Thank you Barbra

[@linzertube]

Excellent demonstration, Ian. Your painting is lovely. I will check out Fairfield Porter, too. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@SingYourselfWell]

This is so fantastic, Ian! I'm so inspired to learn to paint this way, and even to draw. I ordered the pencils you recommend (blackwing matte), and can hardly wait to get started. As an abstract painter Ive always shied away from this level of detail and almost realistic impressionism. But you totally inspired me with your helpful step by step explanations. Thank you. 💖

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me happy to hear it. And you are welcome.

[@DannySabraArt]

Really appreciated seeing the process here. You also are inspiring me to try to paint larger than I normally do! I really enjoyed this painting. Thanks for sharing your wisdom here!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Danny. Glad you are enjoying it

[@Linda-zd6wu]

This was so helpful ! Wow...I love how you did this so clearly...reducing it to the simplest forms.

[@johnnywhite1681]

I enjoy learning so much in your videos. Ill never be a professional artist but, I do enjoy painting and your instruction is encouraging. Thank you.

[@joeirvine3398]

Thanks again Ian! Love Tuesday inspiration/instruction.👍🏼

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are most welcome Joe.

[@LightthroughLeaves]

Thank you, Ian for the series. The twenty minute demo with commentary was very helpful. A lovely painting you constructed.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Elizabeth. All the best.

[@publicopinion3596]

Just wanted to say I greatly appreciate your art and your discussions on composition and art in general. You, Robert Watts from Watts Atelier of the Arts, Bill Perkins, and Will Weston are some my favorite artists who simplify and break down composition in easy to understand manner.

[@luckeyrose13]

Just found you on YTube and have watched a couple of videos. Your tutorials are wonderful. I love your method of instruction and love your amazing style of art. Thank you so much! 🎨👌🖼

[@denisetomlinson9008]

Brilliant demonstration. Thankfully I can watch it again because there is so much information on how to paint a complex scene and keep it simple.

[@ianbrowne8871]

Wise words and concentrating on the shapes has been the repeated instruction on the 6 day intensive drawing course I attended two weeks ago at West Dean College in England. I was just dealing with pencil drawing but to see the same message reinforced in the colour blocking in process is helpful. The finish painting reminds me of the 1930s dust-covers on books published by Batsford & Co which are all flat shapes which have charming results.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Ian, doing a drawing course the way you did is really valuable because it allows you to hone in the foundation of the image which color often distracts us from. Hope the course was great. All the best.

[@meganruchwatercolors7186]

Fabulous painting! Love how you always say shaoes focus on shapes! My sons are artists too. They are making a video game! They say shapes just focus on shapes!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked the painting and video. Funny same holds true in video games too. Who would have know? Well your sons I guess.

[@pradeepkanwar1174]

Absolutely fantastic. I am a learner and have seen hundreds of tutorial videos but never like this one .I started during lockdown and have only done 5 oil paintings out of which I spoiled two. With your style I hope to do a little better. Thank you so much. . Colonel Kanwar, India.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

3 out of 5 isn't bad. Glad you are enjoying the videos. all the best.

[@embracethemystery]

excellent tutorial on shapes. Very helpful, thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome John.

[@ritazwicker3426]

The blocking explanation as you paint makes so much sense. I prefer watercolors but I don’t think it matters what medium you use. This was so informative and just signed up for your Tuesday posts .

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Rita, the sequence of values is different in watercolor but the underlying ideas I'm talking about as you say apply to all mediums.

[@dianamiguel4906]

Thank you so much for this video Ian!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Diana

[@pleinaire8698]

Beautiful articulation!!!!! well done and informative. Thank you Ian for a brilliant demonstration and painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Bad_Artist_]

I never really tried that approach to a painting, but W0W, I'm definitely going to do it next time!

[@serijas737]

I love the colors.

[@niclashenroe2493]

You will probably never see this comment, but if you do. I just want to thank you. The art you make in these videos seem like Edward Hopper to me, which is a type of art I despise (beauty wise). I like Rembrant or Caravaggio. However, there are no other youtube channel I have seen that help me reach the art I want to make for myself as your videos. You help me understand and see art in a deeper way any other on youtube.