How to Simplify - Or, what do I do with all those details?

[@user-pb2kg1ng4g]

In relation to magazine/poster design, that also is applied here, an art teacher said to us, "In your mind's eye, 'shake the page'". That way, what is less relevant falls away and is a 'cure' for detail mania and the curse of perfectionism and to some degree the final image is less distracting for the viewer. And, as two other art teachers said, 'See each painting as an exercise'; that way your approach is less precious. Also, 'A painting is never finished'. We have to know when to walk away. There comes a point where we must not add any more, otherwise, like a good party, everything starts to go down hill pretty fast. The viewers mind can fill in what is 'unfinished'.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That I think is the gist of it - that you let the viewer fill in the rest. Give them a role in the process. Good point

[@bethbartlett5692]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I'm looking through your videos for one with Cypress Trees, those found in the Delta, that grow in water, "Think Louisana with the moss hang on branches". This is a subject I want to capture a technique that offers a realistic outcome. They are already a bit funky, with their stumps and unique style. Oh I would so appreciate finding your instruction on these. Thank you, Beth Tennessee, USA (about 2 miles from the Mississippi River, where we have Reelfoot Lake and many Cypress Trees, and swampy creatures + the Bald Eagle, our Nations Symbol.) 🐢🐍🐟

[@houghwhite411]

Wow i also heard that particular advice for fiction writing. Thank you

[@miralaartist1916]

Love that. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamieluce5960]

Thank you ,it helps so much to have these little kernels of information.

[@ruthward9626]

As someone who regularly gets bogged down in all the details of a scene, I found your tutorial very helpful. Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Ruth. All the best

[@IIIo-__o-II]

I don't often draw because I get overwhelmed and easily get lost in the details, losing sight of the whole. I think I'll give it a try using this method! Thank you for your video

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome. Enjoy the process and have fun with it

[@user-pb2kg1ng4g]

6:03 As in theatre you do not need to see what's going on in the wings. If you do see what's happening in the wings the power of what's happening is diminished. Imagine, if you will, seeing a cabbage being chopped in two - whilst on stage there is an exections in progress - you would probably laugh. Whereas, if you are unaware of the true source of the sound, relating to what's happening, you recoil empathizing with what's happening - your imagination doing most of the work. Or, as in writing, 'show don't tell'. Likewise here, albeit in milder form, we see the light crossing the floor; we do not need to see its obvious source and the the main focus is on the point of interest - the two women interacting. I think Ian Roberts' teaching methods are second to none and truly inspirational.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. And I like your analogy with the big cabbage chop off stage. All the best.

[@ellathrad]

It's interesting how the stroke directions and overlaps are kinda giving the illusion of detail in the drawings. You have the best lessons ever, it's encouraging me to leave digital for a while to work with actual paint.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much for that. Glad you found it helpful.

[@monib6819]

You are THE best at explaining and demonstrating concepts of composition. I've been successfully teaching art for 40 years and still find your direct approach inspiring and useful! THANK YOU!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Moni!

[@mariakingsley1966]

If you love these tutorials, you will simply adore taking his classes. My way of thinking and approach to painting has totally changed for the better. Few, and I mean few, artists teach the fundamentals. With this painter (part-time teacher) I am filling in huge knowledge gaps. Next time he offers an online class, don't miss it. I'm not a paid spokesperson nor affiliated with Ian Roberts, but happy to recommend his classes and approach to painting.✌🖌

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you for those kind words Maria. So glad you are liking the course so much. It means a lot

[@robbedontuesday]

This is a whole LIFE LESSON, not just Art.

[@En2md]

I love the way he goes over: "So we have this and that and some of those." And slowly lists off all the unimportant objects. The contrast between that and his expert simplification makes it feel almost palpable. It illustrates the getting bogged down feeling in a charming way.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Very glad you like my teaching style

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

It's interesting how simplifying details tends to make the picture look more cinematic.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It also lets the viewer fill in the rest.

[@RonHicks]

I'm a cartoonist and two things I've learned over the years. In cartooning "it's what you don't draw" and cartoonist spend a lot of time drawing as little as possible😀

[@Donteatacowman]

Using a photo reference, I've actually gone in to edit it to crop it and then to edit it to be very pixellated and blurry. I know that's not as good as training your eyes to see things that way but it at least helps me start off on the right foot. I got into art by wanting to be a cartoonist as a kid, and it's really incredible how much the skills in one art area can help you learn faster in another. Cartooning would say: Pay attention to what draws the eye and lay everything out accordingly; consider silhouettes; imposing limits (eg limited palette, only putting detail in certain parts to avoid clutter) can make the piece stronger; etc. It's also where beginners tend to draw from imagination more than real life, so the difficulty is learning that you can and SHOULD pay attention to details and learn to draw from life. So for 6:29, I would probably be thinking most in terms of the body language of the waitresses and how to exaggerate them to amplify the mood I wanted to achieve - what style to choose and how extreme to lean into it. I would start by blocking out the major set pieces of the windows, tables, and the chair, then spend a lot of time on the women. For example, lifting up the arm of the one on the right so that you can more easily see that she's carrying a tray, which would be contrasted to the window in the back. Only after I figured out all that would I go in and do the color for the background and only work on as many details as would look good. I would probably keep the brick. I think what I would be emphasizing in that picture is the "rustic" vibe given by the pew-style seat, the old wooden chairs, the texture of the brick, and it's enhanced with the warmth already present in the photo. Keeping the wood on the ground may be a good contrast for where the light hits it, where you can't see individual planks. But when I say I keep those, I mean that I would add just enough to hint at those textures, not that I would draw out each individual plank of wood or brick. Some very sturdy set pieces to contrast against the light, breezy feeling of the conversation between the women, the thin brights of their clothes, the transparency of the glass (I would keep one or two on the table, might place them elsewhere though), and the way the light curves around the wood, the left woman's smile, and the right woman's hair. I don't paint often - most of what I do lately is with gouache, since I don't have access to oil right now - but I really value (lol) these tips. Subscribing now!

[@smasica]

Many painters are sometimes 'thing' oriented. In other words, they are attracted to stuff, like picturesque sunrises/sunsets, streams, waterfalls, horses, etc., cliche type subjects. The thought is that it will make an attractive painting. It may be attention-getting, but structurally it may not work without some serious adjustments. In my own experience early on, I subconsciously felt obligated to include everything I saw in a scene. I think that's true for a lot of painters. I appreciate how you used a drawing/diagram of how a good painting is actually constructed from the ground up. No amount of decoration or festoonery will save a badly constructed painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well said. Glad you enjoyed it and got something out of it

[@sarahhill3073]

I’ve missed my weekly Ian fix. Lovely to get this post and reminder of what I should be aiming for.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Sarah!

[@sallyfinch540]

CREATIVE AUTHENTICITY - Great book! I just got through reading it, and it is a treasure. I will keep re-reading it and feeding on it through my artistic days. Thank you Ian. Your video is right on. It can be said that the structure and values alone can make a painting, much like your sketches. Details not needed. That’s huge. That’s the gateway to getting there without getting lost in all the other stuff.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful! Thanks so much for commenting and letting me know how much you enjoyed Creative Authenticity. It is something you can use for your entire artistic days.

[@jerryhunter1114]

As a fatigued artist straddling the fence between traditional drawing/painting and the digital and 3D era, this video is an authentic oasis. A return to basic principles in the midst of a very hectic art industry. Thank you.

[@shibaos]

This is incredible, I always find myself getting trapped by details and then I overwhelm myself.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It is a very common issue. Glad you liked the video

[@Ikaros23]

Art is like math. The point is not to make things complex, but to make things simple. The hight of sofistication is simplicity, not complexity. That hard part is to emotionaly learn to accept that your work is " imperfect". And is never going to be like in your head. Or 100% like " the real world".

[@annwilson6333]

I bought your book, Creative Authenticity, and gave it to myself for Christmas. I sat in front of the fire in my leather wingback and read it cover to cover in one session. Since then I've been using it as a meditation book, reading random paragraphs and marking up sections that speak to me. I cannot thank you enough for writing this book. Your section on Van Gogh was particularly meaningful as it gave me permission to validate my own thoughts about certain revered artists regardless of common opinion. I highly recommend this book and I will be ordering your other book soon.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Ann, I'm really happy the book resonated with you. Thanks so much for letting me know. All the best

[@jeffmoodie6144]

I just picked my brushes and paint up after over a year away. The very first little study, the large hill and houses behind us, was so busy that I did exactly this but didn’t draw it out first, I was overcome with all the details that I had to pare them down. Those details I would have fussed over previously. One house, main trees and shapes cropped with to exclude extra details which turned into a basic under painting similar in scope to a pre paint drawing. This video basically supports my process that I stumbled into just due to what I thought may have been a little laziness. It’s not lazy, just efficient and effective planning.

[@sassy6292]

Ok so this is weird…3 minutes in I had to pause the video. I was so impressed with the brilliant breakdown of the mechanics of drawing AND at the same time I was taking my first couple of sips of a fresh cup of coffee when this feeling of euphoria washed over me. I have these episodes now and then but I never just stop and enjoy the moment. I say I will but I don’t. I did this time. And now I’m documenting it. This tutorial is just what I needed. I’m an artist and I have done my fair share of drawings but this has changed my outlook and attitude. Somehow, and, by what seems to be magic, a picture emerges from my canvas and it’s not at all too shabby. I always wonder if the canvas is haunted! Maybe I have an innate ability to do what you have just so wonderfully described? I don’t know, but my next project may just be by me and not by the canvas ghosts or fairies. Thank you 🙏

[@mylesjordan9970]

What you’ve done with your analysis-in-layers is a pretty exact analogy to what Heinrich Schenker did by inventing the graphic analysis of music. Very cool.

[@raerae6422]

I allow myself to get overwhelmed too easily and it often stops me from sketching or painting entirely. A gigantic THANKS to you. This was just the advice i needed. I can definitely see how cropping and simplification gives us clarity, which makes colour, brushwork, details, etc come easier later.

[@craigseaborn4222]

Hi Ian , can't thank you enough for continuing to teach these principles of composition. Thanks Craig

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them!

[@stefanstern3542]

Extremely essential video lesson. We are grateful!!! I recommend stopping the video at each photo. Then thinking: how would I do this? Then moving on to the next piece of the video, where you see how the drawing deals with it. And again: look at each detail of a photo. How would you do it? Then move to the drawing. It's a bit though, perhaps? - But I begin to understand: we'll have to do a bit of serious detail work... - before we all get to be happy geniuses!

[@theprior46]

Really good tutorial that gets down to the nitty gritty of what to discard. I don't wish to sound pessimistic but I have real difficulty in filtering out what is the important and what is the stuff you can drop off. Being more oriented towards sound rather than vision I find this sorting visually as difficult as when training to play a piece of music when a tutor asks "What is the main message here that we are trying to get across?" and I say "I really haven't a clue - the input has as many different interpretations and reactions as there are people observing it or listening to it". For those who naturally notice such things it's easy - but for those who don't it's nigh on impossible.

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Finally, a video or person to explain logically why I need to do a study or sketch before I paint something. Now I can finally relate to this because I do struggle with being too picky in my painting, I guess someone just needed to speak to me on what would really impact me and make me do that change to make my art better I’m grateful for that. Thank you very much, sir.

[@LongLiveHumour]

I've read & watched lots of advice and tutorials on composition over the years, but never really anything quite so helpful as how you walk us through the distractions (fences, trees, bits of sky, textures, more bloody trees) and the choices that you made on the way to the final composition. Many tutorials emphasise simplification of form and value, true, but the hardest thing in my experience is 1) learning to SEE that simplification and 2) holding yourself to the initial goal. All too often I'll start an interesting sketch of an arrangement of buildings that caught my eye, only to get bogged down in detail as the drawing progresses, losing the strong composition that I started with.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm delighted you found it helpful.

[@jeaninestark2731]

I see the importance of drawing ,drawing,simplify. Thank you , I struggle w this all the time.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Jeanine. It is a really common struggle

[@ginam3379]

I am a “mature” graphic design enrolled in university art courses, and currently in a painting class. This is VERY helpful! As are all your videos, actually. Thanks!

[@kerimtim]

Finally these are the type of drawing that I was looking for, hard to explain but it's amazing too see such less details and so much meaning in drawings

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you found it helpful.

[@twicen777]

Thank you for this. I love your tutorials. Perfect pace, brilliantly explained and you've a great voice to listen to. Pleasurable and helpful. 🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Jules!

[@cityofangy]

Extremely helpful! As a new painter, I often feel overwhelmed by details. How to simplify is what I have been trying to grasp. Your video hits it nicely.

[@kofeiNn]

Often when I'm about to paint, I'm starting to focus too much on details, that eventually leave me wondering ,,how am I gonna draw this??". That always makes me immediately discouraged to continue drawing, so I found this video very helpful. Thank you!

[@soteroElias-mi6vy]

I stopped washing my dishes to watch this ...yes I'm an artist Thankyou

[@S.T.R.Y.K.E.R.]

This is the type of video ive been waiting to find. Thank you so much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome

[@christineanderson4755]

This was fascinating. I used to paint, as my one and only hobby and people liked my work. I’m coming back to painting after a stroke. Your approach has given me much to think about. Thank you.

[@thusspokezarathustra]

Beautiful summary into how to approach any complex subject matter - simplify mass, remove unnecessary detail, focus on composition and the movement within the composition. Excellent advise.

[@apianarosa]

So good to see you. Now I'll go out to take some pictures and then I'll try to compose the masses.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great. Enjoy the process and have fun

[@ZeldaNerd137]

I always struggle so much with focusing on the details and get, quite literally, “stuck in the weeds.” This was very helpful at getting me to look at the bigger (or smaller I suppose) picture and to look at my subjects differently, thank you!

[@garysimkins2179]

I cannot emphasize enough the value of your content and how much it has helped me fine tune my way of seeing. I live in Toronto, and drive to the country a great deal having boarded a horse north of the city. I recently bought a full French Easel because I want to experience working outside of my studio. You have in other videos provided a wealth of tips on how to start the plein air process, and I thank you for that. I am starting a three week holiday, it is mid July and I am so looking forward to doing some oil sketches. In closing I want to add just how much I love your work. Thanks again.

[@troygoggans5495]

This was a very timely instruct for me. I had been wrestling with a photo that had tons of detail but no matter what I did it never looked balanced or real. I was really frustrated until I started to erasing some of the details to redraw them but I noticed the drawing looked better. So I concentrated on one structure even though it was not dead center of the photo or drawing. This added so much depth and layers to the drawing that I eliminated some more of the small details and that improved the message as well. To say I was shocked is an understatement yes it was not a true copy of the photo but now the drawing conveyed the same message as the photo. Then to watch your video this morning and it’s subject valid what I was seeing. I have not shown it to my number one critic, my wife, to sees if she what she thinks. Thanks again.

[@borleyboo5613]

I’m a complete beginner regarding drawing and watercolour and I found this extremely helpful. I do get overwhelmed by detail and then my drawing or painting turns into an unholy mess. I shall put these tips into practice as of now. Thank you and I have subscribed.

[@bettylansford]

As a light bloomer, painter, artist, I am enjoying your instruction. I just wanted to say thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Betty!

[@skiedev]

I love paintings that use the simple shapes and structures of objects or landscapes, something about the rectangle strokes and roughness without too much detail that's just enough to understand what it is

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@actorseokjinnie9073]

I am quickly overwhelmed by a lot of details and I don't where to start most of the time, this helped a lot. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome. That is very common

[@alphaomega6684]

Once more, I love your clear example and lucid explanations. This video has inspired me to do my own 30 day composition challenge. Thank you and always happy to see another video from you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful! Enjoy the process and have fun with it

[@monkey5498]

I don't even paint or draw but I just discovered this channel and its so interesting to learn about this stuff. Maybe I just found a new hobby.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It's a wonderful form of creativity. I hope you enjoy it

[@sergey_english_usa]

Just wanted to say how I appreciate what you taught me here. Thank you, Ian!

[@StephanieCorralArt]

I think this concept is critical for new artists and valuable. I wish I would have seen this as a beginner.

[@Hjaltland2]

Best 15 minutes of advice I've come across. thanks.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted that you found it helpful

[@imc440]

I’d only recently taken up sketching (I’m working my way up to painting) and stumbled onto something like this method. While I could use some of these tips on cropping, I say that focusing on the bigger lines is the difference between me knowing I couldn’t draw for 40 years, and being able to make pencil scratches look more or less like the scene they are portraying. It’s incredibly helpful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great to hear!

[@gaylemartin6498]

Good to see you, Ian. Good refresher from your class. Thank you for posting. Take care. g

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Nice to hear from you Gayle. Hope you're doing well and thanks for watching. All the best

[@gaylemartin6498]

Got any more of those boxes of pencils you want to sell?

[@tmikeporter]

just ordered the book...I am a watercolor painter...and watch your videos with intense interest that there is something in them for me.

[@Penslinger]

This was so full of insightful things to learn. I can't believe this short lesson is free.

[@maxinebutcher379]

Really finding your videos very helpful. Shapes, design, structure; like having a road map. Now I understand how helpful drawing is before launching into a painting. Yes I’ve always been distracted by the detail. So glad I’ve found your channel.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much and delighted you are enjoying the videos

[@garygreenfield5969]

A terrific demonstration and instruction of the principles explained at the beginning.

[@elizabethpeterson9914]

Just recently discovered your videos and find them so, so helpful! I've taken so many painting classes and never really understood very well how to tell what were good compositional elements and what were bad. I'd have an instructor say, "change the shape of this mountain, it doesn't work for your composition" but not be able to tell my why. Your videos are finally helping me to understand the why. Thank you, thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome. Thank you for commenting this Elizabeth

[@Doritstudio]

I love Ian Robert's Creative Authenticity book! It helped me understand why I do what I do and to clarify what I want for myself with regards to creating art. It was also hugely helpful to clear up confusions while writing statements for MFA applications.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So happy CA was helpful Dorit. Thanks for letting me know.

[@霊像子]

I'm not that great at landscapes myself, but I do apply the same ideas in pen & ink drawing (and design in general); taking away details can be such a powerful tool in focusing the viewer on what you really want to emphasise, like light, expression and movement. One of my favourite techniques is introducing strong lights to portraits and letting detail melt into the dark shadows. People's brains are great at filling in the gaps!

[@phyllisalden9983]

Have watched this specific video several times now and every time I find it so helpful for seeing differently, assessing photos differently, painting differently. Thank you so much!

[@secretscarlet8249]

Layout and composition is my bane in design, so this was really helpful!

[@caroleangel9287]

I have never heard this. The concept is wonderfully “eye opening”…. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

I don't know how I get to this video, but honestly, thank you so much for all the things you are sharing. They're so useful and precious. Many respects from me, teacher!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome! Glad you found the video!

[@junkettarp8942]

This guys the best teacher.

[@lifenote1943]

thanks old man, your voice really helped me out with anxiety.

[@loricolt9123]

I always find your videos very helpful Ian. Thank you for creating these for us struggling artists.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them!

[@sessamii]

I'm a beginner artist, I'm really eager to learn but it's so hard to find good resources, the quality of the information is truly just unmatched. You've made this concept so easy to understand, and I'm so thankful!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Happy to help. So glad you enjoyed it

[@Crystalwolf953]

I finally understand what painting values and shapes means. Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@SpiritTracker7]

I've never learned simplified drawing... there is a disconnect in my mind. I don't know if it's my ADHD or information overload but even when I try to rough-in basic shapes, every time, I begin prematurely rendering things.. most of the time the information in the scene overwhelms my ability to see the basic form. They all converge. From my perspective, being able to simplify is a next level talent/skill, there is an art in and of itself. To simply information/details in the mind, and decisively and selectively shade in representations of forms strictly by it's value, is what differiantiates the higher artist IQ. 6:46 is a perfect example, to where I know that the artist has mastered his art form. First time seeing your work Ian and it reminded me that all of the great painters had this step mastered too.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm not sure I agree. Exactly. Seeing in terms of masses, of the design of value masses to make up the foundation of the drawing or painting can be learned. Sure there are degrees of accomplishment within that skill. Some people are naturally better designers than others. See in bigger more engaging masses. But it can be learned. I know that because I have taught it and seen the shift. It is really a right brain shift to seeing in masses rather than details. All the best

[@porkyorcy1715]

This feels like the mindset of people who're more engaged in design than art :D I was surprised to find that as soon as you started describing your process I was like 'wait, that's the best way to do it' - but I'm a graphics student, so I've always focused on composition and structure first

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That's why it's so easy to teach graphic designers how to paint because you already get the most important point.

[@aliyutube]

thank you Ian Roberts! this is a great way to see and simplify reality.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it!

[@cynthia_artistpro]

Oh my! how do you ever find time to keep up with all the comments and questions? Hello Ian, Cynthia Jackson here. I am very excited about watching you more and more, and learning from you! My little KZbin Channel has been sitting! I love your videos on Composition! And some time ago, before I moved, I enjoyed your Studio Tour! I am excited to get your books and immerse myself in them. Thank you for these awe inspiring tutorials! God Bless you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Cynthia, delighted you enjoyed the video. And the books. My very best wishes.

[@lilliann3705]

As always a very informative and relatable video, Ian. I miss your weekly videos and am resigning myself that they will be instead monthly. However, because you have a wealth of instruction spanning the past years, I am able refer to various aspects of composition whenever I need a refresher so all is good. I attended art school over 20 years ago but life got in the way in the interim. Now that I have the time to devote to improving my work, your videos came along to help get my confidence back and really enjoy the process. Thank you for your superb lessons and all the work you put into their creation. Greetings again from the Pacific NW.

[@lilliann3705]

P.S. wanted to add I’ve been following the work of Alice Mumford for several years and happened upon her videos a while ago. She posted a series of them with a workshop she did at her studio and concentrated on Bonnard and his approach to painting. It was very interesting. I love Alice’s work too and your lovely wife Anne Ward’s paintings remind me of her work. Please relay to Anne how much I enjoy her work.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Lillian, I'm delighted you have been enjoying the videos. Thank you for letting me know. I just looked up Alice and she has a series of short films there on her website that looking interesting. I'll have to watch them. And I'll be sure to tell Anne that you like her paintings. Thank you.

[@jopetersen542]

Watched this yesterday. Very interesting, and after watching I got a pleasant surprise. I have been organizing my books and making an inventory. As I wast doing the list I all of a sudden realized that the one I just looked at was "Mastering Composition." I wad do surprised and have no idea when I got it. Can't wait t I start exploring it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well, isn't that perfect! I hope you enjoy the book and thanks for watching. All the best

[@HasanEtr]

Thanks for the excellent useful information mr Roberts, i believe that not even enough number of people tells these information. These information that you served has given us the main scheme in our mind for understanding the main structure for painting. We appreciate you ☺️, thanks in advance 🙏

[@playalot86]

It's so nice to see a master teach his students what I tried to teach my fellow students in college; what I had learned from studying mother nature and the old masters. I tried to save them from the S$%#@% abstract contemporary teachers that told them not to paint in a traditional realist style because they said... "it's too obvious", or, "where's the story?"... God bless you good sir, and I love your work.

[@user-eg7ms2jj9j]

your videos have taught me more in the past few weeks than my college art classes ever did

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you are learning so much from them

[@juudyscrimger7866]

I do love the way you explain and describe things... very reassuring and motivating! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Juudy

[@redjones8010]

Superb explanations and examples. It's always so easy to get distracted and even perhaps overwhelmed by all the details in front of you. Simplification's importance can't be stated enough, I find.

[@gentleyogaforanybody1520]

It's amazing how you find the beauty in the mundane. VERY inspiring! Thanks, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@PipFraggle]

This was a very helpful video. Thank you. One of the biggest things that made drawibg hard for me when I was younger was that I would always try to draw every miniscule detail. Not only was it exhausting but nothing came together right. Now that I know what I'm doing a little better, I still become torn between what details should be implemented, what makes the picture too bydy, when is there not enough detail. The way you described taking the basics and layering them and then focusing on what makes the photo interesting as opposed to superfluous was helpful in further helping me understand how to approach details. So thanks for that.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for sharing. Yes, it is more common to do the opposite of simplify. Glad you enjoyed it

[@odistabettor]

Thank you so much! This definitely helped me look at composition in a brand new way.

[@marieradi-nahas767]

Thank you Ian for another great lesson. Nothing else to say except: Merci!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Marie!

[@debwicks2523]

Hi Ian - still watching and benefiting from your videos, they just get better and better! My work does, too, thx to you and your classes. Will send you you a few things shortly. You changed my skill level and confidence - and my daily practice is solid, 2 years later. Simply amazing, thanks! Deb

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Good to hear from you Deb and yes please do send me some images when you're ready. All the best

[@GentleTaipan]

I cheat, by squinting and making everything in my vision physically blurry haha! Thank you for the more structured approach.

[@KpxUrz5745]

There is some good material here about cropping, values, simplification, and such. But for me, the most important things relate to "content". In other words, the rationale for choosing otherwise rather humdrum subject matter in the first place. It cannot be to just make a picture of anything and everything. There has to be some personal relationship to subject matter, which likely will even greatly impact the way it is selected, focused, and treated. The best impressionists, for example, had a way of creating incredibly well-composed scenes. Many of Monet's landscapes (well, actually all of his paintings) are so brilliantly and perfectly composed that they seem miraculous. And this is to say nothing about his unattainably genius ways of creating painterly light through his color choices and juxtapositions.

[@matthewrangel6673]

Brilliant articulation of such fundamental concepts that tend to get overlooked. The interplay of all these concepts is quite complex but you've distilled it in a very coherent way. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Matthew. Glad you liked it so much

[@josephfcampisejr7816]

Ian...thank you so much for your explanations on composition ..I get so caught up in detail that I lose the main idea of what the painting should be....you break it down easily and make it understandable...

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It a common thing. So glad you found it helpful

[@debfanara4024]

Your videos are so helpful in helping me understand and articulate the working elements of a composition. I find that knowing where and what to crop with reference photos is something I keep working on. I am also understanding more about value. I recently got a hold of your Mastering Composition book and find it so valuable. I look forward to hearing about other ways to learn from you, e.g. online courses, etc.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome and glad to hear you are enjoying the book so much. The dates of my future courses are TBD, but I will sharing them on KZbin once they are decided

[@shawnorth]

I would love to be having a nap in a room adjacent to where you record this, I’ve said it before but your voice has such a nice texture I find it so relaxing

[@alphaomega6684]

LOL. I need quiet to sleep, but I do understand what you mean. However, if Ian were teaching something in the next room while I was trying to nap, I would be straining my ear to hear and definitely would not fall asleep.😋

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Funny. Glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@anahata2009]

This was beautifully explained. You not only have admirable artistic ability, but impressive pedagogical skill, as well. I appreciated the clear and concise explanation at the beginning, and the relevant examples you provided without a lot of chatter. For me, this was 12 minutes very well spent. Thank you!

[@koroshghanbarzadeh1360]

Excellent demonstration, no one could break it down better. Thank you Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sebastianm.6669]

its also an amazing strength of handmade art where you're not bound by reality like in photography where you can only depict what is "real". although nowadays you can argue that with photoshop you can alter images easily, but that wouldnt be the "purest" form of photography

[@mdavisscadedu]

Another great video. I'm a textile artist who appreciates your explanation of shapes in capturing a "scene"" or composition. Very helpful and applicable to the work I do.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for sharing!

[@marihart-qbc]

Thank you very much, slowly but surely I am beginning to understand the importance of studying the composition of an image before painting it. And it is because of your help. Have a good month!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you find the ideas helpful Joanne. Thanks for letting me know and have a good month as well.

[@isitlina]

i have never painted anything in my life (outside of primary school art class) but this is so fascinating to watch/listen. its so interesting to find out what goes into making art

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@TheJoyfulEye]

Thank you for this really good video --- very inspiring! It made me think of something about Albert Pinkham Ryder, I think I read somewhere that he was very excited when he realized he needed to look for the "masses" first. I tried to find that quote but couldn't. This is the closest I could find: “The artist should fear to become the slave of detail. He should strive to express his thought and not the surface of it. What avails a storm cloud accurate in form and color if the storm is not therein?” ― Albert Pinkham Ryder. Anyway, thanks for all the good tips.

[@WakieUppieYall]

I LOVE your 2 waitresses painting! You're just a treasure. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@lindakim9172]

This was so helpful. Especially the part about making vertical and horizontal strokes based on the grain of what we are drawing.

[@pipemma1893]

Thank you. What I’ve been doing is pausing the video and doing a quick pencil drawing on an index card. Then comparing it to your cropped sketch. I’m getting better! This has been hugely helpful and very encouraging.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That's a great practice Pip. All the best.