Idea, composition and a lot of hard work

You need 3 things to start painting a painting:
A good idea, a suitable composition ... and hard work.
Personally I love what I call "hard work", because this is where the magic happens.
🎯 For more information about the painter Henrik Skorá go to: skora.dk/.
This video is about working with ideas, choosing a composition, and making the two of them come together through hard work: Spending time in front of the canvas really pays off. I will illustrate the part of hard work by showing the painting process from start to finish.
The easy part is really to get the idea, and then again the idea must be good, because a boring idea is a boring idea no matter what composition you choose and no matter how much work you put into it.
My video: "4 abstract painting ideas," is about the painting process, especially getting ideas for paintings.
Check it out here: • 4 ways to get ideas fo...
I sometimes know exactly what to paint, I get the idea “for free” as I say. And sometimes I don’t know.
Getting the idea for this painting was fun, and a little different than usually. I had this idea years ago, and I didn't really do anything with it. It was an idea to use the bird's nest as a motif in a painting. For some reason I didn't use the idea, I had other paintings in progress, and I dropped the idea several times.
I almost lost it until one windy autumn day it approached me in a very direct way. The wind had carried a little nest to me and and left it lying right in front of my door. Then, I understood there was no way around this hint, I had to use it.
After that I painted several versions of the nest-idea and in today’s painting I will use it again in a painting.
If an idea is good, it is still good again and again. I have no problem recycling my ideas and neither should you. I use an idea until I cannot add something new to it. I don’t paint the same painting again and again, mostly because it gets boring.
So now I have decided on the nest as a platform for my painting. Choosing the composition for it can be tricky because the rules of composition are many and complex.
Composition is a huge subject, and for many years I struggled with these rules on how to compose a painting … and to be honest, I still do. The composition in a painting is basically a way to control the journey of a viewer’s eyes to specific places in the painting and to make something stand out. A painting can be composed in such a way that we sense depth and perspective, beauty, emotions and even a whole story.
Many of the rules are ratio numbers and geometric measurements set in relation to each other, for instance ways of dividing lines or structures for space and colour experiences.
I don't deliberately think of the composition rules. I just paint, work intuitively and at some point the painting will be finished. As long as I feel confident about what to do, everything is fine. But sometimes I get stuck and can't see a way forward in a painting. In these situations the principles behind composition can be of great help to me, because they are giving me options … try this or try that.
It's not like: if only I knew the rules of how to compose a painting, all my difficulties would be over, and I don’t save the rules for a rainy day. It is rather that for many years I have implemented them in my brain so that they are constantly working for me in the background and helping me, when I paint.
As I said: The problem with the rules is, there are so many: My advice is … choose one of them, and if it works, keep it, if not … pick another.
In this video I pick one rule in order to demonstrate my process: The Golden Ratio, which has been a prominent element in the history of paintings and art. It’s believed to create pleasing and harmonious compositions. It brings a sense of balance and harmony to a painting, and can be used as a tool to enhance the visual impact and emotional resonance of a piece.
The Golden Ratio is found all over the place in nature and even in the proportions of human beings.
It is basically a certain ratio between the length of two line segments.
… and it is: a:b = b: a+b.
In practice it is easy to calculate the golden points on a line by dividing with 1.6, and in my view the rule fits nicely into the abstract painter’s toolbox, as it can bring some order into an abstract painting, when it seems that nothing else does. In other words it provides a framework for your painting.
This golden rule is making the process of painting easier.
Index:
00:00 Intro
00:30 Getting a good idea
01:36 Idea and rules of composition
02:20 The nest idea for this painting
03:15 Research
03:35. Rules of composition
06:40. The golden ratio
09:38 Painting tutorial
21:09. Finished painting
21:13 The development of painting
I hope you liked the video please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel.

[@mariacaceres4312]

You won't believe it, but I sometimes get my ideas when I say my daily prayers after reading the Bible. I ask God to guide me on my painting. I love it!

[@skora-theoldguy]

I am sure that there are many who have similar experiences. I think it is when you are in a phase where you have opened your mind, you are more sensitive to inspiration of various kinds. We work differently as you can see in my video, and I don't mix God into it. I wish you good luck in your process.

[@sunshinemagicalrainbowunic4004]

Uhhh, there’s no god. Silly

[@pjmiller8632]

​@@sunshinemagicalrainbowunic4004Hmmm...are you sure about that? If one is ever in a plane hurtling towards the ground, there's a huge chance of one changing their mind. As the Ghost Busters always say, 'Who you gonna call?' I can assure you, it would not be the Ghostbusters. 😂 In life and death moments, people do resort to faith. For it is simply the belief in a positive force unseen... the same thing you do anytime you step on board an airplane - with zero proof it will stay in the sky. 😇

[@nancycrossett1483]

I absolutely believe what you are saying. God’s word is very inspiring

[@jennieterblanche9148]

Watching this, I want to pack away my paints and quit ! Awesome

[@skora-theoldguy]

No, no, no ... I am sorry to hear that. You have to go on. Only hard work will make you better, and better ... and better. Don't quit.

[@BobbyBrady2000]

One of the best abstract painters on youtube! Most are all the same.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi Bobby. Thank you for your kind comment.

[@sd-mv2zf]

I’d like to see you make more videos. Your paintings are really cool

[@dianecourtney2724]

Thank you for allowing me to watch you paint. Love your painting. Beautiful ✌🏼

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi and thanks for watching.

[@mk5076]

I found your channel recently and really enjoy it! Looking forward to future videos!!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi. Thanks. I am working on new videos ... but I also need to paint.

[@sherrierichard2848]

So much energy throughout this painting…like the energy the bird required to make the nest! A compliment to the effort and beauty of the structure. Your color sense has been honed with your years of experience and you achieve such color harmony, lively contrast and some edgy tension too. Gorgeous work!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you very much for this lovely comment. I'm glad you found value in my video. It's comments like this that make making videos worthwhile for me. So thanks for that.

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Gorgeous work of art! Subscribed!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you. Means a lot to me.

[@loisbasenfelder7754]

You are amazing. Just finish your day knowing that. Thank you so much!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for this kind comment. It makes me happy.

[@barbandsarge]

Such an eye-catching graphic piece. I could sit looking at it for hours Kudos

[@skora-theoldguy]

Wow, thank you for watching.

[@paulagrootelaar9005]

I absolutely loved watching you create this beautiful painting and listening to your thought process. Fantastic use of colour and so unique. Thank you for sharing this masterful painting and tutorial. Really inspiring.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for this kind comment.

[@sheilaherring3683]

Thank you so much for your painting tutorials. I really enjoy them and gain much inspiration from them. Your artwork is so beautiful.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you. I am very happy to hear that. Good luck with your paintings.

[@jamhas2189]

I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the incredible painting instruction you provide on your KZbin channel. Your talent and passion shine through in each video, making the learning experience not only educational but also truly enjoyable. The way you break down complex techniques into manageable steps has significantly improved my own artistic skills. Your clear explanations and engaging demonstrations make it easy for beginners like me Your Old Friend JAM

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi Jam. Thank you for this very kind comment. It means a lot to me.

[@sinsubra]

I always struggle with the composition. This video has helped me understand what I was missing. Thanks for sharing this video

[@cindypatterson8157]

Me too

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are welcome. Good luck.

[@deannfrey3469]

His videos are very Informative and the Old Guy is just adorable. ❤

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you ... nice comment!

[@chrislee-anneminturn5111]

I love your calm approach to the work. Hearing your thoughts and watching those ideas develop on the canvas is a real treat. Thank you so much.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you. You are very welcome.

[@evamerrick1434]

I enjoyed it very much. I am so grateful you take time to share and inspire Thanks

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are so welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@patelli3136]

I haven't seen any paitings like yours before. ❤

[@skora-theoldguy]

I try not to paint like other painters. I am of course inspired by what I see others do, but then try to make it my own expression. Thank you.

[@nikkijones4716]

Absolutely masterful. I think you are a colour magician! Truly beautiful painting 😮

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you ... magic ... wow. Thanks.

[@rpennybrown]

Your instruction and advice is now a tool in my toolbox I will be able to get much use from. I will use your planning and decision-making advice at each step of making my next painting. Your demonstration was so inviting to watch that it almost distracted me from this more valuable tool : )

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hello and thank you very much for your sweet comment. It means a lot to me that I understand that my videos have value for many of the people who watch them. Thanks!

[@roslynr9767]

Excellent! I agree!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@jackyrobinson1716]

Today was my first introduction to your videos. I really enjoyed your quiet, unhurried presentation. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are welcome, and thank you for watching.

[@Ecclectic_citcelccE]

It's definitely not boring. I like how you distill(?) the colors that would have been blended for a beautiful exciting painting that still portrays peace and tranquility. 👏

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@kokoslores9666]

This nest looks inviting! I like the vibrant colours you used. Thanks for showing how you worked the picture out.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@suedarius538]

I loved your video and your style. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for this nice comment.

[@Reon133]

Thank you for the big effort of explaining and filming/cutting and sharing your knowledge!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi. It's my pleasure. Thank you for your kind comment.

[@2weargrafix]

tak for du deler dine super flotte billeder og udførsel, du får max point herfra, glad for at jeg faldt over din kanal.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Dejlig at høre fra en dansker. Tak for din venlige kommentar.

[@cindypatterson8157]

Love this video 😊

[@skora-theoldguy]

👍

[@JannieannieNo1]

Love your style, thank you

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@vesnajogan7596]

Thank you for sharing your style and your work process. ❤

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are welcome.

[@user-cz5xz2wb8n]

très inspirant, belle composition, merci

[@skora-theoldguy]

👍

[@AS-yh6xu]

I just came across your channel and already learned a lot. I love your art! Will be watching👍🏼

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for your interest.

[@donnaer]

This video was very instructive and helpful to developing my process. An added bonus is that I love your paintings. Thank you!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you very much for this lovely comment.

[@fatherburning358]

"But of course that's ridiculous " I hit subscribe right then. Really like your thinking 😊👍

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@utaloesken]

Thank you so much for showing us the development of this painting. It's interesting to learn about your process and the thoughts that are involved.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you. I am glad to hear that my video interested you.

[@jessicamacguinness4916]

Love to watch your videos!! Your work is outstanding! Looking forward to watching many more...

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@MarionSolbergBu]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge in this beautiful way.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi. You are so welcome. Thank you.

[@leonardcain]

Great thinking process and execution! Txz Jeanne

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@glennlopez6772]

Just start painting, and with some work and determination, your background of immagination could take shape! That is if you have the time and facilities at your disposal! Remember that you have to eat or cook or whatever!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi Glenn, Of course you are right that the process takes time. I often paint on a painting for several days depending on how big the picture is. But then you take a lot of breaks, and the breaks themselves are a great testament to the creative process. Finally, it doesn't matter that time passes, I don't have to achieve anything by a certain time. I am happy and try to be in the process as long as possible, but it is not something that prevents me from living a normal life, eating, cooking, looking after grandchildren, sleeping etc. So don't worry, time is the least of your problems.

[@baqibullahrashdi8146]

sir your so beautiful artist i never see I love your art I want to learn

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi and thank you for your kind comment. Best way to learn is to paint, so go on even if it is no good ... go on painting. Every painting will make you better.

[@louisziegler8138]

Wow I think you have an amazing style. So enjoy your tutorials.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@user-tg2bn1eo7o]

Heel mooi!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Veel vragen voor uw commentaar.

[@helgaleifsdottir5191]

Fin abstract-expression og stærk composition. Tusind tak. Thank you so much.😍

[@skora-theoldguy]

Du er meget velkommen ... og tak.

[@IStandWithHarvard13]

Old school art instructions & inspiration. No rules! 🎨 🖼 Subscribed. Absolutely delightful!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hello Yes, no rules...or as few as possible. I am probably dependent on several of them, perhaps without even being aware of it. Thanks for the kind comment.

[@dimitrisgonatas2264]

How can Van gogh paint the most boring things in such a beautiful way? and all of the well-known artists paint the same subjects with the same way

[@skora-theoldguy]

Van Gogh was a genius, and you shouldn't compare yourself to him if you don't want to risk becoming very depressed. Ha, ha ... It is really not what you paint but how.

[@dimitrisgonatas2264]

@skora-theoldguy I'm not comparing myself to anyone that's you projecting hear, and I'm definitely not making videos of how to be a proper painter as if I'm entitled to

[@AramsYoutube]

very beautiful, i'll try to reproduce this for learning purposes!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi. Thanks and good luck to you painting.

[@jeanbyrd7444]

Fantastic thanks! I love your vision 🎉

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@fcruz2012]

Amazing! Love it! ❤

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you!

[@gennydavidsonsmith85]

I’m learning so much from your videos, Henrik. A thousand thanks!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thanks. I am very happy to hear that. Thank you for your kind message.

[@rmdebora]

Looks great 🎉

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for watching.

[@elenamar700]

New subscriber here, I just found your channel and I absolutely love your art and your teaching style, I wish I could paint like you! For me it's just a hobby, I 'm a retired violinist, injured my arm many years ago, so painting is another way to express the creative part of me, but unfortunately, not very good at it. Please, do more videos, and thank you😊

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you, hope your arm gets better, and good luck with your painting.

[@rosaliaangulo7865]

Me encanto, no pude parpadear y no pude quitar una sonrisa de mis labios. Gracias por compartir esta maravilla.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Muchas gracias por tu dulce comentario. Espero tener subtítulos en español en todos mis videos pronto. ¡Gracias!

[@phoebebaker1575]

I thoroughly enjoyed this!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thanks. I'm glad to hear that.

[@nikkiswenson54]

Well done! Bravo!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@TamarasAmazingArtAdventures]

Loved this video. Thanks for sharing your process!

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are welcome! Thanks.

[@PJ-hn4cg]

I truly love this work !

[@skora-theoldguy]

I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for your kind comment.

[@ladonpeterson6572]

Your work is incredible and inspiring.

[@skora-theoldguy]

I am very pleased to hear that you have found value in watching my video.

[@user-gv8gc4pg7r]

Fantastic!!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@yuipadd]

Thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are welcome.

[@kestrelnetchemu6611]

Thank you Henrik..

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you!

[@inkynfrost3183]

I love your style! Thank you for showing us your process and sharing your thoughts.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you. I am glad you liked my video.

[@carole2077]

A beautiful painting.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@IslandGirl755]

This was a wonderful video I love all the information and seeing the artist painting. I have done one bird nest painting now I think it is time to do another one. Thank you very much.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you ,,, yes it is always time for another nest.😜

[@katjamohr8097]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge so generously ❤

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are very welcome. Thank you!

[@guylaineregimbald2914]

It’s always a pleasure to listen to your explanations as your process. Thanks

[@skora-theoldguy]

I'm glad you find value in my videos.

[@Lex-cg3ee]

Great tips about the process. Thank you so much. Love your work.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@nirupmaanand2315]

Very nice. Thank you!

[@skora-theoldguy]

👍

[@ilnademoller1490]

Lindiiiisimo

[@skora-theoldguy]

? Lindiiiisimo ... what is the meaning of this word?

[@wickerman5577]

Beautiful paintings

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you!

[@belindaroca4577]

Tank you for making this video . Love your paintings

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you very much for your kind message. Thanks for watching.

[@roxannriley8135]

Thank you so much for sharing your paintings and your processes with us! I really love your style and I’m so glad to be able to see your work ♥️♥️♥️

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are welcome. Greetings from Denmark.

[@jdevereux9155]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are welcome.

[@veajooste3289]

Stunning

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@SunDogDeb]

Thank you for walking us through the process! I've been living on abstract markings - you've shown me how to tie those into a coherent composition! Thank you! ✨️

[@skora-theoldguy]

I am very happy to hear that. Good luck.

[@et3638]

Thank you so much for another insightful and interesting video! It is such a joy watching. And I LOVE the way you use the color red, especially in previous paintings, giving your completed works such dynamic. Thank you for sharing and teaching!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for watching.

[@saudtanamassa4820]

thanks, Sir... its great inspiration

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@k8marlowe]

This has been so inspiring and fun to watch. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@skora-theoldguy]

I'm glad you liked my video.

[@robbieguerrero3351]

So Cool...Excellent Theme, Palette Selection, Right On! And Thank You for Sharing! You are a Master Painter!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Many thanks for this nice comment ... I don't know about the master painter part ... but I blush. 😉

[@nickalton]

This is so brilliantly done! Beautiful work!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you very much for your very kind comment.

[@user-en1wx6tj2m]

Beautiful. I copy great art to learn…thanks for helping me with ideation process

[@skora-theoldguy]

Good luck painting.

[@FlannelDeer]

Thank you for demonstrating the joy of creativity and hard work! I enjoy the way you explain things and also love your Nests! 🙂👍

[@skora-theoldguy]

It's actually a great pleasure for me to make these videos. Thank you very much for your very positive comment.

[@keariewashburn4680]

I love this ❤

[@skora-theoldguy]

👍

[@margaretsmith51]

Love your video, very inspiring once again. A wonderful painting, thank you for sharing your process.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@mbstohlmann6949]

Wonderful tutorial. Thank you. It is great to follow along in your written description

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for your kind k´comment.

[@r.j3773]

So beautiful

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you!

[@manicsPerumbavoor]

❤ it Master 👌

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@kathycorbin6261]

I found your discussion regarding your painting process to be helpful and interesting. I think the rule you used served you very well in this painting. I am captivated by the beauty of the nest.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hello. Nice comment. I always try to think that the principles behind composition only exist because they are to help us paint. They shouldn't make it more difficult, and that's why I take a very loose approach to the principles. But they are there.

[@Teobtc]

Sir, thanks for your contents. I really like your own style. And I've just learnt that I've to paint what I feel not what I see

[@skora-theoldguy]

Yes, that is how it is, and that is the delightfully difficult thing about painting the abstract painting. Good luck.

[@user-zu7gk9ol9f]

Wonderful paintings and helpful instruction! Thank you!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@GKganesan]

Thank you. Learnt a lot

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.

[@dmortelli1]

Another great video! The painting is wonderful in all aspects. Thank you again for sharing your process as I find it very inspirational, which I needed. I have found myself in an artist block which becomes very depressing over the past couple of weeks. Keep up the good work as you are inspiring to other artists!🎨🖌

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hello and thank you very much for your very kind comment. It means a lot to me when I know that my videos have value for you and the people who watch them. Thanks!

[@CG-ql5rr]

I love your style

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you!

[@amateurdelecture9721]

Excellent !

[@skora-theoldguy]

🌹

[@michelemaliano7860]

Always enjoy your tutorials and videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skill.

[@skora-theoldguy]

You are very welcome.

[@PIXARTRA]

I absolutely love this painting. Love your style. I need to paint more like you.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you again. Paint not as me, but as yourself. Get inspiration from everywhere, but always remember to develop your own style. I myself sometimes try to imitate another artist, but it is only to find out what that artist has done. Then I make it my own and it will look completely different. Good luck.

[@karatehamstermami]

Your videos are so helpful, inspiring and also entertaining. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge in such a great way.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you. You are so welcome.

[@valentinsantovena3569]

My dear master: I'm agree about your opinions and advices, a bird nest is a masterpiece of the nature make it by a little bird by instinct . and is a motive to learn of it, and try to plasme on the canvas with paint,harmony, chromatic composition,passion. and faith. Thank you for share your advices and expierences. god bless you. my best wishes from Méxicon city

[@skora-theoldguy]

Greetings back from Denmark. Thank you for your comment.

[@dianecharest8365]

That is beautiful! You are such an amazing artist. You have a very distinct style. One that i would recognize right away as being yours. Your very good at explaining the process. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your pieces are phenomenal.

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you appreciate my art and find my explanations helpful. It means a lot to me!

[@susanpotter4688]

I have been drawing and painting bird nests for two months and enjoying the process very much. I learned so I much watching your video! I think I can take a chance now on expanding my color choices, and the golden ratio information helped immensely. Thank you very much!

[@skora-theoldguy]

Hi. Thank you for your kind comment. I would be happy to see some of your drawings. If you have time and desire, send me some of your your nests at [e-mail].

[@BO-ny5mm]

Thank you great guy! Enjoyed watching so so much 🤩

[@skora-theoldguy]

Thank you.