Join Me for a Studio Tour

[@---Dana----]

A credit card to spread gesso! Now why didn't I think of that? I'm 70 years old and learning to oil paint with KZbin videos. I have so much to learn, and you have helped me so very much. Also, I see you and appreciate your way of being in the world, a kind and gentle soul. Thank you. ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Dana!

[@virginia4378]

You are an excellent teacher.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you found it helpful.

[@marktebbano9091]

As a beginner, this is one of the best videos I've watched about many basic but important things. You're a great teacher. I look forward to your videos each Tuesday.

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

To be sure!

[@jonathanroger4705]

I forgot a few things.

[@priscillaallen5276]

I learn heaps with every video I watch!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is very kind of you to say. Thanks Mark

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Priscilla!

[@barbarakemp8630]

Your fantastic. You covered some good topics in this video. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Barbara.

[@susangurungart]

Hey Ian , I just bought your book, after consuming such golden values from your free and original content, i am very excited to learn the techniques of mastering composition and applying it into my paintings,, thank you for the videos you make,

[@josephfcampisejr7816]

Ian...thank you for a organized presentation of your studio and materials used. It is very helpful that you make suggestions of products....I usually do acrylics..and wondering if the same issues can apply...

[@fullpreteristnow]

Thank you Ian. Here's a tip for those who don't want to use toxic thinner/cleaners in the studio while painting. Plus it saves money. I've been doing this for years now. Go get a gallon of cheap cooking corn oil, or something similar (I wouldn't cook with this oil, by the way). Pour that into a small container like you would normally use (like Ian has). Clean your brush in that. You'll be amazed at how oil cleans out the oil paint on your brush. Don't worry about the small amount of that oil left on your brush when painting. I also know famous painters who leave their brushes in such oil (in a shallow pan in a horizontal position), for weeks/months. Their brushes never dray out, and they don't have to clean their brushes every day. I do clean my brushes every day, but I don't have to if I leave them in the pan. And don't bother using some store bought soaps or cleaners for end of day cleaning. Just use Ivory bar soap and the palm of your hand.

[@norberts.3347]

Vielen Dank, dass Sie Ihr Wissen und Erfahrung mit uns teilen. Ich lerne jedesmal beim Anschauen Ihrer Videos und schaue sie immer wieder gern!

[@kathleenhutter4412]

Very helpful video, thank you! The credit card with the gesso was pretty brilliant! I've used brushes and foam rollers, but I'm going to try the credit card idea. Thanks mate!

[@rebeccalemaich9413]

Brilliant Ian. Found the overview informative and helpful. Loved credit card use with gesso. See you next week.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Rebecca. Thanks for watching

[@DannySabraArt]

I feel like I've watched every art video on youtube. I self taught myself painting and I have to say Ian that this video is hands down one of the most useful and beneficial videos I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing this great resource!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wow, Danny that is great. Thanks so much for letting me know.

[@jazmarz]

I have been watching you since Covid started. I like your teaching style. I used your videos to start watercolor while "locked down". Now, I have an opportunity to take an oil painting class at my local university. I am very excited, thanks in part to you for the encouragement to try new things. This video gives a preview of supplies and studio setup that will be most helpful for any beginner. I will also share your medium knowledge with my professional artist in the family. He may learn something new from you as well. Thanks for sharing your talent and time.

[@itmatters107]

so simple but great advice I never thought of that is the same order of your paints

[@SB-qs9zu]

Your wife’s paintings look beautiful!

[@roseconfectionart409]

Thank you very much for this video. I've learned new information about mediums to use and primer for canvas

[@LoriDonohue]

Thanks for doing this tour of your studio. Very informative,

[@inglishhomeandgarden8386]

Such a valuable and helpful video. Thanks for showing us around!

[@janquerbes5196]

This is the best lesson ever, I learned so much rather than stumbling on my own and getting very frustrated👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Jan.

[@paulabraganza9983]

You do not need to reply to this: I watch your weekly presentations and even tho’ I do not paint, I am so amazed at what the whole painting process: from sketching your shapes, to making everything sound simple and easy. I have just completed reading the book: The Forger’s Spell by Edward Dolnick, about the Vermeer forged paintings from the 1930’s to 1945’s. Listening to you demonstrating the surfaces ( linen to canvas), and the application of the different paint thicknesses is fascinating after having enjoyed the book immensely. Thanks very much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes, if you were a forger of Old Master paintings you would have to be super careful about linen, and the paints and ..... well everything! Delighted you are enjoying the videos.

[@VintageHart1]

Fantastic & generous video! Thank you.

[@lazlovic]

So useful. Those few minutes on glazing were terrific explanations. But the whole thing, from bevelled pencil leads onwards, an excellent tutorial.

[@sarah_pings_witherby]

Wonderful stuff here, thank you. Oil of spike lavender is a fantastic medium for oils … non toxic with a side benefit of relaxation! Used by Victorian painters and pretty much forgotten nowadays … when I painted with it I found I painted with focus for longer too 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great tip!

[@allaprimaportland6812]

Hi Ian. This is the first video I have seen from you. I'm stating the obvious, I realize, but I wanted to compliment you on how eloquent you are. I've sat through an awful lot of art videos where the presenter um-ed, er-ed and sputtered through most of it. It is a joy to discover an artist who communicates clearly and in a meaningful way. Thanks also for all these links. You really go the extra mile in every way.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your telling me.

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

I look forward to a time when I can have a preferred pallet of colors for all my work. Some day.

[@shirinmasihnia2107]

I like your teaching a lot ! You are so generous to teach every details you know . Thank you so much 🙏🌹

[@rondayvu9400]

I'm a beginner transintioning to a un-accomplished painter...enjoy your instructional videos and surprising myself using your methods...tx

[@dianeworthington2885]

I have purchased some of your composition videos -- Just want to give you an A+ for your teaching skills. Subject is presented in a clear, concise, understandable way. Thanks

[@FluxyMiniscus]

Great video Ian! I’m currently in yourMC class, so I’m watching the few videos I’ve missed. LOTS of great info in this one, thanks for sharing Because you asked for suggestions… IMO the video title doesn’t do it justice- this isn’t a studio tour- it’s a lovely treasure trove of great tips for oil painting.… perhaps it might increase viewership if it was titled differently…? I wish I knew you were sharing these treasured bits of info in this video…from the title, I thought it would be an envy inducing studio tour (so I actually skipped it… and didn’t watch it for a year! Simply because I’m trying to be content with my little studio and avoid the green eyed monster) Looking forward to this week’s class! MBZ (with the long blue hair)

[@ragequitredux]

I just love watching different perspectives from different artists. I started oil painting thinking it would be a lot easier, e.g. almost like digital painting where you just move the brush on the canvas and it paints whatever color perfectly on top of what's already there. And many KZbin artists almost make it look that easy! But of course they're dealing with the "reality" of oil paint in different ways. Some use slow-drying mediums and try not to layer their paint at all. Some use quick-drying mediums and just wait long enough for the paint to get tacky so they can paint on top of it. Some paint alla prima, no medium, and they just use principles like pushing/pulling, painting thickly, etc., to make it work. Some paint on linen, some paint on boards. All of these styles work because in each case the artist's choices are compatible with one another. Learning about how one choice affects another has honestly been a very fun/rewarding part of learning how to paint. I've been gravitating toward this alla prima, no medium style because it allows me to paint in one sitting, thus getting more practice in. I may experiment with other styles when I get better, but honestly I suspect I'll always stick with this one.

[@sandraworrall-hart3840]

Great, thank you. Your wife's paintings appear to be in a graphic style, with lovely vibrant colours.

[@DreamingCatStudio]

What a generous and informative video! I especially love the advice to put colors on the palette in the exact place each time!

[@lahaza6515]

I'm learning so much from you about light & shape! I hope you'll forgive my saying; but if you replaced the door blinds with a light bamboo, it would elevate the entire studio space by giving it structure & definition in the entry. Really worth it. Even I f you get them at Target:))

[@louielouie4187]

Thank you so very much You are highly favored 🙌 And much appreciated God bless

[@subhashnisarta3496]

Just I am very appreciate with the art 🎨🎭 specially for the water colour latest trends in water colour painting 🖌️🎨 jenerally people are working on now.

[@homaarjomand8166]

I never took any professional classes and I paint as my hobby. I like to thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise free of charge. I feel more confident about how to begin to paint 🤙

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm delighted you found it helpful. Thanks so much.

[@cindyd.01]

I’d like to agree with the requests for your favorite art books and acrylic painting tips, when you can get to it. A video showing your process for a portrait or animal painting would also be nice (even if you don’t normally paint those). Thanks for so many great videos!

[@susanfletcher921]

Goodness. In this one video I have learned more than I have learned in expensive multi-day workshops. You are my new mentor. Thank you. I am confused how to see additional info that you often remark are available on th screen.

[@paulineslater5367]

Ian, I real like you and your videos, some of the best on KZbin. Very informative and simply explained for a beginner.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is so nice of you to say. Thank you Pauline

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

"i should drink more water, too." You are so real. I wish we could have a drink together.

[@viviandibrell849]

Excellent info! No pretense, no cheesy music and a minimum of words! I always get a lot out of every one of your videos! Thank you for doing these.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Vivian

[@peterelmer9114]

Excellent; really enjoyed it and learnt a lot. Oh, for the luxury of a dedicated studio - at least I’ve got the end section of my garage. We live in small (and too expensive !)houses on the other side of the pond.

[@ianbrowne8871]

A* as usual! It is pleasing to see such a calm and well-organised studio. This reflects so many your paintings which have a calm and meditative quality to them - unnecessary clutter is eliminated in both cases! Having just completed a 48 hour refresher drawing course at West Dean College, Chichester, England, this was a good home coming. Following up the papers you mentioned I was amused to see such British place names use by American firms - no wonder I had not heard of them before. I had discovered they are available here but if some of your viewers are un the UK they may find Arboreta 'off white' pads made in the English Bristol a good alternative. We used these with pencil, conte crayon and all forms of charcoal and they take any amount of rubbing out and punishment. These may be easier to access here and not have import duties. I cannot find the Raymar panels on any UK site but the linen is available from several suppliers. I was fascinated by the Dorlands Medium - something new to try. I will enjoy a second viewing this evening. I loved the 'His' and 'Hers" stations!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Ian. I grew up in Toronto, and I'd say every town and street is named after somewhere in the UK. Except maybe Toronto itself. Algonquin for the meeting place or something like that. I've never heard of Arboreta. I'll have to look that up. The Claessens linen would be available and you could try it taped to a board and if you like it just glue the linen to the panels yourself. It isn't hard. You just use PVA glue. Or if you don't mind the wet dog smell rabbit skin glue. I'd recommend the PVA.

[@ianbrowne8871]

I enjoyed researching the Raymar boards - they looks to be very well specified and made to last for centuries. I was given some linen and made up four panels with PVA glue on hardboard which I have been using for some studies ahead of bigger paintings. For the en plain air course next week in the South Shropshire Hills at Acton Hall, I have ordered some Linen covered boards but I can make my own in future. I went on an icon painting course a few years ago where i learnt to gild, lay down gesso and use egg temporary paint. The tutor used gelatine as the binding agent for the gesso and bole surfaces in preference to the rabbit skin glue - this excited his dog so much it thought that the studio was full of the critters! These matters rarely get mentioned - as with another painter I know who stashed a couple of completed canvases in a hedge while he did a couple of watercolours. He returned to find the canvases bare - the bullocks in the field had licked all the paint off! Best wishes - I admire your practical as well as artistic skills!

[@janelintern6969]

Very generous of you, Ian. Thanks. Jane

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure Jane. Thanks for watching

[@vineethachirukandath7553]

A very informative video. Can go on listening to your classes for hours. It's really a treasure.

[@amandamillar9616]

You are a wonderful communicator and teacher Ian. You have the most important skill of knowing what students need to flourish. Thank you.

[@alicegriffin4375]

Thank you so much Ian. You make things so clear and I look forward to your videos and find them so helpful. You are a masterful teacher and so generous with all your time and expertise.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Alice.

[@nirmaly4614]

I am a beginner. I am so happy to watch this video because it's so helpful.

[@meghead2338]

Watched again! Excellent synthesis. Have used Gamblin mediums Galkyd - supposedly not as smelly as liquid. The chip brush is wonderful as it displays the texture and emotion behind the strokes , especially on a smooth ground. Always learning especially as the grounds determine the paint quality.

[@carylhochleutner4568]

You could go on for ever ! I would love that!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Caryl!

[@michaeltollen588]

Thanks for explainting some of the technical aspects of oil painting that almost noone covers.

[@ljstearns1]

Would you please talk more about varnishing sometime? I’ve a ton of oil paintings and have hesitated to varnish them. Thanks 😊

[@jonquilbennett8411]

Yes, for me too please!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes, I'm making a list of the most asked questions and this is definitely one of them. I'll do another and cover all the points. All the best.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes will do.

[@nataliehachey4865]

Thank you so much! You have a beautiful big space to work in!

[@108bhavani]

Once again a wonderful informative lesson Thank you Ian .

[@zenoist2101]

Glad to see you mentioned lighting which is really important to an artist. If anyone noticed the walls are white and the floor is light and the there is a lot of light bouncing around.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It's pretty well lit. Usually the light is even though and that is the main thing.

[@lunabouch]

You are one of the best in information and techniques. Thanks

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I appreciate that Paul. Thanks so much.

[@kandifish8942]

Thank you Ian! Id LOVE a Q& A video. That sounds Amazing; I can't wait for your live video!🤩I Love your instructions and specific beginners tips & tricks. Stay safe and Be well my friend!🌻💜

[@galesaunders2521]

Thank you Ian for showing us your studio and your materials so helpful! Looking forward to your next video, you are a wonderful painter and teacher!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Gale! Happy you are enjoying the videos

[@mikepetersen7319]

Well, Mr. Roberts...this was one of the best Art Videos I've seen so far. Very valuable Information espacially concerning Oil Paint. I've just subscribed.👍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Mike. Thanks for letting me know.

[@mikepetersen7319]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Sorry for Answering late. Yeah I liked It, because One can really learn something. Your'e a good Teacher just like Andrew Tischler.

[@graememackay4266]

Amazing stuff. I’ll be trying out some of your tutorials very shortly! 😊

[@Undergroundgirl1000]

This is a super essential guide to oil painting! Less is more , concise and to the point. I will return to this video a few times I am sure🤗

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you found it helpful Therese.

[@gammoron]

hello mr. Roberts, love your videos including this one too. I'm new to your channel so i don't know if you've gone over it previously, but perhaps you should get Amazon referrel links in your descriptions for the products you list out. I am sure people wouldn't mind supporting you when they make a purchase since you're helping us all through your informative content. have a great day.

[@OurWisdom-10]

This is great! I was astonished once when I heard an instructor telling me how to sharpen the pencil and preserve the lead (pigment), after buying so many sharpeners and ruining pencils. Thank you for your insight. I always appreciate the time professional masters take to share their experience and knowledge, you are one of them. Thanks again! BTW, I showed your chanel to many of my artist friends :)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So glad you found it helpful. Thank you for watching and sharing it with your friends! It means a lot to me

[@barrydunn3801]

Yep, keep away from those toxic chemicals, straight paint, little linseed oil, all you need. I clean my brushes with kerosene (outside) spot on Ian good brushes, the way you clean them last years

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Barry.

[@ArtseyGurl]

so much priceless information learned only through your own personal growth. amazing, thank you so much, every one of your videos has helped me improve

[@rachelmarsden6991]

Does your wife have a youtube channel too?? I love love love her paintings

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

She pretty much focuses on instagram.

[@sjmargo]

Ian. Short comment. I live and paint NYC. I just watched your studio tour segment. Having viewed many of your other videos, you come across as a very sincere and generous man. There is an artistry to your presentation. Congratulations and thank you. Steve

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Very kind Steve. Thank you.

[@DipaEna]

Thank you for showing your studio. But I am curious about your book collection that you have in the bookshelf behind you, can you maybe give some info about that in your next studio tour? And also collection of paintings and drawings in the wall and in your archives?

[@StevenDempseyArtist]

A little late to the party here but I have been systematically going through all your videos. I used to paint oil on canvas and then moved into the digital world, still sticking to traditional methods but I will return to actual traditional medium at some point. In the meantime, your channel is proving to be an amazing teaching aid. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration and also for being so generous with your time and knowledge.

[@cindybarr1109]

I hope you'll do more about glazing and finishing/vanishing. Love the tour!

[@guitrC1]

I appreciate your videos, I just wanted to say Thank you.

[@juliedudgeon3663]

Thank you so much for your reply! Looking forward to the lesson on acrylics. :-)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome.

[@vickylentz3047]

Thanks for the peek into your studio and process. Have a great week! :)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Vicky!

[@FLYINGWARRIOR19661]

Love the paintings on your wife's side of the studio..are they painted by her? Also love the floral picture by the door. Might I suggest new blinds....I'm thinking an awesome studio would look even better with them...but hey thats just me and really non of my business. I often wonder how artists have their space set up so i appreciate the tour...

[@dalehallmark9174]

I have used KZbin for a long time and watched 100's if not thousands of artist who use all kinds of methods and techniques that are really great. But finding an artist that teaches the style and methods that suit what I want to do is challenging. Currently your videos are my favorite and best show how I want to paint to get the results I want to get. The instructions are great! Thanks for your hard work! I also like Michael Chamberlain and James Gurney a lot but yours are best.

[@dalehallmark9174]

PS, Just ordered your mastering composition book. Looking forward to it!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Dale that is so nice of you to let me know. What amazes me about James Gurney is damn steady his hand is. All the best and thank you.

[@canyonriver2441]

Thank you Ian, I agree with Mark, "This is one of the best videos I've watched on basic but important things". Your teaching style in very straight forward without a lot of additional conversation explaining that can make what you are talking about confusing. I've been painting off and on since late 2016, in this video you anwsered some questions that I had. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That makes me so happy to hear Lilah. Thank you for those kind words

[@neazenzen372]

Cozy studio :) I want a studio some day!

[@trimamu]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lroseman2624]

Loved the video! Very helpful for newbies! ❤

[@craftywoman6399]

This is so great. Thank you. More more more

[@finnbodkin4165]

Hi Ian, would you do a critique of student work, what went wrong and could have been done better etc? I know other art KZbinrs have done this and it's super helpful. Thanks.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Finn, that's an interesting idea. Let me think about that and I'll see how I might do it. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@lulali4822]

Thank you for inviting to your studio and sharing. It was very interesting. It seems as if you were somewhat nervous or tense. Anyhow it was useful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@2B87]

Thank you Mr. Roberts. I'm glad I found and subscribed to your channel a few months ago. As someone who is eager to transition into oils after many years of acrylics and gouache your channel provides tremendous value. Thanks for you effort, sharing your knowledge and insight into your process. I appreciate it a lot. Best from Germany.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you are enjoying the videos and finding them helpful. Thanks for letting me know.

[@dianerose4469]

wonderful information Ian. Thank you so much for this.

[@annesaffer629]

I found the part about the pencils and how to sharpen the very informative. I love how you draw, with all the parallel lines, it is beautiful! Thank you for the tour, I enjoyed it and learned a lot!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you Anne

[@maureengillespie4675]

Thanks Ian , as usual a brilliant video. I always look forward to my Tuesday's.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful. Thanks for watching Maureen!

[@lorilevesque6934]

Very straight forward with good recommendations. Lori L.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Lori

[@dinahfarok]

you’re a wonderful teacher, Ian

[@CDNSMOKEJUMPER]

I'm starting to think I'm weird for liking the smell of oil painting..... I grew up painting model airplanes in my bedroom. Oil painting in my office/studio smells much nicer than Testers paint. As an adult I'm in construction. Oil and mining.... I guess I'm used to smelly toxic fumes. :P Thanks Ian for these videos. It's been helping improve my paintings. Do you have a community where we can share paintings with yourself and other fans of your work?

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

Love your wife's work. Very involving color.

[@Doowhtucando]

How wonderful! Thank you for sharing your space 🙂

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@mlcs179]

So good to see your space, now I no longer need to imagine it!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@nadyavolodicheva6221]

Thank you for your creativity and for your lessons! Just think, technical progress allows us to find a teacher even on the other side of the planet and learn from him. This is fantastic and we live in it!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So glad you enjoyed it Nadya.

[@candacetroystudios]

Thank you Ian. Looking forward to more videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you are enjoying them Candace

[@depalpatel8735]

Watched this again, such a good video for anyone painting in oils and for drawing. Filled with helpful tips and advice. Thank you

[@janetogren287]

Because of the smell, a few years ago I switched from turpinoid to Gamsol and from liquin to Walnut oil. They are both working well fo me. I liked your info on painting surfaces.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you Janet

[@peterwilliams8265]

Thanks Ian that was great I will watch that a few times love your videos

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter!

[@ChaNayNayAnime]

What a wonderful video

[@dv9476]

You are so sincere, Ian. Thank you a ton for your videos. Wish you all the very best.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I appreciate that! You too!

[@arim4799]

First off , I love the tips, I want to return to painting and use to use mineral spirits and linseed. I'm more aware now of toxicity in the chemicals and of the bad practices I had in college [ breathing mineral spirits without ventilation until u just don't notice anymore and yes often handling mineral spirits with barehands]. Perhaps sharing any options of painting technique or product out there without mineral spirits or alternatives for mineral spirits? I'm sure something would need to be sacrificed in the resulting appearance or techniques that can be used-- but any possible options would be nice. I saw a video of someone else suggesting using only as a medium linseed, or liquin but maybe I misunderstood. I'm prepared to hear- No! there is no realistic way 😅 That's what Acrylics are for.

[@susantreibs6593]

Hi, I recently found your site. I have a window open, and a fan blowing air out. And I use a half mask respirator when painting smelly things and airbrushing. As I am learning how to paint, and how to deal with the toxins, I think it is good to find ways to stay healthy when painting. There are many types of filters available and one can make one for their studio. Look into the filters for airbrushing, as a start.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Good Ideas Susan. Thank you.