Mastering Edges: You Control Your Painting with Your Edges

Edges orchestrate how your eye moves on your painting. Control the edges and you control how the viewer's eye moves. I'll show you three masters, Caravaggio, Vermeer, and Sargent, and how they play with lost edges to create mystery. In my painting I'll show you the same idea. It creates mystery, and engagement for the viewer.
Link to join my email list so you receive these videos weekly to your inbox:
masteringcomposition.com/free...
Link to some recent paintings by Ian Roberts for Sale:
masteringcomposition.com/prod...
The colors on my palette:
Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Permanent
Dioxazine Purple
Ultramarine Blue
Chrome Oxide Green
Phthalo Green
Plus this week I added raw umber and ivory black.
To purchase Mastering Compositon click this link: www.amazon.com/Mastering-Comp...
To purchase Creative Authenticity click this link: www.amazon.com/Creative-Authe...
My website: www.ianroberts.com/
Facebook page: / ianrobertsartist
Instagram @ianrobertsartist: / ianrobertsartist

[@Grumpysusie]

Ian, in my humble opinion...I do believe that this lesson session is the most important video an artist can watch. This lesson is more valuable than gold. Thank you for reminding me of my edges, which I did not realize I have been somewhat ignoring...an easy habit to fall into I suppose. You're the best!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is so very nice of you to say. Thank you Susie! So glad I could help. All the best

[@dougjonnaebel5704]

I reacted exactly the same way. I realized that I was so caught up on contrast to bring an object into focus, that the painting would be too busy to have a focal POINT!

[@raycarter4030]

Ian, you are a fantastic informer/educator.

[@1969kbl]

I agree.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Ray!

[@sunilartz6606]

The moment you add the sunlight... It made all the difference...

[@priscillaallen5276]

Another master painting. Every week your videos jolt me back to the track of good painting. You show it is worth striving to paint elegant and simple pictures that pack a punch.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Priscilla. Glad you like the videos!

[@marthacanady9441]

Ian, how you are able to erase details from your mind’s eye as you paint is amazing to me. They just simply distract me so much when I am trying to paint. Figuring out what to leave out is a real learning curve for me. Thanks for your guidance.

[@pleinaire8698]

agreed!! That's why i like to do thumbnails first and resolve all those edge issues!

[@georgeedward1226]

Leave out anything plastic or stuff that belongs in a trash bin. I did a painting from a photo recently of a young woman but left out the plastic water bottle she was holding for example.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Martha, the most fundamental things really is seeing in terms of design. Not subject matter. I know I"ve said this before. But it is really a right brain approach instead of a left brain. The left brain just looks at an image and catalogues all the pieces in it. There is not synthesis of the what is the big idea. It really is a question of practicing and crafting designs, rather than getting buried in a painting and having too many things to think about all at once. I making a video now that is sort of an over view video on composition so everyone can see the overarching idea of the weekly videos and then I hope each week the new video will fit mentally into the whole. But I'll talk about this idea.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That's the way

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Now there's a good rule of thumb. I like it George. If it's plastic, leave it out.

[@megmurf5376]

I really found it interesting how you went right in and painted the under painting of the boxes in a brighter blue then I would have tried. Also the mans coat with a brighter green. Then you went over it and toned it down leaving hints of the colour underneath. Brave of you I thought. 😊 Thanks for that! The lost and found edge is so important. I think it was the French impressionists who said - ‘If you can’t see the lost and found edges in nature, you are not looking hard enough! 😊🌼

[@PlantyMadness]

I love this lesson. I went back and watched the one from last year as well. I really wish when I was in art school that more instructors would have spent time teaching us principles like this--analyzing paintings of masters and bringing that to life with a demonstration really teaches one to think before they put marks down one their own surfaces. I really enjoy seeing what you decide to remove from your sources as you paint as well. I really need to work on simplifying the unnecessary clutter and being more decisive up front. Thank you for the time and effort you put in each week--each lesson is practical and makes me really think as I am working in my own studio. I think this is one of my favorite paintings of yours I have seen so far. I am currently reading your books now, so I look forward to your live question and answer day. Best Wishes!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Natalie, really delighted you are seeing the steps you suggest here about how to improve your painting. And happy you are enjoying the videos.

[@PlantyMadness]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I really think planning is key. I have always had a reference to work from but I just did not take the time to do drawings first. My drawings and paintings where two separate things. Since I started watching your videos, I have started doing drawings first, which has been so helpful. Now I am working on letting things go and not over detailing.

[@joycebutler3494]

Such a good lesson. Less is more and engages the viewer. Love this painting.❤️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Joyce! Glad you liked it

[@taramazurk8300]

Your videos have made a world of a difference in how I approach my artwork. Thank you! 🙏🏻✨

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm so glad! Thank you Tara

[@squadiodatamj5998]

Thank You Ian, I did indeed find the video helpful. Seems I'm ready to focus on edges for a while. I also did have a fantastic day!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful! And glad you had a fantastic day!

[@fweneks_blood]

Edges play a very important role. Thanks for the video. 👌🏾

[@Ch0nek]

It's incredibly generous of you to offer such high level content in such detail for free! I've been reading your book on Creative Authenticity and going through all your videos here on KZbin. You've been both inspiring and informative for me and my creative process. I cannot thank you enough Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me happy to hear. Thank you for supporting me - both in my books and videos. All the best

[@yuchensoong8847]

I am so lucky to have your tuber in 2022. It is so instructive to me. My teachers never told me all these principles in painting. And it is amazingly wonderful to watch you complete every work. Thank you so much.

[@joannegagnon-marihart]

How powerful and intriguing at the same time this whole painting is...and so poetic.. Thank you for helping us to improve.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Joanne

[@Backrenz]

Wonderful painting and the explanation on edges is so helpful. It is an aspect which I tend to forget a little during painting, so this was a very useful reminder.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching

[@Surai00]

The video was very helpful, as always! I'm trying so hard to stop getting caught up on the details and overworking my painting until there's too many places to focus on. Your videos are the best lessons for that.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Ian. Thanks so much. Glad you are enjoying the videos. I have more that talk specifically about simplification - I think you will enjoys those too

[@punkeasy]

Love your channel Ian. Keep up the content.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad to hear it! Thank you

[@artofdanielmelendez5586]

I've been drawing/painting animals mostly, but i do enjoy your vids and have been making my way through them while I work. You just know when you have a good sketch but your lessons help me realize whtas working and whats not

[@franlily8774]

‘ Trust the viewer to fill in an edge’ , I hope I remember this lesson. It takes confidence to point the viewer to a certain place in a picture , if as a painter your not confident that place is painted well. Seeing you do it, and explain the process of seeing, is helpful. Thanks for the lesson Ian.

[@1969kbl]

Fantastic lesson! Beautifully rendered, and you made it look effortless, like all the rest of your paintings. Thank you Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Katrina!

[@SlowPersuit]

Excellent little demo / instructional video I watch so many videos where the 'instructor' shows them making a nice painting- but who cares? Often they don't even show the reference well. So what has the viewer learnt? Something about colour maybe, some brush work. I this, you have shown how you have interpreted a subject- what your decisions were, the process of taking an image & converting it into a personalised piece of art- THAT is what people need to see! Thanks you again!

[@Cris-mn4si]

Hi Ian, you are a fantastic teacher and artist! Thank you very much for your videos !! Greetings from Germany!

[@joannschoenleber813]

Edges! Amazing!! Thanks 🙏 Ian. Your painting is beautiful!

[@saram5005]

This is so eye-opening - thank you Ian! I have studied with quite a few oil painters -- quite good ones, in fact, -- but not one has ever explained the importance of edges making certain elements recede into the background. I can't thank you enough for your generosity in sharing this information.

[@bobbiekelsten5950]

Thank you. This video was one that gave me some extremely helpful tips and information. I enjoy every one but sometimes you answer the questions I didn’t even know I was asking. 🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Bobbie. I am happy to hear I am helping!

[@laurabiscaro6900]

You are a terrific teacher and I can’t wait to read your books.

[@alleywoops2994]

absolutely wonderful, I can't get over how confident your brushwork and command of shapes are. Of all things, I was especially inspired by how (seemingly) effortlessly you carved the background.

[@joannaryan9805]

I love this picture , it is like an old master

[@ceruleansky9583]

I think you just became my fav YTer

[@rockykelley]

Congratulations. Another wonderful video presentation. You provide a valuable service to our creative community. Blessings

[@rsbagley3451]

Wonderful reminder of a simple Idea...so important, so hard to achieve. You do it so well. I watched it twice and then wanted to jump right on a painting of a human. Thanks so much for the reminder to improve on my ability to lose edges....It's just so cool to watch you do it. Great video!!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Ramona. All the very best.

[@nancykirk3683]

Really loving your figurative paintings!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Nancy!

[@josephfcampisejr7816]

Ian...thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and skills...you are a terrific teacher

[@summerhi7703]

I love how you show us an old master painting, focus on one concept and then apply it to one of your original paintings.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Summer.

[@yeggneswararaojammalamadak6084]

A very good lesson with simple and best explanation . Thank you sir.

[@Nienpet]

That’s ridiculously good. I’m going to have to give this a try.

[@ediemarie2696]

You make it look so easy. You are one of my favourite teacher artist

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is very kind. Thank you Edie

[@angshumansengupta6322]

Simple and beautiful painting 🎨 & you explain very beautifully 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Angshuman!

[@dulcieogilvie5786]

Fantastic!!!!!

[@psi_lucid]

Wow. What a lesson! In just a few minutes I learned a valuable lesson. I never figured out why my eyes gravitated towards certain details in great art. Now I understand how that was an intentional decision by the artist. Thank you for sharing this.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Excellent! Glad you found it so helpful

[@aliciamolloy5948]

Thank you Ian for such a great lesson!

[@anitajulaniya1959]

Simply brilliant.

[@Zahra_Al_Badiya]

Another great lesson!

[@linebing6208]

Thank you for that wonderful session.

[@losangulos]

Been enjoying your latest videos

[@ukaszgaweda6213]

Thanks Ian for another excellent and simple explanation of this important topic. I just realized how crucial edges are for paintins :).

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Absolutely. Happy that this video helped Lukasz

[@claudiahowell9508]

So amazing watching your painting come alive!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Claudia

[@arieljiang8198]

thanks for this lesson! You made it look so easy

[@annmarielopiccolo-carlsen7263]

Thank you for reminding us to review your previous videos, “How Edges Make or Break Your Painting” and “How Edges Drive Your Painting.” Both were great reviews, and complemented today’s video! This is a topic that I never tire of hearing and is worth often repeating! While the concept of hard and soft edges is easily understood, it is very challenging to implement. In my experience, I have a difficult time with achieving contrast, particularly with darks. I tend to blend my darks to mid-tones; everything seems to be too grey, with very little contrast…..everything appears to have a soft edge. I always start my paintings with establishing the darks. But once I start adding more color, I find I tend to soften the darks because they appear too severe or too much of a contrast. I feel like I have made a mistake and quickly try to ‘fix’ it rather than determining the next hue to add……considering warmer or cooler, darker or lighter, more saturation or less……and remembering to compare the relationships of color, value, and placement of the major mass shapes. I think the reason for this struggle is because I have not mastered color mixing to create the correct hue and intensity as well the value. I may get one correct, but never have I succeeded in all three. Hue, value and intensity in addition to the composition’s structure are so very critical to a successful painting……it is through these elements, including edges, that contrast is established and interest in the painting is achieved……directing the viewer to the focal point of the composition. This concept is so apparent when done correctly, as you have demonstrated with your painting…..your instruction and demonstrations are excellent……your sharing of this knowledge is so very much appreciated! I look forward to next Tuesday’s topic!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Ann Marie, you describe the problem very clearly. The issue is really having to think of so many things at the same time and they all need to gel together. It's like juggling. But you see the problem. I would suggest just paint in black in white for a while and figure out the design of the value masses. Then come back to color. Those two things, color AND design of values masses are two big pieces to be wrestling with at once. Hope that is helpful.

[@bradad2026]

Revisited this for refresher. 8:15 "... like an old master painting ..." - couldn't agree more.

[@noumine]

wonderful painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Noumine

[@cookiemonster3147]

This was very helpfull. Thanks and blessings.

[@jinaart6233]

Thank you so much for making thoses valuable videos! You made me rechanllenging from the lost my passion of my art...

[@maryannpartridge5545]

Wonderful teacher thanking you so much.

[@asiyanaydin]

So happy to find your channel recently💓 Thank you for sharing!

[@ehptiger]

You explain everything so beautifully. Thank you.

[@myrablackwell3271]

This by far has become my favorite painting… You always do an excellent job of explaining not so obvious techniques, and simplifying the process. Such simple shapes yet so much detail in the face…. I struggle with the detail. Thank you for the lesson.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Myra. I quite enjoy this one too. So glad you are finding my videos helpful. All the best

[@vissenkijker]

Thank you! Just discovered your channel, I’m soo happy to watch these! Very inspiring 🍀

[@BunnyLang]

Thank you. So helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome Bunny!

[@stopmotionnotions4992]

Excellent Video!

[@scubathehun]

Thank you kindly! This was very helpful when I do portraits!

[@darlene206]

This video finally helped me to figure out why my paintings look so flat. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad I could help Darlene. Edges are so important

[@skyofhoney7]

Another great video. Thanks Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Beth

[@tjs9876]

Always a pleasure, thanks

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome TJ!

[@sirinwasofwan]

Waw, thank you for sharing about edges, amazing, I'm glad found this channel

[@themysteriousdomainmoviepalace]

Very helpful! Thank you Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Arlene !

[@kidnewton]

Excellent video..thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Paul

[@analivingston7590]

Wonderful Ian, great help thank you very much!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Ana!

[@scraytonify1]

love the colors in this

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@mitchmenzmer3185]

Very helpful! Will have to try it!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Please do! Thanks for watching Mitch

[@jenfleming9384]

What a fantastic painting. You look so relaxed and sure of what you are doing. Great info thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Jen. I have decades of practice, which would help anyone

[@Ztandard32]

Thank You, that was helpful. I need to do that!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Garin!

[@cindyrhodes]

Omg that is just wonderful. Thank you so much for this gem 💎 of instruction!

[@jessicareynolds8276]

That was so interesting and helpful and you explain everything so clearly. Thank you again!

[@joanistotler8804]

Amazing job, Ian! I wonder if you could speak to "keeping the values close", like the range for doing this and when you would want to do that. I'm thinking you did that for the background shape. I appreciate so much this lesson on edges - I feel like I'm just learning to appreciate their value in painting. Thank you so much for sharing you immense knowledge with us.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Joan, keeping the values close is really the same as soften an edge. Softening an edge doesn't mean mushing to away. It can. But also putting two close values beside each other even with a crisp "hard" edge is softening an edge. Glad you liked it.

[@barbarakemp8630]

Yes it was very helpful. Thankyou.💐

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Barbara!

[@selftrue670]

Brilliant. Simply brilliant.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@normanbannister9270]

Thank you Ian. Another superb lesson!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Norman!

[@judithslawter372]

This was a good one for me! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Judith!

[@francoforleo4971]

Another excellent demo 🙏🎨🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Franco

[@myriamlambert801]

An essential lesson ! Thank you for this

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Myriam!

[@DreamerGirlForever]

Fantastic! I learn so much from you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm so glad Kim!

[@anilimo9296]

Excellent information and demo, tanks a lot!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Ani!

[@kentontoner3574]

lovely , thanks so much , you videos are brilliant and gems after gems ! thanks so very much !

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them Kenton. All the best

[@nataliehachey4865]

So clever! I feel like you are an orchestra conductor, directing the viewer’s attention and holding it with just the right amount of intrigue. All visual, and playful. Very enjoyable!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Natalie

[@rogermanley9017]

Thank you,That helps a lot! And the painting is beautiful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm glad you like it Roger!

[@AmandaInEly]

Thank you for this great and to the point tutorial

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Amanda!

[@tonyhayes9827]

A great example of art. The photograph shows reality and the painting the spirit behind it. The painting is so much greater than the photograph. Brilliant. Enjoyed this one a lot

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well said! Thank you Tony

[@amelelk619]

So impressive, I love your videos so much ! Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like them Ella!

[@joannschoenleber813]

Wow the quality of light in that painting is sooo beautiful! Crazy awesome! Great painting!! Thank you 🙏

[@lindasteger7207]

You are by far the best instructor! Thank you for sharing all your expertise and talent!

[@josephawilson2248]

Excellent instructions and extremely helpful thanks.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are welcome Joseph!

[@jof410]

Amazing what edges can do! Thanks for sharing master!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome

[@syl-viebe3599]

Ahhh, the best video of the week! Thank you Ian, stunning class!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is very kind. Thank you so much!

[@morebagful]

Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're welcome Jamie!

[@gail3167]

Excellent as always. If I keep watching these am hoping eventually these ideas will filter through to my paintings. 😁

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It will! Thanks for watching Gail

[@creyetivemedia]

Glad I found you yesterday! Thank you for the lesson.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure!

[@MrAddison79]

im learning a lot from you, thanks for sharing and teaching!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad to hear it! Thanks John

[@peindreenfantin]

Very interesting lost edges Thank you for this beautiful demonstration

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for watching!

[@margaretstreet6500]

Thank you so much! Another great lesson. How true that the eye fills in what it expects to see.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Exactly. Delighted you found it helpful Margaret