Pushing Against Your (Artistic) Comfort Zone

All of us have feelings of uncertainty about our artistic practice. That colors how we express ourselves. Sometimes it is worth just pushing through that uncertainty and being bolder.
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The colors on my palette:
Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Permanent
Quinacridone Magenta
Dioxazine Purple
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Blue
Cerulean Blue
Chrome Oxide Green
Phthalo Green
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Facebook page: / ianrobertsartist
Instagram @ianrobertsartist: / ianrobertsartist

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you for letting me know. We will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@whitegibson8045]

Looking forward to it

[@yuriiandreichyn9312]

Fedir Zakharov is a ukrainian painter!, not russian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

@@yuriiandreichyn9312 You are not the first to point that out. Thank you and I’ll clarify the point when I do the video next month.

[@cloverhoney6203]

I have one more question.... Do you use bristle brushes or synthetic brushes? Sometimes your paint looks really smooth like a softer bristle brush but your brush looks like a Robert Simmons bristle brush... I'm not looking for a brand recommendation but a bristle recommendation... My natural style of painting is very similar to what you do... That's why I really connect to your videos... But I have yet to be really happy with brushes. I have tried synthetic brushes and I have tried bristle brushes... I have never used sables.... What bristle type do you use?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

@@cloverhoney6203 I use hogshair filberts. The company I loved Manet, French, went out of business a few years ago. Held their shape forever. I mean until I grounded the bristles away. Now Robert Simmons is fine. Trekell. I don’t mind synthetics but for thinner paint. I think you need the hogshair to hold more paint. All the best and best of luck.

[@smilinglynn9584]

Yes, please do more master copy paintings. I am a visual learner and you're a great teacher. It's very helpful to see how you mix colors, etc. Thank you so much.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you for the kind comment. I definitely plan on doing the master copy for the next video. All the best.

[@kathyprince1608]

I would love to see the master copy exercise. I think we don’t do this often enough and is a great learning tool.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Kathy. I will definitely do it for the next video. It is a really good experiment.

[@suzannebonham583]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition YAY! Looking forward to that!!

[@sacrebleu1371]

​@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thank you.

[@evs950]

Would LOVE to see your painted version of the Zen painting

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. I definitely plan on it.

[@barbarabrown7960]

I've been "careful" all my life. Getting close to my 8th decade. It's time to cut loose, at least in my painting endeavors! Can't wait to see more of the Zakharov style.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes, if not now when? Good luck and bon courage Barbara.

[@ebuzzmiller9178]

Hi Ian. That was a great exercise in pushing your comfort zone. I would like to see you doing the Zakharov painting for next month. Great idea!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I'll definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@marieroslind1479]

Hi Ian, so interesting to see more of the painter you mentioned before in Mastering Composition community. I had never heard of him before, so very nice learning something about a new painter! Happy summer!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I am happy to introduce him to so many people. Thank you for watching and glad you enjoyed it.

[@kut2o2]

Hi Ian. Pushing our comfort zones is a great way to expand our horizons. Thanks for exposing us to this BOLD master. Your explanations enable us to appreciate his work even more.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Krishnan. Delighted you enjoyed the video. All the best.

[@cameronnorman3044]

You have definitely inspired me to move out of my comfort zone and experiment. This can be especially challenging in watercolors where any kind of overworking can quickly turn to mud. Your generosity in sharing your inspiring artistic journey is appreciated by us all. I look forward to watching the master copy demo. Have a wonderful summer!

[@joannaryan9805]

I’ve always done watercolour which is why I am watching Ian’s videos to start painting in oils instead .After visiting and admiring the great masters I realise I’ll never achieve what I want to convey in a painting in watercolours . Even the great masters who painted in watercolour as well I noticed their oil paintings were far better than their watercolours because it’s such an unforgiving medium

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Cameron. This can definitely be applied to any medium, including watercolor. Delighted you like the videos. All the best.

[@helenfarson2486]

I love the boldness in this piece. Deliberate. Not fussy. Beautiful color shifts, A great demo and shows more passion than some previous paintings, Why is it we cannot just stop when we have the gesture of things? ie that wall! Thanks for the video. I want to watch the master copy utube when it is available. Thanks for all you do to encourage and teach us.

[@thvrijhof-kruit7357]

Yes, I also would like to see the master copy KZbin. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Helen, it really takes a lot of attention to stop yourself from being fussy. I deal with it all the time. Delighted you liked the video. I plan on doing the master copy. All the very best.

[@beverlyshepherd6472]

Yes please - I would love to watch this unfold. Thank you Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Beverly. Will do!

[@nickandmaireadsikkes3205]

Yes, please do the master copy of Zahkarov. Loved the results of your bolder style. It’s comforting to see that as a master artist you sometimes ‘muddle’ with parts of a painting. You are a wonderful , inspiring teacher and I have learned so much from you. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Nick and Mairead. Glad you found this video helpful. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@user-ub1dw3hp7d]

Hi Ian! How did you know? Whenever I struggle at something in my artistic practice, Ian sends another applicable instructional video to addresses my concerns or questions, like he knows what I am thinking. Bravo for keeping current with your instruction and good advice! Being bold is my new objective! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Good luck with it Bridgette. All the best.

[@firedust34]

Love the bold brush marks and would like to see a demo of the Zakharov copy.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. Glad you liked it. I'll definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@user-we3qi7ql3f]

Yes, would love to see your master copy. I’ve done this myself a few times and it is so educational!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Lindsay. I'll definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. It is a very educational tool. All the best.

[@marieroslind1479]

Very successful painting 🎨🖼 Thanks for doing this!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. I appreciate it Marie.

[@bettymoreland8404]

I would love to see the master copy demo. Really enjoyed watching you paint this.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Betty. I'll definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@dougklein8261]

Yes! Love where you’re going with this approach. I’m a chronic perfectionist and always trying to get to this style of painting.

[@theresaharper-dube6844]

Yes, please share a video of you doing a master copy of Zakharov's painting! Thank you!

[@user-rx3ph3ox4i]

"Chronic perfectionist?" Ha-ha-ha! Well said!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Doug, it really takes a lot of attention to stop yourself from being fussy. I deal with it all the time. Thank you for watching.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Will do Theresa. Thank you.

[@laurelpowell3678]

Thankyou for this wonderful video. Loved watching you paint while pushing your comfort zone. I also appreciated being able to watch the part where you reworked the wall. Reworking is something I do much too often. And like you, when I go back to look at a photo of how it looked before reworking I usually like the first version better. Thank you for sharing all of it with us. I would definitely like to watch you copying his painting in a future video.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Laurel. Glad you found the wall part helpful. I thought it was relatable to include. I'll definitely do the master copy. All the best.

[@corallall]

To be honest, despite all the efforts, Ian's style is clearly seen.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Adrian, I wasn't trying to hide the way I paint, just paint the way I paint more boldly. So it'll still look like mine. All the best.

[@markoartist5273]

I think your painting is fabulous and the way you teach just the best. The book os composition explains it all! Thank you very much! 😊

[@heatherbennett1129]

Yes I’m looking forward to seeing more of this style because I am fast when I paint and hate to fiddle 😜

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Sounds like a great match. Thank you Heather. I plan on it.

[@Abe-rz1nm]

This is the first time I've ever seen Fedor Zackharov's work and it blew me away! He's now my favourite painter of all time!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

He is really fantastic. I am glad I introduced you to him. Thank you

[@lsfogel1]

Love them!

[@davidkillen9012]

Love your art work!😎

[@user-ei6mt2he2y]

I liked the first version of the wall better. Thank you for all you do.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for watching Evelyn. You're very welcome

[@user-bk1jl9me1w]

Beautiful and simply done. Thank you

[@moround588]

Yes to master copy. You’re an excellent teacher Ian.

[@glorious5389]

You are such a good person! God bless you always.

[@carlosnarino3458]

magnificent continuity of light and vivid color contrasts thank you

[@sueuelk1020]

I love this one and look forward to seeing more in the bold style of the Russian painter.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Sue. I am glad you like the idea.

[@waynegadke7118]

I like the result! I laughed when you fiddled with the wall. It is probably the worst of my painting faults, not knowing when to quit. thanks Wayne

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Wayne. I thought it was relatable. All the best

[@DenisPombriant]

Yes! Let's do the master copy. The boldness makes composition come alive.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Dennis. I plan on it

[@sylhayes8152]

Always inspiring, thanks Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Syl

[@cindybarr1109]

Thank you for the larger pieces.

[@mikeames8339]

Love it!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Mike

[@mohandoctor1930]

Fantastic demonstration sir

[@joycesumara416]

Absolutely Ian, love this style.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Joyce

[@TOPFIVEFIT]

I loved the stone wall at 7:25, but I also loved it after the re-do. I can practically feel the sun reflecting off the building/s - just love it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. I am glad you liked watching the transformation.

[@maxstone7386]

Thank you. Very revealing.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Max. Thank you

[@denyseroberts5862]

Yes please, so helpful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Denyse. Will do

[@susank9987]

yes, please!!! thank you Ian for another great video

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome Susan

[@wendybeharrell2217]

I love this style Ian . Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Wendy. You're very welcome

[@dianahmclaughlin]

Love it Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Diana. Happy to hear from you. All the best.

[@user-cd5md8rl3c]

Yes please! (and thank you!)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Kim. And you're welcome. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video

[@Ztandard32]

I really enjoyed that. Your videos always inspire me and it's great to see someone you admire pushing boundaries.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Delighted you enjoyed the video

[@tedewilkins]

Absolutely. I would love to see it!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Ted. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video

[@user-zj5cg4ho4k]

I don't know but whenever I watched people sharing their painting process from start to finish, i'd found myself getting more and more excited as the painting turned out beautifully at the end of the video. I've been searching for this kind of videos, I'm an art student and I found this really heplful, thank you so much Mr Roberts !

[@kathyteasdale599]

Yes would love to see the master copy

[@glyniscameron9552]

As always very inspirational thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Glynis. Glad you think so

[@olessiakouzina1862]

Hi from Moscow! Love this 👨‍🎨

[@darcymanwaring1489]

That was so great to watch you do that. It looks beautiful and I love it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Darcy

[@christinewilde110]

Love it! More please! X

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great. Thank you for watching.

[@janeschafer8456]

Would love it!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Jane. Will do

[@robpac3403]

Awesome work 👍

[@philomenacesta563]

Yes please. Great artist

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Philomena. Yes, Zakharov is fantastic

[@dulcieogilvie5786]

I loved watching you do this…very inspirational.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Glad you think so

[@holly_kay5570]

I enjoyed watching you do that Ian. It's so freeing and I'm looking forward to the next one!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Holly. Glad you think so

[@susananderson1763]

Love the strokes and how its simplified.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Susan

[@vickyking3408]

Enjoyed it it helps

[@mimeem]

Oh yes, please! Would love to see that!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@Alex-de5uu]

Yes! Do the master!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you for letting me know Alex. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video

[@leilaluginbill916]

I love watching anything you paint…go for it😍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Leila

[@lindaatkinson6415]

I would love that. Always a joy to watch you paint.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Linda. Glad you watched it

[@janaray41]

Yes, I want to see it. Very helpful.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Jen. Glad you found it helpful. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@anngutwein2417]

Yes, please do it! Thank you for presenting these great vids. I have learned an amazing amount.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Ann. Delighted you liked my videos. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@hafsaadnan9142]

wow the painting turned out great! your videos are always so great and so so helpful. thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome. Glad you enjoyed it

[@tericarter2886]

Yes I would love to see the master copy vid Thanks

[@lsfogel1]

Bold love it

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@steelhead1am]

Looking forward to next month’s video! You are an amazing artist and a great teacher to boot. Thanks for your lessons and more importantly your inspiring artwork Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Kind of you to say

[@marryamakbaar3014]

It looks beautiful 😍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Marryam

[@douglasriddle6447]

Always lover seeing any master copy paintings.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Doug. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video

[@kennethchase8206]

Love to see anything you offer

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Kenneth

[@veganbyday3771]

Yes, to the master copy :)!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Fantastic. Keep an eye out for next week when it's published

[@2broger]

Yes! to master copy

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Roger. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@cristi7814]

Thank you for sharing this 👩🏻‍🎨🤩

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Cristi

[@Esmeralda-bg7qq]

Thank you so much for sharing your technique and the demonstration. I love the end result of your painting. It is beautiful

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome. Delighted you liked it.

[@sandy411]

This is great! Thank you, Ian. And yes on the master copy!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Graham. Glad you liked it. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@enrikacardoen7780]

I love this painting 😍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Enrika

[@AMd-il4mo]

I'm thankful for your valuable lectures. It's Art itself! Thank you so much 🙏

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome. Thank you for watching

[@elizzez8240]

Yes love to see you paint painterly .

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Elizze. Glad you liked it

[@meiyong2878]

I like to see your master copy paintings. I have been watching your videos and really learned a lot from you. Thank you so much!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Mei. I plan on it doing. I am glad you enjoyed this video

[@Michelle-hg3sv]

Yes, please, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Michelle. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video

[@wanderingviolet9761]

Yes Please! Thank you so much for sharing your skills along with encouragement!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. It is my pleasure. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video

[@OrWell-vb7le]

Thank you for these presentations. I really appreciate your emphasis on composition.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much. Glad you like the video.

[@joannegagnon-marihart]

Your sky is fabulous ! thank you for your time and for sharing

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you. You're so welcome. All the best.

[@lindsaysteer9615]

I look forward to that, Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Lindsay. Glad you are looking forward to it

[@dalehunter9174]

Absolutely love to see the Master Copy done. Loved this one as well.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Dale. Glad you liked this painting. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.

[@rinatripathi3844]

Thanks for sharing your skills ❤

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome Rina. Thank you

[@Zephlett]

Yes, please, on the master copy!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Zeph. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video

[@jeanninef2110]

Thank you for this video! I am inspired to start up again!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That makes me very happy to hear. Thank you

[@limonalina784]

It's always Enjoyable to watch your videos!! all the informations are always very useful! I like that an expert like you continuing to explore and learn I really learn a LOT from your channel! Thank you!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Limona. Very nice of you to say.

[@jeanmclean8562]

Fascinating

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Jean

[@MMunis-yh6bg]

yes on the master copy, it's all helpful and inspiring. Thanks for what you do.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome. Thank you for watching

[@driftwooddigitals2719]

Definitely love to see the master copy video. :)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I plan on it

[@lisafred1362]

Your text says the artist is Fyodor Zhakarov and later you say it is Fedor Zhakarov. There IS a Fyodor Zhakarov and I was wondering why his style was so different. Anyone else looking him up, note that it is Fedor. Thank you Ian for showing us this amazing artist.

[@robinoswald6269]

Yes please. I'm so pleased I found you. Just watching you for these few videos illustrates so much. The steps you choose to discuss reinforce the whole. It now looks like a repeatable process. Thank you

[@MM-pd7dx]

Loved watching you paint this. Thanx for sharing ..

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome. Thank you for watching

[@123tabatha]

Yes that would be fabulous to see the master painting. Many thanks. I loved this demo.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you for letting me know. Glad you liked the demo. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video

[@GrandmaMuggy]

Yes I would love to see that master painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you for letting me know Joanne. I will definitely do the Zakharov copy for the next video. All the best.