Quick Tip 276 - Why Block In?

Artist/art teacher Dianne Mize answers a few questions on the Block In technique and explains the advantages of using it.

[@debrademoulin3667]

I love how you described being a composer of a painting instead of copying all the details - that was so helpful!!! You are a wonderful teacher and I learn so much from your videos - thank you!!! 😁

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks. It's a pleasure to share these.

[@TheSagesophie]

I'm loving this woman's energy and confidence!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks!

[@makeitmakesense5577]

Absolutely the best teacher ever! I learn so much from you. I just realized..im guilty of trying to copy..when what I really want to do is compose. Big difference! Thank You!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You can do it!

[@DS40764]

I agree

[@Robocop-qe7le]

One of the best lessons on painting i have found on YT.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks! These are fun to do.

[@marianbrooks4163]

If I had an Art teacher of your calibre 50 years ago, life would have been very different for me! Just really exploring what was always an interest, but without any technical backgound, so frustrating. Thank you so much, Dianne

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Marian, I am delighted to help fill in the gaps.

[@salmam2893]

That was such a clear explanation and simplifies the painting process. Thank you for yet another great quick tip. Very helpful!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure, as always. Thanks for watching.

[@junebell3216]

I so enjoy your tips , you have taught me a great deal that I previously did not understand.

[@wandamcdonald6095]

I always block in, but never thought about what you refer to as scanning ... thanks so much for this tip!!!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@Paintedthreadsstudio]

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I have been a painter my whole life (almost 60 yrs) and dream of selling my art. Your videos are helping me improve my knowledge and skills.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@bensart2128]

I just found you channel yesterday and I’m already in love !!!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Great! Welcome aboard!

[@stephenkerr1529]

Your blocking in is better than my final paintings! 🙂

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

I doubt that!

[@jjroseknows777]

LOL... Still I know what you mean. I was thinking so, too!

[@ptaylor4923]

You are fabulous. It's always been nice that you've shared tips, but I've been homebound for months now and you're, quite frankly, a life saver. Helps keep me out of a straight jacket. 😏

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thank you. I am delighted to keep you out of the straight jacket 🤗

[@lizc4036]

This is the single best instruction on landscape (or any subject) painting I have been lucky enough to come across in 2 years of searching! I can not thank you enough.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Wow, thank you!

[@sachinraverkar4257]

I love the way you teach and demonstrate the basics of underpainting/blocking. I see that you take time to explain in detail and it becomes very clear how and what is happening on the painting surface/ canvas. I have seen many tutorial videos on painting on youtube. But in many videos it appears that the teacher has not taken time to explain the details and it appears more of a show of that person's skill (kind of magic show) and we student are left wondering when we would reach that magical skill level. But in your video, I must agree, that you explain patiently and in detail. I hope I had teacher like you (in person training). Thank you very much for your videos like us learning remotely by watching on KZbin. Looking forward to more such videos. God bless.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks so much Aschin.

[@exeltranquilitymashallahsu6226]

I AM THE ARTIST AND I CHOOSE TO MAKE IT THAT WAY! CAN WE ALL WEAR THAT SHIRT?!!! I SIMPLY LOVE YOU THANK YOU FOR POSTING SUCH AN AWESOME CHANNEL MAY GOD BLESS YOU!!!! XOXOXO

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks, and thanks for being a subscriber.

[@simaabedini3617]

You are one the best teacher , I have a very similar photography I took in Monterey California. You made my day because I really wanted to paint this place. Now I know . Be safe.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Happy to help!

[@MonicaJamesFineArt]

Hi Dianne. This was enormously helpful. No one has ever explained the block in to me before and the fact that it has to do with placement. (I also appreciate your use of music analogies such as composition in this case). Would you consider doing a quick tip of the very next step here? In other words, the intermediary step before details? What helps me most is to hear your thought process spoken aloud. Many thanks.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks, Monica. I will put your request on our filming schedule. We film these several weeks in advance, so most likely, it will be mid-to-late September before it appears. Meanwhile, I do have among our hour-long lessons on the website, Series 17 called Beyond Studies. You might check out the descriptions of these lessons and see if one or some of them will do the job.

[@reneewesterberg954]

Thank you for your excellent explanation that makes the block-in technique understandable. Great quick tip!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks.

[@anthonycotts2451]

This was very useful, and I can watch it again and try it out myself. Thanks so much for sharing your process. God bless.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Have fun with it.

[@giovannaalvaro8132]

Always look forward for your precious tips, thank-you!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@ArtbyJasonABell]

..thank you, this whole week I've been studying about blocking in!!! Thank you very helpful!!!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Wonderful!

[@dalittlehunter761]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all these quick tips, they really help me so much. Thank you!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure and you are so welcome!

[@maryellenhill4121]

ABSOLUTELY the best oil painting tutorial ever. Thank you so much.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Wow, thank you!

[@Gina-bt7qk]

I really get your teaching style. I am glad I found your channel. Thank you for these lessons!!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Glad you found us.

[@orlandopardillo3337]

Greatest teaching you have easily and professional. Love you Chanel. Thanks

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks. It's a pleasure to do these.

[@nikkiswenson54]

I love hearing your explanations and the why it is the good practice. Thank you!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@Ravenzpeak]

You described the exact problem I've been having...not only in painting, but also drawing. I tend to get hung up on details before I see the larger picture and end up with a composition that lacks balance and focus. So I probably need practice blocking in and get used to seeing the whole composition. I need to squint more and stop being so fussy on the small bits. Thank you Dianne!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Yep, it makes all the difference in the world when you approach your painting process from general to specific.

[@joannelamb9908]

Thank you once again for another extremely helpful and very clear explanation of blocking in. Your directional use of the brush too! Thank you very much Dianne.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful.

[@nsb2011]

Love your quick tips. This was very helpful to me. Your sky is beautiful and could stay just the way it is as a finished sky. Thank you for your expertise.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@donlefarsace1794]

This is an invaluable lesson! Thank you for explaining this!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@belindahall5220]

Thank you so much Dianne! This is such an excellent resource! So many tips in one. Many thanks. Your paintings on your website are just lovely. I hope to learn lots more from your channel:)

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks, Belinda. It's a pleasure to do these.

[@mona2242]

Soooo grateful for your exceptional teaching.🙏🙏🙏

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@winnyfangmichael2941]

Love to watch the way you explained the details. 😊 Thanks.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@janetferraroartstudio4234]

I really enjoyed your explanation of process. You are very clear and inspire me in my personal painting process!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Beaulini]

Excellent tip on the scan process and the blocking in. Good instruction! Thank you Ms. Mize.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@loberuth]

Thank you so much. It's not only basic, it's fundamental what you teach!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching.

[@cynthiakayereynolds4636]

Great explanation. Very easy to understand. Thank you, Diane.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@rodneyzurek4900]

A totally new approach for me. I like the idea of creating. instead of copy .Many thanks for sharing!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@mr.businessman9790]

I very much appreciate you and your sharing of knowledge and instruction. It helps me tremendously in my quest to become a decent Artist! Thank you kindly!!☺️

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are welcome. It's my pleasure to share these.

[@tammylanglois2602]

Thank you for your clear teaching and demonstrations!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@tokeynashelton7382]

I'm new to your channel, I watched your videos on values and blocking in and found them to be really informative. Thank you! I look forward to a crash course in your work!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Welcome aboard! You can find a list of all the Quick Tips here: kzbin.infocommunity

[@jillrobbins4488]

Wonderful demonstration of the necessity for the block in and the way to do it. Thank you!!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You're very welcome!

[@mikeqa1]

Very well done, informative. As always, I appreciate how you nail the concepts, the big picture, in this case: placement --> composition. Thank you, Dianne.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@patfontaine5917]

Very informative, thank you! You’ve just taught me a way to ‘fix’ a major flaw in my technique. Thanks!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Great to hear!

[@EridanAmpora311]

New to your channel and a quick subscriber! One thing I really appreciate is that you explain why you do certain things; it really helps to adapt a technique when you know the reason behind it!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks! And welcome aboard!

[@sarahhopkins577]

Dianne I really love your tutorials. Im a complete novice and Im finding your tutes so helpful! thank you

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@ceciliayoung5094]

Brilliant thank you so much you have a lovely way of explaining and showing how to paint, as a beginner I don't always get where to start... this answers the question.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching.

[@Ritu-ur9uh]

Totally loved it.. thank you for explaining it so nicely.. very helpful tips.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure 😊

[@robertbradshaw9367]

That was really educational. I appreciate it. I haven't painted much and this simplified a process I've had difficulties with. Thanks.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are very welcome

[@jjroseknows777]

I may be wrong, but speaking only for myself, I have never seen so much teaching in the 24 minutes and the additional wealth of informative teaching answering the questions in the comments. From my meager living, I would gladly give $25 if there was a handy way to do it with PayPal...I'd do it this minute. This "BLOCK" of information is incredibly valuable in the teaching to see and do. I wonder if you would or could have a one hour....teaching and people could pay $25. You have almost 500 likes for this one in this few days. I wonder if 100 of then (us) would pay the 25...$2,500 that one day. I am such an idea person... such a dreamer. I will be studying this QT and all the answers in the comment section a lot before I start my next painting.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thank you for that, jjroseknows777! We have considered setting up a Patreon account for those of you who would like to help support this work, but haven't yet made a decision about doing so. I do have 140 full length lessons available for a affordable price at diannemize. com . And from time to time, I get little donations sent from PayPal to my email address - [e-mail] . Perhaps it's time to give more thought to income. 😊

[@willmatthews3155]

beautiful flower analogy and overall.. a beautiful explanation and painting process.thank you.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure!

[@yeggneswararaojammalamadak6084]

A very beautiful straight explanation. I like your classes very much.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks for watching.

[@mizllen]

Thank you! I see how this is such a huge benefit whether working from a photo or imagination. A help in many different ways.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Have fun with it.

[@heinzerfurt5225]

Many thanks for teaching us. You're a great teacher! :-)

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thank you! 😃

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Comprehensive, yet simply explained to make it very easy to understand - and learn. Thank you so very much for being so generous and sharing to help us grow and develop.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@joanlhubsch]

You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks! It's a pleasure to share these.

[@chrishayman1747]

This was so helpful Dianne. Thank you

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@jatinderdevgun9093]

Wonderful teacher, thank you Dianne

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@Midgy21747]

Thank you for sharing. I wasn't ever clear about how to do this.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Have fun with it.

[@luisdebayle2239]

I remember asking this question (I think) not sure but either way you are a remarkable teacher and explained this in the best way possible !! Subbed

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks.

[@joeljahnke9000]

Excellent tutorial on blocking and clarifying why you want to start with a block in for placement and composition. Your color mixing is on point as well, something that I struggle with. Thank you for a great, step by step video!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@carmenboot7395]

Amazing . You have a gift to teacher and inspireren. Thank you very very much for your video’s.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thank you. It's a pleasure to do these.

[@shirleypolo6272]

I had not heard of scanning. Thank you Diane.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@lizhutchison1130]

Very interesting and helpful, thank you Dianne!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@juliethurman4117]

Thank you so much for explaining this. Makes so much sense now.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lauraguynup4555]

Great quick tip!! I will be using going forward. Thanks Laura

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@Allasomorph]

How to apply the squinting vis a vis the shapes and application is the tip I needed today. Merci, Dianne :)

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@linda7345n]

Excellent, excellent instruction!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Many thanks!

[@kevinjones7777]

Thanks for another great video. I agree with you when you said 'It`s better not to put all the details in because it`s better to leave a bit of mystery for the viewer". I personally am not too keen on paintings that look like photographs it seems that paintings without all the detail have a charm about them and the viewers brain makes up for the lost detail. Maybe I am wrong but that is how I see it.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You're not wrong at all, Kevin. One of the roles of art is to keep the viewer's engagement. If the artist - whether painter, poet, etc - says everything completely, the work becomes more like a sermon than an engaging work of art.

[@asdasd-di4zj]

omg so many useful tips and explanations from such a wise lady. Thank you very much. I´m learning digital painting, and this kind of conceptualization even if traditional helps SO MUCH. Like she explains technical aspects right to the point .

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Keep enjoying the journey!

[@jultolentino7515]

Thank you mam dianne,you're a great help for self taught artist,TAKE ÇARE,GOD BLESS.ALHAMDULILLA

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure 😊

[@silviasunesen7649]

Thank you Dianne. Excellent tip

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@lizday8140]

You are a treasure for this beginner! Such clear and concise information, given in a pleasant manner. Your voice reminds me of what Hawkeye Peirce's mother would have sounded like, on the t.v. show M.A.S.H., as the voice narrating his father's letters had the same soothing accent as you, but in a man's voice, of course. Blessings from Texas!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

😊Hawkeye is one of my all-time favorite characters. Thanks, Liz!

[@jaspalette]

I love this channel, thank you so much

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Our pleasure!

[@mitalishukla8911]

Learning so much from you! Thanks much❤️

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure.

[@katygardner2741]

This was so thoroughly explained. Thank you

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You're so welcome!

[@richardlewis1257]

Love the idea of scanning. Never heard of that one before.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

So glad to have added that one to your toolbox.

[@zacharybeatty]

thank you! you’re a wonderful teacher!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thank you! It's a pleasure doing these.

[@duncanphillipgreen]

Brilliant explanation. Thank you very much.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@alvinray9080]

Thank you for sharing. I enjoy your opinions too!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@ShahanoorMamun]

I respect you from my heart!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Thanks.

[@viniciusmtt4]

Thank you for this tip, very important!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Doppy34]

I need to learn this too, thanks Dianne

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

A few practice sessions and you'll have it.

[@oldepersonne]

I love the "scanning" tip. Very helpful

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Great! It's one of the most helpful things we can do to keep a balanced and unified composition.

[@jjroseknows777]

Please allow me to paraphrase a little story from the life of Martin Luther, the significance will be revealed in the end. He had come to a point where he exclaimed, “FINALLY, I see and FEEL the truth of God’s grace!” His colleague, almost with alarm, said, “This can’t be true! You have already written volumes about God’s grace and the book of Romans!” Martin said, “Yes, but this time it’s so much deeper!” This is how I feel about your teaching, Artist/art teacher Dianne Mize. I’ve watched you for quite a long time now, but the teaching goes into each new and deeper level of comprehension of the concept. Makes me thankful for the WAY you teach (and preach...lol) that. I have watched this 3 times now and feel a very deep level of foundation for the next picture I have begun to plan. Makes me feel like I had been building on sand No wonder I had felt the edifice shake as I moved along. Now more and more I feel a solid foundation. I also appreciate the kindness and continuing teaching as you interact with the comments. You are one in a million. Thank you.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Wow, jjroseknows777! Thank you for that. Truth is universal no matter the discipline, isn't it!

[@jjroseknows777]

@@IntheStudioArtInstruction I do pray to give. Sometimes I start giving and my hand starts closing up (that is the very moment I pray, Dear God, let me give, willingly, with an open heart as a sign of your love..."). Your generosity is what endears you to so many...well, right after your talent. There are not many, don't you notice in the "Sponsored Ads", that tell you nothing until you pay. But you give and give and give. There may be those who say that you're a fool not to "monetize" more - but you will have more stars in your crown. I'm sure (and hoping) that enough people succeed and BUY your wares...until then, we starving artists must settle with throwing flowers at your feet. (LOL and many blessings on your head!) You may want to ask, "REAL flowers or flowery speeches??!!" Well, both! Again LOL

[@Geiger1983]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure!

[@muhlenstedt]

I am one that paint details too early... great tip about squinting, I will try to block without wearing my glasses , since I do not see well at distance it would be a good thing and the first time I would take advantage of this handcap.Thank you and stay safe!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

I think you will find that saving the details to last will help keep your painting more unified.

[@rainerburmeister5758]

Very helpful video. Very good. Thanks!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You're welcome!

[@juliebenei6545]

thank you for teaching about composition

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

My pleasure. Composing paintings is one of my passions.

[@DJPixelList]

Very useful video. Thank you!

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paultaylor6167]

I have to say you are not only an excellent teacher, but wise. Your experience shows through as you explain use of the medium. It's one thing to be smart, another to have wisdom. I like you no fluff presentation style without the dramatic bells and whistles of many videos. I may have commented earlier about the alla prima approach. I attempted it but found myself lost in the goop. It may not be for me. I have to learn patience with this medium. In watercolor I have immediate satisfaction. I am used to the pace. The sprint vs the stroll is my issue. Do you have any videos about starting with the medium and ways to "deal" with it? Methods and Materials in a way? Thx.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

First, thank you Paul for your comments. Your question is one I've not received before, but certainly merits addressing. I will put it on our filming schedule. Since we film these several weeks in advance, look for it in mid-to-late September. But for the moment: For every medium, there is a learning curve of technical skills, just like in any other field. Watercolor behaves totally different from oils, for example. The priority for each painting medium should be to first learn technical control of materials and tools and that is too often omitted by "instructors". About alla prima vs. the sustained approach, the important thing is that you use the approach that works best for you.

[@sigridedwards2744]

Finally I know what blocking is, thank you so much.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Happy to help

[@chayita7]

Dianne, again you have imparted to all us viewers vital information in a clear, concise way. I hope you don't mind my asking two short but technical questions. Firstly: I assume you sprayed the canvas or canvas page first with your little bottle? I have been using a formula of half OMS and half linseed oil. I don't have poppyseed oil but I do have walnut oil. Will that do? Secondly, the single aperture in my spritzer gets clogged. Does your have more than one hole and does it matter? Thanks again for all your helpful tips and for clarifying things for us in the Comments section.

[@jjroseknows777]

My spritzer gets all clogged up too and have wondered how to remedy that situation...

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

First, yes, walnut oil will work. It's important though to be sure to wipe down the canvas so that it is barely damp. To prevent clogging, get those little spritz bottles that have caps and keep the bottle capped between uses. Also, use an adsorbent tissue or paper towel to thoroughly wipe the nozzle before capping.

[@chayita7]

@@IntheStudioArtInstruction So, one hole is enough? I hope you'll have the time to answer my other question re continuing the block-in until the painting is finished and/or how to re-wet the block-in after the canvas is completely dry. (Where I live it can dry overnight.) Many thanks.

[@susiepattinson3031]

thankyou, great instruction, very clear,

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@lorenzo1com]

Thank you so much. So very helpful.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You are so welcome!

[@sawanis15]

Wow...thanks for the explanation .....💖💖💖💖

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Most welcome 😊

[@mohansinghpatil2220]

Very nice lesson, waiting for next thank you for such a wonderful lesson mohansingh from India🇮🇳

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Most welcome!

[@DS40764]

Thank you, that was so helpful

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Great! Thanks for watching.

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

I just started oil painting and i wanna know why artists block in thank you for this video miss Mize

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

A painting has a better chance of being successful when it is created general to specific rather than piecemeal. The block in puts the colors and values in their right places so that the images can be built within them.

[@dianequinn1500]

A first rate video. Thank you.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@carolina.rentes]

Dianne, thank you for another amazing lesson. I usually do the block in focusing more on the values and not so much on the colors, I'm not sure if this is the best way to proceed. But what I was thinking is if you dilute your paint with solvents in the block in stage, or of the paint is used without any mediums. I usually do the block in somewhat diluted, but I've noticed that when painting Alla prima, this sometimes makes the second layer harder to adhere to the canvas without making a mess.

[@IntheStudioArtInstruction]

Carol, I don't use any medium past the drawing/placement stage (unless I need a passage to dry quickly, then I use only Liquin). I find it works best to control the thickness of the paint with the brush rather than to thin it with medium.

[@carolina.rentes]

@@IntheStudioArtInstruction thank you so much!