Rules of Composition & more - Ep.15 Oil Painting Q&A with Mark Carder

If you have a question for me, post it in the comments below. I'll answer as many as I can in the next episode. Here are links to each question answered in this video:
00:08 - a lesson on composition and color theory
30:50 - How do you clean Geneva paint from your brushes when you're done painting for the day?
32:03 - How do you restore brushes with wayward bristles?
33:44 - Do you always mix your own black with burnt umber and ultramarine?
34:53 - If your printer can make certain colors that you can't match with your palette, why not use a CMYK palette instead of an RYB palette?
37:58 - I am trying to achieve a more painterly look but when I do that my paintings come out worse than when I am just copying a photograph in a very precise and realistic way. How can I learn to paint more like Sargent, Sorolla, etc? Copying the masters?

[@daviddelany7317]

This entire series has taken me places unimaginable just a few days ago. I have tried many times to paint for over 50 years. While drawing came easily, sculpture came alive right away, and welding in stick and TIG and working on a blacksmith's anvil, photography and goofy trends of generations have come without struggles. In a few videos, Mark, you have opened up the rest of my retirement.

[@JustinAnville]

“It's not the job of the artist to give the audience what the audience wants. If the audience knew what they needed, then they wouldn't be the audience. They would be the artists. It is the job of artists to give the audience what they need.” - Alan Moore

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I like this. ❤

[@lolarules.62]

'' do what you love, break all the rules & let the world catch up '' ♡

[@ARtandSoul998]

totally agree!

[@emzaccutanediary]

My father is a well known impressionist painter and I showed him your video. I am not an artist. He watched and told me you were one of the most honest and qualified artist to speak on these topics. I see him watching all your videos and I know he loves your passion for art in a world he describes as pretty much anti-art. His name is John Modesitt BTW. He will write a comment, I'm sure! Thanks for inspiring my dad!

[@mse92708]

Emily Modesitt your father is a terrific artist

[@igorivanov678]

@@mse92708 thats not true, he's a good artist

[@andygcl6]

@@mse92708 Its all in the eye of the beholder. Imho John Modesitt is a wonderful impressionist painter...love his painting of "the Great West". The Colour (english spelling:), Composition and lighting is just superb.

[@6exG]

Welcome to the miscommunication 101

[@taniav3283]

Never have i heard of him until now, i look him up and wow. I love impressionism, im a big fan. Even love monets garden im self taught. Im on instagram as tsv.Artistry. Would love to communicate with like minded people.

[@ilcaravaggio3740]

I think we're very lucky to be able to learn from such an inspiring and amazing artist. Keep it up, Mark !

[@bigdude1234]

can you check out my channel and if you like my channel feel free to sub

[@TheSmokekoke]

i feel so free to report you

[@fineart9399]

Thank you, Mr. Cader for sharing your knowledge! How I wish I could take your class unfortunately I’m from the other side of the world. I’ve been a professional painter for only 8 years and I think I am now at the “Artist Curse” you were saying in your other video but after watching your lessons, I’ve learned a great deal and new ideas have sparked my imagination. I am so grateful! Excuse my ignorance though, but what is “dirty green?” Or “dirty color” for that matter? How do I mix this color?

[@lisengel2498]

Your teaching is always so well reflected, very nuanced and truly informative and inspiring - and I love your demonstration of workflow of colour mixing - its just the best demonstration I have found anywhere. 🎨

[@robertwhistlerfineart7015]

Hi Mark, You can retrain a wild brush. I was a painting contractor for 40 years and I found out early that you had to put your brushes back into the cardboard holder that comes with the new brush to dry. This would retrain the bush and keep the nice edge. You can do the same with Artist brushes by making clamps out of wooden clothes pins and a couple of flat wooden squares glued to the clothes pins. Richard Schmid shows this in his book and it's easier that the way I was doing it with a little weight setting on the flat brush as it dried. Works great with filberts and flats.

[@hmmmph3578]

Thank you. I'm so pleased I found this video. My teacher at art school hated two of my paintings. He said I should change this and change that. It was disappointing, because I love them. Just after the critique, another teacher (of a higher grade), walked in and began waxing lyrical about the two paintings, saying how good they were (are). It's a big step when you learn this. We do what WE like, especially after experience and practice.

[@derekfernandez7701]

I came back to watch this after a couple of years and there's so much wisdom and inspiration here, thank you so much Mark! 💙

[@mariecaroniaplotkin5268]

i totally agree with everything you said1 This is so refreshing to hear! when you get hung up too many rules, you take the chance of becoming restricting and mechanical. I'm not saying to ignore rules all together, but we have to put more of ourselves in a painting -- it's what makes us unique.

[@Andromeister27]

In the words of the legendary Picasso, "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist."

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Picasso has all kinds of excuses for his detrimental and violent character.

[@user-zo5oh4gc7s]

You still have not realized that Picasso fooled the whole world by his tons of garbage even today?!

[@user-zo5oh4gc7s]

Legendary? You are still be fooled by this legendary con man, aren't you? :-)

[@sydloudene2889]

Yes no, maybe... I don't know. Can you repeat the question?

[@andrewzanas9387]

Picasso was a genius in the ways he used the simplest strokes to elicit a sense of movement, structure and form, or to reveal the passion within a scene and evoke a whole range of emotions in the viewer. He used to laugh at the foolishness of people who paid thousands for his momentary gestures and random scribblings. Did that make him a con man? No. An opportunist, probably, but people don't always love those who dare to be different, and continue to enjoy success where they never would or could. I can understand this. I feel the same about Andy Warhol. If you get a chance to see Picasso's work product projected over time you will quickly discover he started out artistic life as a classical perfectionist. He was as good as any of the old masters that had preceded him. The evolution of his style in my opinion was completely genuine. I love Pablo and his renegade spirit. One morning my children and I were visiting a showing of his work at the Boston MFA. My youngest and I were standing in front of The Rape of the Sabine Women, a huge monstrosity of a painting when the littlest one started jumping up and down and saying, "I thee it, I thee it!" Fascinated, I asked, "What is it? What do you see, Tammy?" "The bunny wabbit. It's right there!", she said, pointing. Picasso would have loved that.

[@manspalmberg693]

This man/channel keeps me going! I am in artschool atm and im so confused about my stuff but this guy explains every problem i face so clearly and then fixes my problem. What a legend!

[@miadalessandro1769]

Same! He is a better teacher than my teacher... way better actually !!

[@CALLOUSMANNER1]

Your teaching at the start of this episode about going with your own Instincts and Intuitions rather than being swayed by the opinions of "Experts" really resonates with me as I think It will with many others. Thanks very much for this week's episode mark.

[@sylviecarterartist]

So wonderful to hear your message of bringing your self into your work, you making your own decisions about composition. Luved this key message as I’ve seen too many people trying to limit others with their rules.

[@thepaintedspindle]

I love the outlook of doing our own thing. I am teaching myself and there are so many rules that it gets completely overwhelming. I just recently attempted to "follow" some of those rules and was not happy with the result. I went back to "my style" and was so much more pleased with the outcome. So thank you for this.

[@barbaraalexander7699]

I so want to thank you for all of the free videos you have put up. Your teaching is awesome - I appreciate the respect for all artists, whether beginners or experienced.

[@RobertF-]

That was interesting when you said at the end that if someone looked close up at a Sargent or Sorolla that they would probably honestly feel like they would have polished it and smoothed it out more, and would have worked longer on it and added more detail than those painters did if it had been their painting. That reminds me of something I heard once, that every artist needs someone to tell them when to stop working.

[@TooleyPeter]

Pretty astonishing that this level of instruction is offered for free. Thank you.

[@dianehoweart6084]

I really enjoyed this one. I was particularly impressed with your portrait of a woman in a black dress with white shoulders. The standard of realism was very good and I have to say a lot nicer than some of the Sargent work that I have seen. I would say in your case the student has outdone the master. Thank you for sharing all your videos and knowledge with us.

[@josepeka1189]

I watch with great interest about doing what we love even if someone sait it was garbage . I was criticised to being a Sunday artist only because I was a beginner what you just said makes sense to what I went through but I keep on doing my thing. Thank you . Jose from Australia

[@lisengel2498]

So wise - and very fine observations - and just trust what you love, do your own thing - learn from what you love, but in the end choose to paint what you love to look at.

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

I want to second on the "I've learned to take criticism" statement. A video on this pernicious subject is appreciated and frankly needed.

[@DarleneYoungartist]

Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your knowledge. I love your work.

[@friedricengravy6646]

Mr. Carder....U r just awesome. I learn so much from ur dialogue & lectures on art/painting. Then I re-watch ur vids for inspiration while I finish my chores of the day, preparing for that special time when I am allowed to paint. I dont make a living as an artist, I dont knock those who do....But I am proud (though it took many years to shake the programmed notion that success is only measured in dollars) to say my art is created only from the love of doing so. Thank u for being so generous with ur knowledge & experience. Best always to u & urs.

[@linda7345n]

What an incredible, down-to-earth talk about composition. Before watching this, my head was spinning as the 'experts' were placing so much significance on how to do it 'right'. Thank you so much for this video. I now get it!

[@zorzog]

Thank you soooo much Mark for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, and with such humility. You are a lighthouse on a dark night and a true source of inspiration, thanks again x

[@petersitell4751]

Thank you so much Mark Carder! I have had a problem with low self esteem for years. No matter how successful I have managed to be as an artist. Your tutoring about rules of composition and your generous sharing of your thoughts is like "medicine" for me!

[@lisengel2498]

Its a great story about the importance of listening to your own heart - and its fun to think about the necessary balance between Control and freedom, observation and imagination -

[@UltraAwesomeEmily]

This video came at the perfect time! Very inspiring!

[@EthanRogers6264]

I am so grateful for the wonderful advice you give. Thank you Mark!

[@lenscriv]

Another great video! This is why I look forward to them. Thank you Marc!

[@sabrinanascimento1267]

I started Painted for Two years. It is a ongoing process. I love colors. Right when I love it , I keep them breathless. Exactly.

[@anitadavis5430]

Wow, this was a great video. I love your detailed explanations. Knowing "why" is so important. Sometimes when you first mention an idea, I agree, and think I understand it, but as you discuss in detail, I realize where and why I have not fully understood the idea you are discussing. Love it.

[@izabelaciaston-paus5117]

Great advices. I'm never shure, if my paintings have right composition or colors I've been using, but now I know, that I need trust my intuition :)

[@someoneelse4887]

My family loves watching you! Thanks for all you do! :)

[@mike7gerald]

Your teaching is easy to understand. Thanks.

[@tracybrown4941]

Thank you so much for these words of encouragement. You have put the stamp of approval on the exact same thing I've thought ever since I starting drawing when I was very young. The so-called experts think house paint splattered on a huge canvas is worthy of millions in some cases. Because of the "judgment", it took me until I was 50 to have the courage to pick up a paint brush and I have found that composition and color are so very subjective. One day I just said, "what the heck?". The only training I've had is 4 years of high school art classes. I prefer to paint nature and landscapes and the only composition I follow is what I see in front of me with a tweak now and then due to lighting or shadow and a little artistic license. Not to mention the "creative flow" that takes over from time to time. That is a gift that very few artists ever talk about! The scenes I paint from imagination and my abstracts have turned out to be some of my best works. I just paint. Composition develops magically with very little effort on my part and no "rules". The glory goes to God for the gift he has given me and finally it's being used and appreciated by others.Please keep up the wonderful videos!

[@ulfgar_hallgrimsson]

Hi Mark. Thanks for answering my question re: cyan, magenta, yellow as primary colours as proposed in subtractive colour theory and resultant colour wheels for paint mixing. I am quite humbled to have had my question in your video and appreciate the response and advice. I am newly getting into painting and I suppose a healthy amount of varied professional advice with an equal amount of personal trail and error is required. I'll keep tuning into your videos in future. Thanks very much!

[@helenayssel4182]

Love your gentle manner of teaching.....thank you for taking the time.......

[@jacobs241]

Wow you taught me color theory and mixing paint in 30 minutes and I feel so lucky to have come across your channel. I just purchased your color checker to support your business looking to pick up the paintbrush holder next

[@ShunyamNiketana]

Thank you for the down-to-earth and very useful ideas. I also love the paintings you include as examples.

[@420Doppelganger]

I appreciate all the knowledge and tips you shared with us, but the thing that helped me the most was you motivating people to do what they love and go on their own path. Its really motivating and uplifting. Thank you!

[@LuciaMurelle]

Thank you so much, I really needed to listen to this video right now! I've been trying to start a painting for the last week. I drew up a concept sketch that I really liked, but just before I started moving it over to a canvas I watched a video on composition that advised against one of the more dramatic features I had in mind. I've been second-guessing my original choices all week! It's great to hear you encourage people to follow their own taste, it's given me the courage to follow through with my bold original composition.

[@RobinBarnhart]

I think this is one of your best videos Mark. Thank you for this good information.

[@painting55]

Thank you for this. I totally agree with becoming your own artist from within, Mark.

[@sandymileski5486]

Thank you Mark for this very informative video. It answered questions I had and settled some self doubts I had regarding the compositions of past works I've done and the insecurities I have from time to time about not having had a formal education in fine art. Thank you so much for making these free instructional videos.

[@LynnJung]

I love this. You basically just told me I could be myself and paint the way I want. You're the only art teacher that has ever said that to me. I have always been told to do it this way or that way, and it was just killing my drive to paint. For me, the art I love to create are colorful and whimsical. If it doesn't make me smile or laugh, I just don't want to paint it. Thank you for posting this.

[@kanupriya9434]

So very helpful !!! Thank you for the inspiration and insight ! Keep posting more..

[@patrickturnerleeptlarts4164]

Thank you so much Mark. Such great insight. It could be the critical mind that so many have that sets these rules. Instinct and experimentation.

[@yovinny5244]

This is great advice. I'll keep this to watch again and again. Thanks.

[@dawnklug6986]

You are very correct about "messiness". I have seen Sargent's portraits done for George W. Vanderbilt that are in the Biltmore House and close up the colors look "thrown about" and yet, when you step back a bit at a time they begin to flow together into fabulous fabrics that "move" with" the model. "The Waltz" is a fine example that is located at the house/estate in Asheville, NC

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

This helped me quite a bit in deciding about the rules that I don't know a lot about, but know when I love something to go for it.

[@ericeatwell4011]

today i needed to watch this. thank you very uplifing

[@fatoomgierdien2181]

WOW wow WOW!!! Thank YOU MUCH for your Gifts of Wisdom and Honesty. Your videos are much Appreciated and Effective. From Cape Town.

[@baharmonyy]

you are the art teacher we all deserve (": thank you so much for everything

[@NagualeroArt]

Who to believe? That was the best story ever... Laughed my heart out. It just shows the unimportance of "expert" opinion. Great video.

[@janey2562]

You are a true artist, deep and talented. You're great.

[@elizabethbaughan9057]

I'm soooooo glad I'm listening to this video, as I've been so down in the dumps about a painting I'm working on till I could just give up!! But I will finish that painting now. The way I want, the colors I want, the composition I want. You have given me a reason to continue the way I want. It might not be the way I should, but I'm going for it! Thanks, your pep talk has really helped me. I'm a beginner, and I'm NOT giving up on me or my painting. THANKS really cause I was about to just forget it. Much respect and adoration. Diana

[@mikehubbard5493]

I like Bougereau too. I think he was capturing that intense sunlight that would actually blind you of the colors that would be there otherwise. I love your videos. Always great information, and lessons.

[@susan1870]

I have always felt I was getting my compositions wrong! I even bought an Atelier book a few years ago. What I got out of it was there are sooo many ways to break up a canvas! Thanks Mark! I always enjoy and learn so much from you! I might have to try the dirty complementary color approach as well as the shades of gray colors. I tend to go bright. But I have learned to add those grays thanks to your workshop!! Has helped my paintings so much!!

[@linzertube]

Very helpful lesson, as always.

[@radosvetazhelyazkovafinear9905]

So true! everything in this video is so well said! thank you!

[@midamericaauctions]

I can't believe you share this. You are a true treasure.

[@marykuster2150]

Love this guy. 87 y o Still learning

[@maram2806]

I hope u are well please let us know how u doing

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Hope I am 87 and still painting. That would be awesome.

[@riverlandart]

That was just the best real encouragement thank you so much.

[@TammyRose751]

I like the way you think about composing. Before I start to paint I measure and measure and it is not the way I like. I always think of what they want. Thank you for your advice.

[@youbuddha1]

Your advice and your videos are brilliant

[@vickycurtin5622]

love love love your advice!!!!

[@OneDisguisedFish]

This is a wonderful video! I'm in the middle of an art block and its been going for awhile now and I can't seem to get out. Although, with all the experience that I'm listening to makes me feel better. I'm really glad that I found this video!!

[@defin99]

thank you always enjoy your thoughts, i learn so much from you.

[@juniperlabor3489]

Thank you Mark. So helpful! 😊

[@murderballad1154]

the advice given here is exactly how i've lived my whole life. - Long live the rebel spirit ! ♥

[@SharonH11100]

Excellent lesson! Thanks so much.

[@marksteinhauser3779]

You are awesome 👌 thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion

[@great-garden-watch]

A lot of these are also important in photography. One thing about the portrait looking out of the canvas…as long as there is enough space from the nose to the edge and maybe more space from nose to edge than from the back of head to other edge it looks ok. Don’t cut off just under the chin or the head look’s disembodied 😮

[@oleyliable]

Thank you very much for this lesson!

[@taniav3283]

Thank u for your insite, it was so informative. Im self taught. And u have made this very easy to understand and take on board.

[@thenoodee78]

6:00 🥹 same thing Thank you sooooo much This video gave a big relief and gave me confidence in my art ❤

[@1Thedairy]

That last question really struck a cord because sometimes I worry that if someone saw my painting close up they probably wouldn’t be impressed but from a distance it looks really good. But in reverse if I’m too detailed I don’t like the effect from distance. Thank you so much for a most interesting discussion.

[@sketchyginger2301]

this was so incredibly inspiring. learn the rules, but follow them how you want, or dont, either way you aren't wrong if you don't follow exactly

[@kraffcreative]

Great insights as usual Mark

[@jovanauric1094]

Thank you so so so much for these videos I hope you are getting the KZbin revenue because this advice is golden!

[@heber143]

This is your best tutorial.

[@lilykadima]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@mariakellner2221]

Your kids are beautiful,i have had some doubt of late about what to paint,this video has given confirmation to paint what i love,thanks for that ,i feel on track again,straightening brushes one could try to dip the hairs up to the ferrel in very hot water ,if the brush is too well used ,nothing does.

[@sparkyhavanese9961]

Once again, thank you. Mary

[@enginkemal7398]

Very informative video, many thanks.

[@sethhammock3602]

The candor is inspiring.

[@3wetpaint]

This was one of your best Q&A videos, your portion about finding what moves you and learning to trust your own instinct really hits home for me and I'm sure other aspiring artists. Your Q&A's is one of the few things I look forward to seeing every week. Thank you Mark.

[@ErikaLancasterArt]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@lisengel2498]

I totally agree with you - its not about rules its about what you experience as significant and beautifull- Thabk you for this great talk ... I think that is the first and the most important Rule when you evaluate yourpainting - it has to move your heart and your soul and you have to have courage to paint so that it really is a research and a movement into your "own thing" - and of course you can learn a lot by looking at paintings to find what you really love - and paint a lot - you can learn tcertIn echniques but in the end you have to find what it is you want to communicate about -

[@andrewgordon777]

This is the best advice!

[@andrewgordon777]

This is great advice!

[@JVMBeatz]

Many artists use mirrors located about a rooms length behind them while painting to quickly get a glimpse of their paintings from a rooms length so you don't have to keep stepping away from the easel especially for those who prefer to sit down. have you ever used a mirror for this purpose?

[@mackybarr]

Jonas Meyer I have and it works wonderfully. Not only does it give you the advantage of distance without having to step back, but since it reverses the image it also helps to spot mistakes

[@jerrysetlerr770]

I use a mirror to spot mistakes in a face it works great that way you know it is good.

[@Naruto-vi6jv]

Best channel ever. Thanks

[@bowley4]

This just helped me a bunch. Thank you

[@jjroseknows777]

It was just -perfect that the algorithm brought to me now --I just watched about an hour deconstructing John Singer Sargent and I got a little depressed at the degree of analysis, removing the artist from the creation in a way. So to get this and to have you saying that we don't have to worry about those people who break art down to their formulas. Thanks.

[@Believe30]

I took 2 college level art courses and tried to take art history, but didn't finish the class because I was falling asleep. I really regret the 2 classes I finished (well, all 3). Both teachers taught me bad habits (like plotting dots every few centimeters to sketch - I already knew how to draw freehand) and/or didn't let me draw or paint what I wanted. I still have my old drawings and paintings from the classes. I hate them! Thanks for your smart advice.

[@DebJGuy]

This is amazing thank you

[@LH-ro2ot]

I grew up doing some form of art everyday as my mum was an art teacher. I have just returned to drawing, painting etc. after a long break. I sometimes abide by the rules I learned and sometimes break them all - I am having a ball 😄😂