"Seeing is forgetting the name of the thing one sees."

[@vermis8344]

"You see there's all kinds of lights and flowers and all kinds of little things. Pff. Gone." This takes a weight off my mind. I see a pleasing scene to paint, I see all the little details, I panic and chicken out. Now I know what to do...

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it so helpful

[@raisavaz]

Me too!

[@AtticusStount]

You need to learn to draw before you can paint.

[@ThatWeirdFinn]

I suck at painting because I cannot let go of all the little details. Need to train more for that.

[@brianroman6150]

Wow this really helped a lot. I find myself viewing it this way but never articulated it before. Now that I know to do it purposefully I feel like I'm bound to suddenly see myself level up as an artist

[@mikeynyc6857]

“To see we must forget the name of the thing we are looking at” -Claude Monet

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes, exactly

[@giamu-y9y]

Also, related : "the five colors make a man blind" -Lao Tzu

[@MeltedMask]

Forget the notation assosiation. This is also real problem in math. We are taught from little to assosiate some numbers to be more important. Like 10, 5, devils 666, unlucky 13, 100, 1000. But those are some most insignificant numbers in math structure. Even the ten-digit counting system isn't special Don't call something/someone, before you have touch its soul.

[@sallyfinch540]

Seeing (1) the physical structure with horizontals and verticals, which you called the bones of the structure, then (2) patiently scoping out sunlight on the area at different times of the day, then (3) cropping your photo to exclude and include only the parts that you want to focus on. Painting “just big simple shapes” makes for such a clean, lovely and peaceful painting without conflicting messages at the end. Brilliant! To top it off, your teaching style is warm, friendly, informative, and you have a great capacity to articulate with clarity. Thank you Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well that is a good critique Sally. Thank you. Delighted you found it helpful. All the best

[@ednamclennan1721]

I see how the strong shadow shapes give the design to your paintings...the problem I have is that my photos are often overcast without strong shadows but i like to try them as they are places around me.

[@jeannehayes7859]

You took the words right out of my head! This video is a game changer for me.

[@psplayer1344]

Ugh, give it a rest Sally

[@susanwong6471]

Sally - thank you so much for summering the key points. To see Ian illustrating and narrating his thought process is like striking gold, so encouraging, warm and insightful, just like what you said💕🥰😘Thanks a zillion Ian ❤️

[@hammerbeam]

Big super realistic paintings that render every detail to perfection are impressive but my favorite will always be this blobby style of looking at the world. The colors seem to pop that much more and the world seems just a little bit more perfect and beautiful.

[@princessjello]

Impressionist works are my favorite too!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I definitely agree with you.

[@joshjames582]

Strangely enough, that's the way the human mind actually records and plays back images, especially in dreams. We may think we're having these vivid, detailed memories but they show up as blobs of shape, hue and shadow on brain scans.

[@stinar37]

Well-stated

[@bladechild2449]

Hyper realism landscapes are often just using the same techniques here, with an extra step of painstakingly going over those shapes with fan brushes and small brushes to give the illusion of detail. Both are equally talented.

[@lamlam0329]

hello. I am a Korean illustrator. I didn't finish my art studies at university and got a job. So I always felt that I was lacking in learning, but these days I am learning a lot by watching your KZbin. Although far away, I want to thank you. Stay healthy and I wish you all the best in the future.

[@lynetremblay7680]

This is all finally sinking in. I have gone back to drawing on a small scale and if the structure works, if I have good verticals and I can clearly identify the shapes, then I can expect my painting to work. My last painting was the most satisfying I think I have ever had. Thank you Ian!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Excellent Lyne. All the best

[@Supernova-217]

would you like to share it? cuz id love to see

[@farukbozkurt7730]

We really would like to see! Would you share?

[@pattibearup344]

When you said, 'painting is just shapes on a canvas', and 'illusion comes as a byproduct of getting shapes right, the values, the color, the edges', something clicked for me. I've wanted to paint a landscape for a while now but felt it would be quite daunting with all the details. After watching this video, I feel as though it wouldn't be impossible and not quite as daunting, THANK YOU! I've always loved art, but never had the nerve to try until about 2 1/2 years ago after watching many YT videos by many artists. I am SO glad to have come across your video and I plan on watching more of them.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is very kind of you to say. Thank you Patti. All the best, Ian

[@df9564]

It always amazes me how good artists can just throw down a few lines and immediately you can tell that they know what they are doing. I wish I can become someone like this.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Painting shapes, not things can help that

[@andreavega9837]

I just quit my job to be a full time painter and it can be scary to start painting when you have a white canvas, your process makes so much sense and made it look simple and fun. Thank you! This video is incredibly valuable to me.

[@GVSHvids]

how's it going?

[@moykoy5609]

I would also highly recommend James Gurney's video on doing yellow underpaintings! The technique Ian and James use helped me improve my landscapes a lot. I hope you're still painting :)

[@trashbug4843]

I've heard this so much, but it truly is helpful to see the process of a painter finding their reference and then working through capturing its essence

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It is good to watch process. Just seeing the finished piece you don't get the thinking of how it was arrived at so much.

[@bevjack1]

this is an amazing, clear, concise video. Oh my! What a wonderful demonstration. Your talents are such an inspiration.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much!

[@jdschneider5858]

Your painting has so much more impact than the photo. Wonderful demonstration about shapes, not objects.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you JD

[@4p4k]

I’ve started painting with my glasses off (I’m shortsighted with a low number) and my paintings almost overnight have become a lot better. Ignoring detail and painting big shapes was the biggest challenge for me. Taking my glasses off makes that challenge go away.

[@gamingmarcus]

With zero background this is an amazing explanation. I always did poorly in art class because the teacher would just say "paint this" but they'd never explain how or why to paint things a certain way.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. Glad you were able to walk away with a lot just from one video

[@vickeyquasebarth4107]

Sure missed your weekly lesson!! Thanks for coming back….

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you for watching Vickey!

[@robbagge4877]

Hi Ian, I have been watching your presentations for a while and am so thankful you are teaching in this manner. I have improved by watching you, Thank you helping those who want to learn. I also found and purchased a copy of your book , Mastering Composition.

[@budbin]

We’re really lucky to live in an age where this kind of knowledge is so easily accessible

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cstpa1]

i took drawing 101 in college and i swear it was the most profound class i had ever taken. (my major was art history) it really taught me how to see. i also practiced film photography, which takes a lot of patience looking through the viewfinder, as well as skateboarding, which shows a world of angled perspectives. but that drawing class was unlike anything else.

[@joyzhao3043]

Hi Ian, thanks for posting. I recently found your videos and can´t stop watching them! I once studied fine art but couldn't figure out a lot of things. I work in other field in the end. Your videos and explanations just have answered a lot of my questions. I wish I could have learnt from you years ago! Thank you really!

[@ReallyRedPanda]

This video really gets to the heart of the idea of Interpretation over Reproduction. The appeal of this kind of work is you're not faithfully, without error, replicating what you see but you're instead filtering what's there through your personal, subjective lense. Watching you remove or adjust what isn't 'working' reminds me that I don't need permission to change what I put on a canvas. It's not 'lying', it's interpretation and opinion in paint. Really appreciate your work! 🤗

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Artistic interpretation & perspective, exactly. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@paresh4914]

Wow that looks amazing 😍....just when I start to feel I am forgetting how to paint and lose my confidence, I get these notifications where you simplify the whole process like a step by step guide. Thanks Ian!!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You can do it! Thank you Paresh. All the best

[@jonbrouwer4300]

There's a powerful analogy here, with creative writing. Instead of explicitly saying what you mean, or giving a summary of something, you just provide details that "constitute" the idea / person / event / scene that you're trying to get across.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well said. It can apply to many modes of creativity

[@acwatercolors]

Simplify the scene is just so important

[@SharonCullenArt]

I’ve struggled with oils in the past. I understand painting shapes but watching you paint in oil really helped me. Thanks.

[@lluhu]

Great videos to know what makes an image work well as a painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@danieljackson654]

"What it is really in the world that grabs our attention." HOW WONDERFUL is this question so well articulated. I have been asking myself this very thing, although not as clearly as this, in my photography, my writing, and my sketching. It is not simply to identify "it," to CAPTURE "it" in one form or another.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it so helpful. It is truly what art is all about. All the best

[@s-o-o-z]

Wow. Now I know exactly why I've been dissatisfied with my work lately. You've given me something pretty exciting to work on. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome!

[@MrIha-ee5xf]

Yes, I painted two paintings with this sort of simplistic style and I love it. It gives you a lot of freedom. It is easier to edit a shape, than a complicated detailed object. Also I think that this technique has its magic when painting a nude. It gives a privacy to your model, imagination to people and painter said what he wanted to say.

[@dutchamericanman]

I just started watching your videos. I took an oil painting class at Uni, but I came away more confused. I have always wanted to learn this. I learn much with each video I watch. I don’t know why you make these, but man, I’m grateful to you for the work you put into them. Thank you.

[@OleVinny]

I love how so much of art is trying to see things new. Our preconceptions on what objects are and what they're supposed to look like can really constrain our perspective

[@annaifos]

wooow thank you, best explanation i've heard! a teacher once told me to never draw the lines of a drawing, but thinking everything in shapes makes more sense to me. thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@mikesamovarov4054]

Very useful tips, thank you ❤

[@laylavladi]

I don’t know why but I always feel so relaxed whenever I watch your videos ♡

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That's great Layla. Thanks for letting me know. Best wishes.

[@izzagul_]

First ever detailed sensible lesson that really encourages u to finally pick up the brush and not get overwhelmed 😌

[@ashperdite]

I am a 27 year old who's trying to paint recently since June 2022. I have no knowledge of any art concepts and most of the art tutorials I watched lack information and it only confuses me more after. But you sir, not only you explained it so calmly with details. But you also simplified it for a non-artist like me to understand. You also make me very excited to paint because I feel like I too now can do it. 🤗Thank you so much, kind sir. Your students are so lucky to have you. 😔♡

[@janecarroll7262]

I just love your teaching. As a retired elementary school teacher and late-to-the-game watercolorist, I resonated with your comment that next month you'll show us your drawings and "share your thinking" about what went into them. Yes, you show us some "hows" as you paint, but mostly you show us your actual thinking--- WHY you decide to do one thing over another. Your students don't learn to make trees or walls or whatever--- there are many videos out there---"just do as I do, use this color, paint this tree trunk or this elephant" and the student paints a good tree or elephant but is lost the next time standing in front of a canvas or piece of watercolor paper wanting to paint a giraffe. I literally did this with six year-olds : "When I see a hard word like this, here's how I think"--- and I love that this way of teaching works for six and sixty year olds. And I think you've convinced me to do a composition a day....

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Jane. This is kind of you to say. All the best

[@MrZombieplague]

This randomly got suggested but I was grabbed by the title. I'm not planning on canvas painting (only miniatures) any time soon but I am a musician and it was interesting to see how you translate what you see onto the canvas. Really enjoyed watching the video thanks :)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much for taking a chance and watching. Glad you enjoyed it

[@andrzejmaranda3699]

Ian Roberts: these advices are VERY VALUABLE for me!

[@gsirsri]

Dear Ian, You are simply magical. Yiu're great. Bless you.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Excellent choice, with a great mix of varied greens, light, shade, a simple subject, yet it offers great theme, clarity, creative adjusting, and is a subject that offers a desirable completed painting, it's classy.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Beth

[@bethbartlett5692]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Enjoyed the watch. Was looking for a subject/theme, to get back into a Creative/Painting expierence. It is literally an action that aligns us with our "Higher Self", raises our vibrational frequency and "this is the spot where we are at our best physical health, emotional, spiritual, and all the rest follows" (Quantum Physics, Science) Also the area that Yeshua/Jesus actually taught, i.e., "the Mustard Seed". (This was a most stellar realization) I will share a quick story, for balance in understanding: My academic areas/degrees are in Sociology, Journalism, History, followed by years of Professional works and the past 7+ years offering opportunity for "Personal subjects of particular interest - lots of Research". This included a study through Yale in the area of HISTORY:New Testament Era and Gnostic Gospels. I had also had an interest that led to some general studies in Quantum Physics, (very general, Math/Science are not my 1st interests, lol). But it literally is a required knowing for truly comprehending the areas of Ancient History and Spirital Practices, then or now) aka "the Universal Laws", particularly the Law of Attraction, the 🔑 to understanding who and what we are, the Universe, the Life Journey, and that, "Thought to be, Age Old Question" *"The What happens when we exit?"* (Only the vessel expires) The Ancients knew far more than we generally know, it really has not been such a "linear timeline" as portrayed by "Modern Mainstream Academics", we are Eternal Beings, the Soul is energy and its eternal, energy can neither be created nor destroyed, and that "Law of Attraction" is Universal, meaning: *"Thought is first required before anything can manifest into 3D Matter", thus ... "The Bang came 2nd".* I'd say that realization places a whole new and very realistic perspective upon life, us, and every choice we make/experience. It is the very foundation of: being Creative, Creating, the feelings, journey of Painting the Canvas, and the outcome of our Creative works" Be that Oil on Canvas or building an Engine, it is us, inspired, and experiencing our Passion. ...and when we are in that exercise of both/either, Thought and Motion, we are at our Higher to Highest Frequency and that is how we create our most desired Reality. There you have it, the "Cliff Notes of my past 7+ year's Journey" A most worthy Academic exercise for an individual born with a God given talent in Arts, Design. Hope this inspires positive energies in your Creative Self "Energy". Should you have any Questions, just ask, reply here. Enjoy your Creative, Creating, and Passions, and "Create your most desired Realities". Beth Tennessee, USA PS: When I write the book, you must read the rest of the story. Keep your thoughts focused on your desires, not undesired, and feelings on your Passions. 🔑

[@TheIrenepiekarski]

Wow! Easily the most revealing video to me of how to translate what you see to what you paint, and not get lost in minutia.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it helpful Irene. I just posted another on the same topic really yesterday. you might find that helpful as well. All the best

[@koroshghanbarzadeh1360]

If I only had a teacher like you when I started learning, would've save me years. Thank you Ian, great lesson.

[@iseethings8451]

A kind knowledgeable Master gently but very effectively teaching many eager students how to SEE! Quietly awesome session. Thank you…

[@motlba]

I missed your advice here. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@Mari-zr1vl]

As someone who was always demotivated to do art because my mind's eye focuses more on the whole rather than the details, this is refreshing. Thank you

[@richardhill9801]

Excellent reinforcement! Big shapes. Learning to see! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard

[@Vegan_Kebab_In_My_Hand]

Beautiful and simplified, no one ever encouraged me to finally pick up painting like you, no matter what medium. There's an art supply shop near my work, I'll pick some stuff up and give it a go :) My whole life I just drew with a pen, I still like it, but I really want to work with colors and paint brushes too.

[@carlamariestudios]

This video was very helpful. I am gathering my courage to go outside and paint for the first time...I will keep all this in mind. Thanks again.

[@patricetaylor6134]

It made my day to see a new video from you in my inbox! I have missed so much the weekly instructional videos. No only have your videos taught me so much, they kept me going. I have a hard time deciding what to paint. I am inspired how you just happen upon scenes in every day life and create a beautiful artwork. I refer to your book often. Thank you Ian for bringing such generosity, positivity and encouragement to us all.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is so nice of you to say. Thanks so much Patrice. I am delighted you are finding my videos so helpful.

[@coolmoneymitch1046]

I’ve been painting for a few years. it’s been maybe over a year since I’ve last been in my studio. I’ve been recently commissioned to instruct a sip and paint kind of class. I am subscribed to a lot of these types of channels. recently I have been trying to ‘get back on the bicycle’, so to speak, I’ve been watching videos and listening to a lot of discussions- a few online seminars-trying to get back into my groove. This was the first one that I honestly was inspired by and could really listen to. This was the first video to motivate me to get a plan together to ease back into painting. Thank You Sir!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me happy to hear it Mitch. All the best.

[@anneofhearts]

BEST TUTORIAL EVER!!!!! God Bless You

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well thank you Anne.

[@ninaswatchin]

Thought this concept a few years ago and my art has been forever changed. My confidence in recreating any image I like has grown also.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It is a great foundation to have

[@colleenwishart6084]

Wow, I am a beginner and I just loved this! Your painting was great, I learned a lot already.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brandonkey922]

So very helpful! Reinforcing the knowledge that it is all about the shapes.... not the details! GREAT video. Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging me!

[@ScilexGuitar]

love this. Im a pixel artist but learning from traditional painting is super helpful and inspires me a lot. Art is about simplifying what you see, maybe rather imply a detail with a nicely designed shape rather than feeling the need for every detail to be on the canvas

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well said. Glad you liked the video and are able to apply it to pixel art as well

[@valerieannshort7109]

This painting is fabulous! I loves the shapes and explaining as you paint. Something I like a lot that I haven’t seen as much with other painters is that you leave the photo up for comparison. That was very helpful! Anyway. I just found a new artist to follow!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yeah. Glad you liked it. I think it's important to see the changes from the photo. The interpretation.

[@bentorres2727]

wow you're such a wonderful instructor. the way you break down and explain in terms of shapes is like wow

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm glad you found it helpful

[@mr.mikesart7111]

As a detail oriented artist. I can really respect this work, I plan on loosening up and focusing on shapes. These series have been very good

[@travisnobleart]

What's amazing to see, is the illusion is not satisfying until all the parts are filled in.

[@dulciemidwinter1925]

What a beautiful garden! I love this type of art. Thankyou from the UK

[@alisonhendry2928]

Shape, shape shape, structure of vertical and horizontal… part of HOW I look at my subjects now. Thank you 🙏 for these simple words that are often difficult to explain. You just nail it! I really get it. Now to really practice practice practice. Glad I caught this video.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you found it helpful Alison. All the best.

[@niabia_]

love this. i always try to be perfect and get every small detail from the reference i look at and it makes me stop myself from even beginning to paint because im over thinking it so much. watching you gave me a different perspective… inspired me to paint something and get out my head

[@raincloud706]

Always waiting for your new upload thanks for the lesson .

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure!

[@davidroberts5602]

Hi Ian that was a great 👍 painting of those gardens loved the way you finished it off great 👍 stuff David 🙏❤️🇬🇧👍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it David, thank you

[@josephcalleja1552]

Thanks for your painting and for your help 🎨 I like it 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much

[@brendalazellestephenson2319]

If only it were that easy with watercolour. Now I will keep looking for shapes. Thanks.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Watercolor is different with the application of course, but the idea of painting shapes will still hold. Have fun and enjoy the process.

[@simontebbenham1292]

I think this video is going to change my whole game - looking forward to levelling up on the next painting, as long as I don't keep slipping back into my old ways

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

It takes practice. Enjoy the process and have fun!

[@howardhill3395]

Love it! Contrast of shapes, darks and lights . Interesting that detail and texture comes in later. First the skeleton,

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes, exactly. Thanks Howard

[@davidkoloc1313]

Ian your work is wonderful. Not despite it’s lack of detail but because of it. Your knack for distilling things down to exactly where humans experience them is remarkable and so very soulful. Thanks

[@pattin4015]

Your painting is even more beautiful than the photograph! And you made it look so easy to paint! What an inspiration!

[@n0ah..]

this is one of the best art videos I have come across in a long time. I struggle a lot with getting caught up in the little details but this video really clicked in my brain, everything is made up of shapes. Thank you so much for such an informative well put together video! :)

[@pillywigs]

Love this as it simplifies things. I get very confused at times with so much going on in landscapes that I avoid doing them at all as it ends up just a cluttered mess! But this makes it so much easier to look at the shapes. Thanks for sharing! ☺️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You're so welcome! That is very common. Enjoy the painting process and all the best

[@kamleshsunak3176]

Thank you for this demo. Very helpful indeed. The painting is beautiful. I miss the weekly videos. All the best

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Many thanks Kamlesh. All the best

[@isabelkoslowsky8214]

You are such an encouraging & uplifting teacher. I am a practicing artist & never truly enjoyed painting too much detail. It never called me personally even though I appreciate the craft. This was such a beautiful reminder & so uplifting to watch! Expressing the essence is such a beautiful process in itself & a gift. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏💫☺️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome! Thank you for the kind comment Isabel

[@isabelkoslowsky8214]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition ☺️🙏

[@markbagallyart6135]

Excellent Ian. Thanks for sharing your skills. All the best from Australia👍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Mark!

[@Alyssaaaaaaaaaaaa]

you make me watch this video with a lot of passion, i don't knwo what it was your siples moves of the brush, the vibrant colors or the creation of the shapes, but you totally trow me between your explainations and your hand moving, loved it and loved how the painting turned out, i'll defnitelly apply your advice of making things simples than they looks

[@pleochroic]

Very, very interesting. I come from (amateur) photography where composition is extremely important, and where the right light and the way it affects the values in the image plays a major role -- we can't get rid of distracting detail, so we need other aspects of the work to be extra engaging. I'm interested in painting but have hesitated to invest more in it because "I can't draw". But I can compose interesting images, and I can make shapes, so watching your process of stepwise refinement starting with just large value masses, that's very encouraging. Thanks!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you think so. Enjoy the process & have fun with it. I hope my videos help you. All the best, Ian

[@ollep0lle]

The little sky holes were incredible

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you.

[@sherelynwhite4130]

Thank you! Very much enjoyed your demo. My mom was a gifted oil painter. As I struggled in the beginning of my painting journey she always said the very same thing to me...its all about painting the shapes!😘

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You had a good teacher then Sherelyn. All the best.

[@sherelynwhite4130]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition thank you!

[@sheedaahmed]

I got to drawing and painting recently to help with my depression. It helped tremendously. But all the while it was just drawing and coloring. I never thought of the things that I draw as ‘shapes’. From watching this video and your explanations, I realised now that whatever I see out there is all shapes. Thank you for opening my eyes. Subscribing now ☺️

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Sheeda, so happy you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. My very best wishes.

[@lorraineferraro8946]

Thank you Ian. I am starting to look at things as shapes . Very interesting.

[@alphaomega6684]

Thanks for the video and reminder of how we should be seeing. Yesterday, I was down in a river valley (almost like a canyon--steep walls and huge boulders) with my family and I wanted to do a painting, even though we didn't have time. I kept hearing your advice about seeing shapes and leading the eye as I sketched out a quick composition. I took a photo but it was so flagrant how the photograph flattened everything and made some edges hard to see. Still, I will do a value study from it and try my hand at capturing the sense of the place while simplifying dramatically.😊 I do so appreciate your channel and the knowledge you share.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you for sharing and that is great. Really it is about seeing shapes first and foremost. All the best

[@jonida]

This is a great plus especially to those who learned painting from self study. I can see the different approach now on how to paint.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NourDette]

Beautiful! Thanks for reigniting the fire for drawing within me.💛💛💛💛

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm glad you like it

[@jeannehayes7859]

Ian, Sally’s comment says perfectly what I felt after watching this. I am excited to try this simplified approach to what I see. A game changer for me!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Jeanne, glad you found it helpful. Good luck! And all the best

[@rozenart5768]

This was the most amazingly simple technique I've ever seen! Thank you so much beautiful!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@leesaunders5495]

Loved that so helpful to think in shapes

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it!!

[@KeeperOfThe10]

Sir Ian you have become my favorite tutor. I thank KZbin for bringing us together. And I thank you! 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are most welcome

[@fangirl1234fangirl]

Thank you Professor Roberts. Great video! I love painting but get so caught up in tiny details. This has made me see painting in such a new light!! Thank you!!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Such an important lesson and so well taught. Missing the weekly lessons very much. So valuable to remember to see in shapes of things and not get stuck in details. I've started seeing nature in shapes thanks to your teachings. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is wonderful. It is really starts with how we look at objects. All the best

[@blondedl1f3]

Wow!!! You made this look so easy! Amazing

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@dawncampbell1193]

I learn best by watching. I’m so amazed at how quickly that painting came together, right before my eyes. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome!

[@annfroshaug3842]

Such a clear and agreeable way of describing and exploring how you approach painting . Lovely voice and entirely convincing and encouraging Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much Ann

[@accy5034]

As a "beginner" artist, this video is incredibly helpful. I have always selftaught me methods, anatomy and other aspects of art but never really got into perspective and shape building. Your description of the process made it very clear to me and I will definitely try to work your tips into my future paintings. Most of the time, my problem lays in the details. Seeing you completely ignoring every single detail, really has opened my eyes and view of the things I am looking at. Thank you so much and I am looking forward to learn even more from you!

[@kramollag]

Excellent, brief but comprehensive. Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charlemaigneescabarte7693]

Why are you so underrated? I hope you get more recognition.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much. I just hit 100,000 subscribers this week, which is exciting

[@armarat7419]

Fantastic! Really helpful to hear your thinking as you simplify the subject. Thank you!

[@barbaragookin]

VERY helpful. I often snap photos of great compositions in nature and think I will someday make paintings from them. Time to get painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful! Enjoy the process and have fun

[@tanyaroxane5560]

Just came across this. I have been meaning to find some of these block painting process. It's surprising I can't find much. Thanks for such a short and easy one Ian. hoping to see more of such organic blocking process in upcoming videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it. I've got over 100 videos on KZbin and a lot are similar to this if you want to go back and look. All the best

[@cathyserafinowicz6374]

Oh Ian,that’s amazing,thank you so much for your tuition. ❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it!