The #1 Composition Rule You Cannot Break

Above all we want viewers to stay with our painting. To be engaged by it. It may seem obvious but I see a lot of paintings where the painter has given us a clear path out of their painting. And once the viewer is gone....well that's it really. They are gone.
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[@shojodraws3399]

It's really interesting how this composition rule can be used and applied for other mediums. Comics, for example, understand this rule and actively break it, using it to their advantage, guiding the reader along through the panels.

[@cactuz116]

Exactly what I thought of

[@Overt_Erre]

dragon ball.

[@PeachesandMoss]

Yes great idea 🎉

[@JulianaAndersson]

Are they actually breaking it though? Sure, each panel may break it, but the whole strip or book is the “canvas” artwork.. so they do not break it because this rule is to keep a viewer engaged within the artwork piece, comics just have a multi-frame piece. The goal of this rule is to guide the viewer thru the piece and keep them engaged within it… no matter the scope or medium… single frame or multiple frames… I would challenge you to actually analyze HOW the comics “break” the rule in single frame and you will see how they are guiding you from one frame to another and then on the the next page… it isn’t a broken rule… it’s just expanded in scope….

[@bobparsonsartist564]

Design, for some reason, is seen by the majority, as secondary to detail. My heirarchy is: Emotion, Design and Detail. And theres’s a finer line between between the first two as they serve one another. This was an excellent lesson. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I appreciate your letting me know Bob. Best wishes.

[@hs2261]

@@antrygrevok6440 I agree. Design is what makes Art emotional

[@masonparker302]

In eight minutes I gained more useful knowledge than in my two years as an art major at UMass Amherst.

[@traviskeller3196]

This should be titled, the #1 Composition Rule That Is Hard to Break Effectively. The two works that he shows are in a book, so they create a movement that suggests the viewer to turn the page. Which keeps the viewer engaged with the book. Translating that in to a gallery show may be helpful if you want the works to be telling some kind of story. If it is a singular piece it would be more difficult, but if you break that you can also potentially bring the viewer back in other ways. It is more difficult to walk past a large work that does this, so it may not be as successful in digital format.

[@ContextDependent]

Also panelling in comics.

[@dntskdnttll]

Yes. Summed up, it is a tool, and one that you need to know when you are using and do so with intention. If it’s used unintentionally, you will have unintentional results.

[@satsukisarach.2450]

Hi pals! I get what you guys talking about. I guess he's talking about #1 Composition Rule in Painting

[@morphman86]

It's still not pulling you out of the art though. It's pulling you away from that one page, but the entire book is the "plane" in this case, so the composition is set up to navigate you through this piece of art in the way the artist intended. I have seen this style of composition in galleries too, where the artist wanted to tell a story through pictures and had a very specific way of setting the paintings up, one leading to the next, leading to the next. Though each painting was of a different subject, at a different location, they sort of "pointed" to each other through the composition. The gallery guests were not given a single arrow or a single word of how to navigate this story, yet almost everyone walked an unmarked path as the artist had planned. That is why this rule is so important. It will affect you, even if you know zero about art. And it will affect you, even if you already know it is there.

[@jlyndre218]

I think ur missing the whole point. His sharing is a gift.

[@seanomahony7415]

If I never see another TouTube video that starts with someone yelling at me "HEY GUYS WELCOME TO MY VIDEO!" then continues to harangue me for what seems forever, it will be too soon. They get switched off immediately. This video is the complete opposite, Mr Roberts gets his message across quietly and measuredly; Bravo, I wish there more like you.

[@tanyatanu1]

Not everyone is a teacher and not everyone knows how to present and market themselves. Doesn’t mean that all their content is crap )).. try to be patient

[@geni2906]

I'm always very grateful. If I don't feel I learn I just prefer to watch other people. Horses for courses

[@dolores2716]

Same here. I've gotten to the point where, even if it's subject matter I'm really interested in, if they have a slick video with theme music I have to endure first, I'm gone. I can't take "me me me." I just discovered Ian Roberts and I'll be here a lot.

[@NathanTarantlawriter]

They do that because of a KZbin lesson that teaches creators that you have to be loud and command the attention of the audience immediately. I hate it too.

[@iLoveBigKnockers]

TouTube

[@andrewblake2254]

This guy is excellent. I have watched a few other videos on composition but I an is the first person who really speaks to me about art in a way I can really understand and get with.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well Andrew that makes me happy. Best wishes.

[@NathanTarantlawriter]

As a person with no artistic background getting my own animated work going, I find videos like this to be really informative and helpful since I find I have to create a ton of background artwork to go with my animations. Something I never thought much about until I had to do it. I'm crap at it but I like to think I can get better over time.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I'm always amazed in recent animated films how good the backgrounds are. And how astonishingly good the effects are now with water and so on. It is a little like looking at a painting and admiring how lifelike it is. Which is one arena to look at. The other is how visually original it is. Which is a different arena.

[@KezanzatheGreat]

I also suggest Ethan Becker if you haven't found him already. He's got some solid tips for drawing/composition and a hilarious sense of humor 😁

[@maridaterri]

I am thrilled to have found these quietly masterful lessons.

[@nashforrest9175]

You all prolly dont care but does anyone know a method to log back into an instagram account..? I was stupid lost my login password. I would love any tips you can give me!

[@foxchaim5370]

@Nash Forrest instablaster ;)

[@nashforrest9175]

@Fox Chaim I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out now. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@nashforrest9175]

@Fox Chaim It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account :D

[@foxchaim5370]

@Nash Forrest glad I could help :)

[@jmanobe]

This was, honestly, one of the first rules I was taught as an art major, and the one which has stuck with me. I always appreciate a reminder, so thank you!

[@outlawscar3328]

Great video. I had no idea saturation and contrast could guide a viewer so much. Thank you so much for all your hard work.

[@tuilorraine]

But i preferred the ones where the composition sent you out of the frame. I liked how it suggested something bigger. I once wrote a children’s book called “What’s Around the Corner?” that was created to make the reader curious about what might be on the next page. It forced the artist to compose pictures leading the eye to the right out of frame. Worked well and sold well and was even translated.

[@Noelciaaa]

yeah, it is super useful but when this is purposeful. often it can be dertimental to holding someone's attention. but def very good for things like this picturebook example or comics where you wish for the reader to jump from panel to panel fast, to give the scene portrayed great momentum, anticipation, curiosity or anxiety.

[@Yotrymp]

I guess like most rules, they can be broken with success, if done well ans with forethought.

[@aoeuable]

It's like the rule in writing saying that you should describe what something is, not what something isn't, and then Douglas Adams comes along and describes spaceships as "hanging in the air in the same way that bricks don't": On the face of it, it breaks that rule, looking a bit deeper, it doesn't, because it describes the spaceships as appearing irreal, unbelievable, in a visceral way that just would not be possible without employing a negative, sending the reader "out of the reality frame". Which is exactly what was intended, and what you intended with those illustrations. So maybe a better design rule would be "make it do what you want", but then people are completely lost. "Break the rule only once you understand its purpose" seems to be a better didactic approach: Rules are a list of things to pay attention to, nothing more, nothing less.

[@mibber121]

I think with your book perhaps you arent breaking the true rule here. I think the concept really is that you have to create a piece that leads attention where you want it to be. In 99% of cases, that means you want attention to be on your painting. In your case, you intentionally wanted to lead elsewhere, accomplished that, and the fact that it worked means you were successful.

[@jal051]

Honestly, what I saw here is the difference between a composition directed towards dynamism and another directed towards balance. I guess as a painter one might like a balanced one better, but as an ilustrator/graphic designer/storyteller both are equally useful.

[@BrendaAmerind]

Just started my masters in illustration and this has been great supplemental material! I can see that those paintings that break your rule are doing so with purpose, since the intent is to lead the reader into turning the page, vs a single painting whose purpose is to interest the viewer for as long as possible. I still struggle with composition so I'm very excited to have discovered your videos. ^^ Thank you so much for uploading them for free.

[@MustafaBerkeGureltol]

I followed the exact routes he drew. He's right.

[@mariareinhard2395]

Thank you so much for this entire series. They have all been helpful and so informative. This was very generous of you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are welcome Maire. I am glad you are enjoying them, and for letting me know. Best, Ian.

[@johnd8765]

I've been showing my students the importance of Figure/Ground as "Number One Rule", but I like your more sophisticated explanation; especially the potential movement off the picture plane. There's always more to learn, Thanks.

[@ElizabethPoet]

This borders on poetry: so subtle and observant. Thank you.

[@parisasun2541]

What a beautiful perception .

[@ElyresortBlogspot]

I instantly think back to my work. Some of it naturally holds the viewer, others drag them right off the canvas. This was a great vid.

[@Noelciaaa]

this is simply brilliant! and this video got recommended to me exactly at the time when i'd been struggling with an illustration due to not knowing of this! Now I know which part to emphasise and how, ah! safed me so much trial and error and agonising over this decision. also, I very very much appreciate how many examples you'd given! and that the changes you did had been quite subtle actually, yet having a profound effect on how the piece affects the viewer. i think showing this in this subtle manner conveys how crucial it is way better than drastic changes. this is kind of rare among art tutorials online actually, so i appreciate you doing so a lot.

[@simonewood8884]

This short lesson was extremely helpful for a self taught artist like myself. I've been painting birds in in watercolor and am ready to explore landscape painting in the same medium. I'm looking forward to receiving your weekly email. Thank you for sharing! Simone

[@agbeyenumadison6048]

I hate how whatever spot of the painting I was looking in he immediately drew red circle around, and that's when I realized how absolutely correct he was

[@43Rhein10]

correct - yes / absolutely - NO!

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

So glad I randomly sumbled upon your channel. These videos are expanding the way I think about drawing in a serious way. Thank you.

[@lachutequimarche8074]

What an incredible educator! I can’t wait to watch every one.

[@tanyatanu1]

Thank you! This was extremely helpful. As a new artist, and self-taught, perspective is my next step in learning. But you also gave me this new great tip of engaging the viewer and how to be objective about the painting.

[@karenmaikdear8379]

Happened to be looking for interesting videos that will help me progress in my newly found art journey, and luckily came across this! Art classes in High School in the 70's and now back into art, missing it all these years while life got in the way. Love how you teach, and getting back to basics to hopefully make my work better. Signed up for weekly videos and look forward to going back and viewing all previous ones! Thanks so much!

[@carinafrancis2975]

I found this extremely helpful. Gives me a better understanding of why I personally like certain pieces. I’ve always been drawn to works that make me want to climb in and explore the scene deeper into the painting and now I can see how each artist has manipulated the composition to achieve that feel. Thank you

[@WillLockyearArch]

This is one of the most powerful things I’ve ever seen. I will never think about composition the same way again thank you so much for this.

[@dntskdnttll]

Interesting. In many of the examples that you gave, my eye was drawn in the opposite direction that you indicated. In the picture book, my eye went back to the men, or to the trees and the horizon line. Even in your modified, darkened version of the picture of the house with the fence, the contrasting paleness of the other fences, not just their distance from us as viewers, made them more interesting to me. In the still life with fruit, I noticed the cutting board on the left. In all cases it was a draw to wish to examine what might be happening further away from the viewer, out of our reach. I would say that this is a good analysis, but that not all eyes will take these scenes in the same way.

[@myhandle365]

This. Thiiissss. Yes. Thank you for saying this.

[@janepage3608]

Yes. I looked at the men, too. For several reasons the eye (ie my eye) is attracted to that image rather than the strong pathway out of the picture, which to me gives a huge sensation of motion, but it doesn’t take me with it. For this principle to be “the one unbreakable rule” is a bit heavy, I think; certainly it’s an excellent guideline for traditional art, but I think following all the guidelines can easily result in rather dull pictures, and we are so saturated with images these days that an artist who wants to grab the attention almost needs to break a few guidelines.

[@ropi8739]

You effectively show the key features that we may then choose either to correct or to enforce according to our intent. A rather precious video I'd say, for which I personally want to applaud you.

[@weblightstudio8215]

I was looking for this to give my work some maturity

[@ericmaletsky8534]

Also just discovered the videos from Ian Roberts - fantastic lessons in easily digestible portions - thank you!!!

[@agneszirini922]

You are so right !! I teach the same to my students !! First catch the eye of the viewer and then keep it in !!!

[@petrap1657]

I love your channel. I'm a photographer, not a painter, but your tutorials teach me to see scenes in so many different ways. Thank you. :)

[@merrickj.stemen3443]

Thank you so much for this. I loved teaching my children to study/analyze children's book illustrations. I love your gentle, expert manner.

[@Billma48]

I am a decent photographer but have struggled a lot with drawing and painting. Your insights are so very helpful. I have renewed hope and motivation due to your guidance.

[@tracik1277]

So simple but so transformative, thank you!

[@julesoflondontown]

Refreshing style of teaching. Glad to have found you online.

[@pameciauknyga157]

This is such a fantastic, amazing and beautiful advice. There is no words to describe how grateful I'm! Thank you!

[@palavraembrasa3169]

Instinctively I take my art work to the mirror to see it from a distance. I thought I was crazy, now I know I am not!!! Thank you!!! Great video!!!

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

Same, I also try squinting until my picture becomes simply blocks of colors.

[@Second_Opinion_2]

You are still crazy -_The Voices_

[@bsmith5404]

Me too, then I’ll see for the first time some image in the clouds I don’t like, like a big fish!

[@tr9050]

Very insightful Ian and your example reinforces understanding about this rule. Many thanks for sharing your expert thoughts.

[@TattoodSpirit]

This brought A LOT of value to my (brand new) creative practice ... 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@rgarlinyc]

This was very helpful - for my amateur/ semi professional photography, and digital art distractions. Thank you!

[@J3nnycat]

My eyes didn’t always follow the way you showed. But it’s something that I will definitely keep in mind for my compositions. Thank you 😊

[@marleneburns7389]

Wow! Thank you for this most informative “rule.” I’ve always known about the rule but you made it understandable and gave a way back into my art. Thank you!

[@rebeccakahrs7290]

Mr. Robert’s….I have followed your teachings for years…..you are no doubt the best at conveying your teachings so well. Some people are good teachers but not great artist…..some are great artist but not good teachers……you are both! Thank you for taking the time out of your studio to share and teach us.

[@jessyzavala4668]

It is a great treasure that this videos suddenly appeared to me, it is the first time I have seen them and I am delighted with how wonderful you explains, providing us with very clear examples. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@delorisgilmore4959]

I amazed that I found your site. I can't believe I didn't see it before. So wonderful of you to share.!

[@omaie2001]

I can't thank you enough.On point and exactly what i was looking for. Highly appreciated

[@janemccauley4338]

You bring such clarity to the matters you speak to....thank you! Excellent teaching.

[@patirving705]

I just found your channel and have been riveted! Thank you so much for your excellent insights into composition and the concepts of abstraction. Your passion for art is so uplifting. It gives me some hope that I should not give up :)

[@Linda-zd6wu]

You are an excellent teacher... I'm learning so much from your videos. Thank you!

[@amartin9293]

Thank you so much! I studied art some years ago but it seems you have made things much more clear

[@janetsteinberg7995]

Wonderful listening to you! Thank you, Ian.

[@tinagray7652]

(The husband, Harry Gray) Excellent timing for me to fall upon this video. Love the book illustration to increase the desire to turn the page. But for me I have been working with a painting that was based on a plein air study that I drew several times and kept building the composition with a few directional clues. For whatever reason I never fully completed the very bottom and to my amazement I am there to complete it.... but I am stumped as I had not solved the bottom. I then realized all attempts WERE sending the eye off the page. A simple solution... Keep it simple. Which was the second video I watched of yours. So in combination of the #1 rule and simplifying I think in the morning I just might have the solution. Thank you and I look forward to checking out more of your info. Blessings to all!

[@pac2840]

Just found you here. Have your books in my bookcase. Love them, too. Thanks for your generosity with this.

[@chels7452]

Your videos have been really helpful. I am self taught so learning some new tips has been so great for my work. Thanks for taking the time to create and share

[@jerryfoust3860]

Ian, that was immensely helpful. I am subscribing. This counsel may help me to move forward with some confidence on a composition Ive been stuck on for a long time.

[@jenfleming9384]

This was very thought provoking. Thank you. I will start looking at what I’m composing more.

[@elysehubbard8321]

I literally only logged in to subscribe so I don’t lose your channel- which I never do. You’re a very good teacher. Thank you

[@ziadbassaj7761]

This is by far the most informative 8+ minutes I’ve had on KZbin in a while. Wait actually more like 24+ minutes bc i watched it 3 times. I just can’t stop watching it. Thank you, 🙏🏼 Thank you.

[@2423913]

Your transition at seamless. Each time you make your point, the fade in of the contrast subtly guides the viewer. Leading our eyes to the answer just before you even state the claim. Truly eloquent! Great video.

[@giovannisiano574]

Eloquent is indeed the most appropriate word! And finally someone who REALLY demonstrated the BIG difference a SLIGHT detail, like an increased color intensity, can make.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great Brad, glad you liked the content and the transitions.

[@teresas683]

Such a good teacher - thank you! So concise

[@orlane219]

Thank you for sharing.Very interesting. One more point to think of, when painting.

[@D3vil0fMin3]

What an incredible insight. I immediately went and started analyzing my work through a different eye. Excited to start a new project now with this going forward. Thank you and you earned a sub

[@kristinamullen4066]

Thank you for this lesson.I never had this explained to me in art school.I will definitely keep it in mind while creating.

[@pattydriscoll7124]

Perfect timing for where I am at in my learning! Thank you very much!!!

[@TheBambie86]

Well you are a breath of fresh air as they say. Your presentation is good, like very easy to listen to and your words seem to go right in to the right channel in my art department brain. Bob

[@jinjibri]

Visual perception is one of my favorite subjects when it comes to design. Great video! I would totally recommend to anyone to read about how the human eyes interprets what it sees (shapes, patterns, lines etc) , and why, to get a deeper understanding of the visual hierarchy. It's super interesting :)

[@leeojascastro711]

I wish I could share this painting I just saw with you. I would not have known why it drew me in so much if I hadn’t seen this video. My eyes couldn’t escape this painting, and now I know why!

[@leeojascastro711]

Ian, I sent you a picture of the painting I’m talking about on Instagram. Would love to hear what you think.

[@christinegoodnough3544]

I found this so helpful! I just began painting this spring and have much to learn, but you've just explained what I did wrong in my last painting, why it feels unbalanced.

[@christinelachow1380]

I love the way you explain things so simply which is the mark of an amazing teacher, thank you!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Christine.

[@pk3679]

Just found your channel. Love the instruction and help. You simplified composition is such an engaging way making it easier for me to apply the principles that you are teaching. Thank you so much for the help. I will be looking at my art in a whole new way and probably upside down.

[@gaylemartin6498]

Thank you, Ian. This was very informative. I think the more we become of aware of these sometimes subtle changes, the more control we will have to keep the viewer engaged. Most of us probably would not have been aware if you had not shown us. Thank you again.

[@juliapace2845]

Engaging and informative, a clear voice that knows. Thanks for arriving just when I needed you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Julia, thanks for all your feedback. I appreciate it and of course I'm happy you find the videos helpful. All the best, Ian.

[@hlegler]

This is brilliant. Subscribed. I wasn't allowed to take art classes in college because they were only for art majors. I feel like this channel might be my "university art class" that I never got to take. Thank you!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Welcome Heather.

[@zendogarage]

Thank you Ian for your wonderful insight and a new way to look at a painting

[@shoshinsamurai7901]

@<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="391">6:31</a> The picture at this time with a promise of further adventures waiting atop the hill is so much more enigmatic than the regular painting. Gives a new meaning to that sitting boy, who seems now more engaged with what is in his hand, maybe a bug, a leaf, or maybe he is just waiting for his mother downhill to get inside the house so he can slip beyond the ridge. Any observer knows that the next painting or element in the room is not related to this painting. I don't see anything taking the observer away, but only imparting more dynamism and hope to the existing composition.

[@marthamoore2259]

A terrific message, thank you Ian!

[@glovergoshawk]

You are a natural teacher. Thank you! I'm subscribing!

[@steve_wk]

Excellent demonstration - clear and to the point - thank you!

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

Ahaaa-feeling over this splendid video!

[@normavite-leon8493]

Your explanations are fantastic. You are a very talented teacher. Thank you!

[@lidavanbers6344]

Even though we might have learned this previously, it still is a good reminder, to go back to basics! Thank you!

[@alicebeshay1744]

Thank you Ian for your valueble lessons👍🌹

[@alexandrasanches2473]

You are incredible! Just love every single video of yours! Big hug!

[@reand.6223]

Finally, a university level class by a master artist… I love it. I just subscribed!

[@LisaRSArt]

This is a very informative video. Thank you Ian. I picked up your book years ago and it still remains one of the best art book in my library. ❤️

[@thisandthatdailylife9081]

I like how focused and succinct your guidance is. Very helpful and clear. Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Bev.

[@crazydragy4233]

What a great video! Very engaging indeed. I think that was one of the best ways I've seen this idea introduced and explained. Loving your take/philosophy/aproach to art. It's really refreshing to not see dydactic and condesending approaches in "academical" art.

[@taunusspatz]

Excellent tutorial! I will even be more careful about my composition in future. And I love the examples where you show who easy something can go wrong. Also grateful for the tipps and hints in the last part. All the best!

[@Lachowder]

Yes. Yes I did find your lesson helpful! It was engaging for me because of the visual examples from the children's book. I have now added this detail of noticing if I'm captivated to stay inside or if I'm being drawn off the edge of a painting. I like the this extra layer of art understanding!

[@mona2242]

This info has helped me tremendously. Turning the painting upside down is brilliant. Thank you

[@travelwell6049]

Oh I love this. I was aware of this idea, but never had it explained and demonstrated so wonderfully and clearly. 🙏 Thank you. I’m working on a painting at the moment which has a bridge at the side, so I’m thinking I can make the lines of the brickwork draw the eye into the centre.

[@mevsv6103]

I am heading for a big mirror with several of my pieces right now! So helpful.

[@prichardgs]

I always turn my work as I paint. Great examples! Glad I found your channel Ian!

[@sophroniadee6841]

Wow. I will be aware of this from now on. Thanks for the tips on how to keep the eye looking at the center.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Sophronia. I'm not sure I meant you want the eye looking at the center. But just not getting pulled out beyond the edge of the painting. Best wishes.

[@ChristopherHemsworthCreative]

This was really educational, thank you Mr. Roberts, your knowledge is very appreciated!

[@nanvenhuizen5239]

Thanks so much! This video has enabled me to see lines drawing the viewer out in several of my paintings.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Nan, sometimes you just need someone to point something out and the idea falls into place. Glad it helped. Best wishes for 2021.

[@stephenakel3399]

Fabulously explained and thanks for demonstrating the nuances of what makes a great image 🌞

[@davidcoleman757]

I've watched a number of these, and they are fascinating. Subscribed.

[@joylondon4179]

Bravo! This was so helpful and easy to understand! Thank you!