The Two Tools You Need to Paint Sunshine

How do you paint brilliant sunshine?
We're at an extreme disadvantage trying to approximate the real 3-D sunlit world on 2-D with some ground up pigments. It means we have to push the tools we have. We'll look at value contrast and color temperature to bring our painting alive.
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The colors on my palette:
Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Permanent
Dioxazine Purple
Ultramarine Blue
Chrome Oxide Green
Phthalo Green
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#ianroberts #masteringcomposition #paintingsunshine

[@aparimitus11]

The way you explained it and the way you paint it in,.... Masterful and joy to eyes, brain and heart...

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you so much Sandeep. All the best

[@oliviadiriktackett9961]

Thank you, Ian. I wish I could "like" this a million times.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Very kind of you. Thanks Olivia.

[@cynthiabaird8683]

I am a watercolorist but the principles in these videos are, I think, applicable across any media. Well done!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I agree. A lot of this information can apply to many forms of media. Thanks so much for watching

[@jilllong26]

It's good see an artist, as we in England creep slowly towards a lessening of the pandemic here, taking such pleasure in teaching his craft. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Excellent. That makes me happy to hear Jill

[@nancywhite7897]

You are such a great teacher. Amazed to watch bushes on left come to life all at once.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Nancy

[@21ruevictorhugo]

I’ve often thought about the almost impossible challenge of turning the actual world around me into a painting. Brilliant sun! Lush colors, all glowing from reflected sunlight. What we have to do, strive to do, as landscape artists, is to somehow impart to the viewer the actual experience of being there. The obvious answer is that to give anything like that experience we have to exaggerate, to push everything to its limit, to make the painting glow with light. This video is an extraordinary example of a path to take. Thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it.

[@paigeturner3036]

That was a very helpful explanation of temperature especially the part about exaggerating it to make a more beautiful painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Paige!

[@timcat61]

These kind of demos have really helped me so much get back into painting

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Makes me happy to hear. Thank you Tim

[@reginafromrio]

Oh now you're just showing off and I love it! The sign of a great artist and of someone who knows his stuff is making it look easy

[@pleinaire8698]

So many things to remember when painting!!! warm sunlight/cool shadows!!!!! Sometimes I just want to get out and PAINT without thinking about anything else!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I know what you're saying. And sometimes maybe that's the thing to do. Just paint. But honestly I find the results are so much more gratifying when these foundational ideas hold the painting together.

[@skartstudio8824]

Sir Lan Robert is a real Master painter, and a really good teacher i have ever seen, God bless you sir

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much

[@skartstudio8824]

Sir i have learned alot of things from your Video, wish that sóme day i meet you,

[@paigeturner9904]

Love your comment about the work of value being important, but following that with a sense of temperature will complete the light! Thank you!

[@marthacanady9441]

Masterful, Ian. It all makes sense when YOU do it. I’m enthralled to watch your process.

[@lindaatkinson6415]

What she said...lol. Me too.

[@annmariethomas9968]

Same sentiment here!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much Martha.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Linda.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Annmarie.

[@mariafelix7994]

Impressive how you mix simplicity, beauty and technique with your charism. Of course I have learned. Thanks Ian for the opportunity.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you are finding it helpful Maria.

[@gabanowic3004]

I love watching how you paint. Loosely and lightly using the brush and result is amazing. And the colors are perfect. I always have the problem with creating them. Please show more longer demos with your comments of your painting which are very helpful for us begginers 🙂

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much. Glad to know that my videos are helping and you're enjoying them Gaba

[@lisafred1362]

Nice to see your sunshine painting in the middle of our storm in NYC. ;)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I can imagine! I saw the news. Crazy weather in NYC right now

[@andreaberger4286]

Like magic!! You know elf on a shelf, I need Ian on my shoulder!🤩

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Funny! I hope this videos can do that for you! All the best

[@muralidharswarangi3821]

amazing example for how color temperature completely shifts the painting. Thanks a lot Sir.

[@ClayExtrudingExpert]

There's a marquee above the equipment rental yard in my town that just says, "Consistently Reliable." That applies to you, too, Ian. You're consistently reliable when it comes to painting instruction. Thanks, again.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Love that Daryl. Thank you.

[@MrAddison79]

I love how you explained just slightly changing the color to symbolize different trees. Very effective thank you Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it John!

[@janelintern6969]

It was fascinating, watching you paint the trees and drawing up the shadows into them. It was amazing just to watch it all 'happen', and with your clear explanation. Thanks, Ian. Jane

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Jane. I hope it helps

[@tziporaneemanfeder1813]

Ian, terrific. Two 'things' that I simply grabbed onto were: 1. conceptually, using value as a first step followed by temperature contrast. That way of looking at it hit right home. 2. Reminding us of your twist of the brush also was what I needed. I really took a lot from this video. Constant slight change of the light greens was a good reminder too. Many thanks!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you got three good points from one video. Thanks.

[@bobbiekelsten5950]

Thank you! I’d kind of worked out the contrast piece, but the temperature difference was the missing piece I needed to make it all come together. These concise yet extremely rich videos have helped me move more confidently in learning to paint and to grasp certain concepts ( like temperature) . I am so grateful for your expertise and generosity.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That is very nice of you to say. Thank you for letting me know and for watching my videos. All the best

[@joelhenry4643]

Me too

[@judycrosher4788]

Yes, pushing the light and then pushing the dark back - it works!

[@christinakgross]

There are painters who copy what they see. Then there are artists who interpret what they see. Thank you for your excellent art videos every Tuesday, Ian. Best wishes always.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well said. Thank you for watching Christina!

[@Jacksbox11]

Thanks, Ian! Beautiful painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Many thanks Penny

[@pamelabozzi239]

Love this example to clarify pushing the temperature.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you liked it Pamela.

[@Capra8043]

I have struggled with this a lot because I never thought of pushing the temperature difference further! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome Sandra

[@gloriaculver7824]

Wonderful lesson wonderful in just a few minutes you nailed that paining

[@Sara-pk8wv]

I can't thank you enough your videos changed my art

[@marieroslind1479]

So lovely! I have allways prefered landscape paintings, all my life! And this clear message: warm sunshine and cold shadows- as a key to succed, should be easy but…. while mixing the shadows, it still can go Wrong 🤭☺️! One has to exercise the sense for what to blend, to get the right temperature! Thank you for all good advise (this one too!) and all the best!🌺🇸🇪🇫🇷

[@darcymanwaring1489]

That was amazing! I have always been struggling plein air painting almost as close as I could tk what I saw in front of me. So frustrating that I was scared to paint because I failed half of the time. This lesson showed me alot of why I struggled so much. Thank you so much.

[@ludwigcopenhagen8842]

This is a terrific painting. I realize that an accurate drawing must be on the canvas before the paint goes on.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like the painting Ludwig. I find it much easier if I've got the drawing down before I start. Less correcting later. Even if I paint over the drawing I still feel the size of the shapes that I had drawn in..

[@iankerr1561]

An excellent example of light and dark , warm and cool, helped me enormously. Thank you. If I don’t comment on your videos it is because I have watched you on the TV which gives me no options to interact here in Australia, so don’t cut me off due to inaction please.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Ian, delighted you enjoyed the videos. No need to comment but I appreciate it none the less. Thank youl

[@ianbrowne8871]

Bravo! Having driven through these gorges in the Tarn and Lot valleys in south west France, you have captured the colour, massive cliffs, reflections and grandeur of these landscapes within the scope of an oil panel. Multum in parvo - you have transported us in very sense!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Ian. It is such beautiful country isn't it?

[@patrickcharles7190]

A lot of good info. Thanks for sharing. Like 👍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you for watching!

[@belle42]

You make it all look so simple! Haha. Beautiful. Your ease of painting makes me not so scared to put brush to canvas. Thank you so much for all your wonderful teaching videos!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Colleen. It takes a little courage to start. But I'd say go for it!

[@David-wy9jl]

You have a great sense of artistic style for capturing sunlight.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much David. I think a lot of that is from a ton of plein air painting.

[@martinetuletfineart]

What a pleasure to see my own window view painted so beautifully! View from the village of Saint Cirq lapopie in the Lot region in the south west of France

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes Marine that is exactly where it is. Lovely place you have there.

[@0to100Art]

I love you’re paintings so much this painting made me cry I love it so much

[@marieradi-nahas767]

Fabulous! Thank you again. The only comment I have is that you make look so easy! However, everything you say makes sense. Merci.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Maire.

[@dianetough4904]

Great explanation of light and shadow, warm and cool!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Excellent. Glad you liked it Diane

[@annmarielopiccolo-carlsen7263]

First, this is a beautiful painting! The tools of value,, contrast, color temperature……….understandable concepts, difficult fundamentals to accomplish and master. (I know: practice, practice, practice!). In summation, the following is an overview of your process and approach to painting in this demonstration. (Undoubtedly, I will have, unintentionally, but for sake of brevity, omitted other important steps and considerations…...). You….. . select a subject for your composition, choosing a photo or plein air setting, that has strong contrasts of light and dark . create a thumbnail, or map, delineating the values, to plan your painting . simplify the composition to large masses and shapes . tone your panel, canvas, or painting surface . lightly sketch your composition onto the panel . determine the light key to paint the ‘light’…..thus determining the mood of the painting….. the emotions or feelings you wish to convey and evoke from the scene to the viewer. In this case, I see your painting as mid-key, having strong darks and lights, with the goal being to paint ‘sunlight’ and convey the feeling of warmth . paint the darkest darks followed by the mid-tone lights, juxtaposing the light and dark to create the strongest contrast; next, you begin to touch in the lightest lights and work back the darks into the lights, pushing and pulling, building color . create the aerial perception of depth (background hills) . pay attention to edges, soft and hard, in the cliffs, water, trees, field, to enhance the play of light and shadow . finesse the finishing details, by placing your highlights and dark-lights Essentially, you have demonstrated, once again, your mastery of understanding the relationships of, and between, value, color, and color temperature! Your honed visual perception of,, painting and understanding, light is amazing! We can only see and understand the relationships of masses because of light! Color temperature contributes to our perception of warmth or coolness. Without light, there is no dark., thus no values. We have to train ourselves, as artists, to draw or paint what we actually see as shapes not objects. Details are discretionary, but to be added only at the end. Light defines the value. Color and temperature enhance the composition. Creativity is achieved when we render and express what we believe to know in our minds and feel in our hearts! You are an exceptional teacher and painter! Thank you! Can’t wait to see what’s next……

[@Katrina.for_art]

Fantastically summarised, thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

it was good wasn't it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Yes, very well summarized Ann Marie. Well done.

[@sy2.083]

Ian, that’s crazy what you are saying about color temperature-CRAZY CLEVER-Wow! never knew that but I have only been painting for a year lol! Ty soo very much!!

[@pragnyavasa7353]

Amazed by the ease

[@cameronnorman3044]

Once again I've come away with more useful information in less than 10 minutes than a year of instruction elsewhere! You have the innate ability to convey challenging subjects in an encouraging, casual, yet structured way. Now, if I can apply it all to watercolors....oils are looking more and more intriguing thanks to you. Still wondering how the heck you don't have oil paint all over yourself and the entire room.

[@catherinepaquet1346]

I apply these principles to Watercolor. Just the technique is different. Don’t think I could do oil. I like the flow of Watercolor. That being said, it is a bit harder to get the paint dark for contrasts

[@Katrina.for_art]

@@catherinepaquet1346 I do watercolour as well . Ians lessons are universal. To get darker colours you can add neutral tint or ...gasp... black to some colours to get darker tone( not yellow).

[@nompaintedthis]

@@catherinepaquet1346 I agree! I have the same issue, in order to get watercolours to same kind of richness i often have to plan beforehand which colour combinations could help do that and then go in layers. I wish I could get the intensity some artists can with watercolour

[@catherinepaquet1346]

@@nompaintedthis I’ve heard you can go in with the dark to mid tones right away without layering. Definitely lots of planning before painting! So we agree with Ian there!

[@fierywomanpacnw7004]

YES! I think to work with watercolors you "just" (heh-heh-heh!) have to reverse his process, so, light to dark.

[@TakomaChris]

Great lesson on temperature - a subject that was never that clear to me!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Chris.

[@juliegriffiths4272]

This process makes so much sense, thank you, and yes please, more.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

More to come. Glad you enjoy it Julie.

[@shaileshbhatt7097]

Very nice painting (beautiful composition and light) and very well explained, so good to see! Felt to good to see image unfold and the approach behind it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much Shailesh!

[@wadeblaser1775]

Incredibly beautiful!

[@sschwenk1]

Simple but excellent and easy to go to my studio and apply to my current landscape.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you like it!

[@hw7291]

Hi Ian! I watch all your videos and learn from them. I’m grateful for your tutelage and expertise!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Happy to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@jameswester333]

Ian you are an excellent instructor! Thanks 👍

[@JulianLovegrove]

Excellent demonstration of the subject

[@trevorwoodward4970]

I’ve been enjoying your videos and learnt so much, I just bought your book Mastering Composition. I can’t wait! Thanks

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Wonderful. I know you will find the book helpful as well. All the best

[@marygawley2637]

Thank you ian. I love the way you make light & dark colours into shadow & light.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are very welcome. And thank you Mary!

[@audreyweigel4620]

I know this takes a lot of effort on your part As a painter, I have benefited greatly I watch your videos and bought your books Slowly the principles and application of same are coming to fruition Some of them were baffling to me but with time have slowly sunk in to my brain, seeing and paintbrush I sooo appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience Audrey in Utah

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Delighted you are enjoying the videos Audrey. All the best

[@sharoncoffman1920]

I always learn something valuable from your videos. You’re an excellent teacher,

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I appreciate that! Glad you are liking them Sharon

[@kamleshsunak3176]

Thank you Ian, it’s a beautiful painting. It’s always a pleasure to watch you paint. Warm and cool and light and dark all make sense. I am looking forward to painting it.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it Kamlesh. Thanks for watching

[@pac2840]

Tuesday mornings are my favorite morning. Especially when I click the video and find that you are talking about the very thing I'm working on. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Love that! Thanks for watching

[@BibleStudyPastor]

Very helpful. Color temperature has been nebulous for me, but this helped clarify it, especially seeing you push the colors. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Ralph

[@melissaamyx2196]

This made a lightbulb go off over my head! I'm a watercolorist delving into oils at the moment. Seeing you PUSH the paint into other colors is an epiphany for me developing confidence in this fantastic medium! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

This is wonderful. So glad that I could help Melissa!

[@TravelerPaints]

Very informative. Lot's of common sense actually about keeping warm shades for the sunlit sides and colder for shaded parts but so important to remember.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jorgeherrera1574]

Thanks so lot for uploading this kind of video for free, thanks so lot master!

[@lisa-gayle9939]

Great information! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zinamecelis5577]

This is such a good example of what us novices should practice. Thank you. I will try to find a landscape photo to experiment with and do a few renditions.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful, and have fun!

[@stephenjamison6124]

Another excellent opportunity to learn from the master! I'm in a slump at the moment but spending my time planning compositions without deciding on the actual subject (wildlife of some sort)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you Stephen. I hope my videos can help you decide on a subject. Best of luck and have fun.

[@jesselaneartworkshops866]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Jesse

[@faith.action.bravery5117]

Thank you so much I’ve lost track of the number of people I’ve told about your videos.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That means a lot and thank you for letting me know. Glad you are liking the videos so much

[@faith.action.bravery5117]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition you are very welcome. I also know that John Eagle sends out emails of your latest videos.

[@lesleyshearer8272]

That is one of the best painting demonstrations I have ever seen, many thanks. I will go back to my collage cliffs and reassess. I have finally got pushing shades and colours.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

That means a lot. Thanks so much Lesley. I hope it helps

[@ghvideodotnet]

Hi Ian. Super video. I’m always amazed at how many markings you have on your canvas before starting a painting. Planning!

[@geraldmiller347]

I am also watching the push/pull as it makes either a BOLD edge between light/dark or by pushing the dark UP Into the light creates a soft edge. Thanks

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well said. Thanks for watching Gerald, as always!

[@geraldineysselstein7164]

That was very helpful. I look forward to your videos every week. Thank-you for sharing your skills.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Geraldine!

[@moch.abdulraufkristanto1268]

Content that I need to learn... Thank you Ian...

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Happy to help!

[@allic5031]

I love your teachings. Beautiful landscape paintings. Thank you 😊

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome Allison

[@allic5031]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Will you be teaching any online classes?

[@shathaway13]

Love your work!!

[@christinafrank1851]

I'm just getting into plain air painting and your videos are just priceless and so easy to understand and follow.

[@hennybrunner8939]

Thank you. Love this viedo.

[@lindaplatt966]

So insightful!

[@wajang1000]

Do you ever plan to formulate a comprehensive online oil painting course from fundamentals to advanced level?

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

I have one. I haven't taught it in a year but will be offering it again in the new year.

[@Mr-S.C.]

A fantastic lesson, Ian - thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks so much!

[@queensbones8419]

Thanks again Ian.

[@sharonstritzel1864]

I am just learning how to push colors and this video was just what I needed to hear right now. Thank you so much!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Most welcome Sharon.

[@rutilopata8294]

Brilliant presentation✨✨✨✨😁🌹

[@monikacroker6087]

Goodness how wonderful

[@rosiethebear300]

Love these videos - loves these paintings!

[@patricetaylor6134]

I so look forward to your very generous weekly videos. I found myself trying too hard to make the greens and colors as I see them which many times is dull and not as pleasing to the eye as brightening them up somewhat as you do to create a more vibrant landscape. Learning that it's "OK" to change things around for a better composition, or intensifying the light has moved me forward in my paintings!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad that you found it helpful Patrice. All the best.

[@DCweldingAndArt]

Magnificent job Explaining. And absolutely beautiful painting!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thank you very much Derrick.

[@julioalarcon7092]

Wonderful lesson, thank you

[@pproniewski]

Always informative!!! Thanks, Ian!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

My pleasure Pat!

[@sachet22]

Beautiful…

[@sabbey-]

Great tutorial.

[@heinzerfurt5225]

Your videos are a great help for me to improve my painting skills. Many thanks, Ian.

[@joannschoenleber813]

Wow! Fantastic 🙏 thanks, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonquilbennett8411]

I alwaays look forward to Tuesdays so much because of your videos. Thank you soooo much for your generosity in sharing your knowledge, you've taught me so much!! Bless you :-)

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

You are so welcome! Glad you are liking them Jonquil

[@jonquilbennett8411]

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I know you like replies to your responses, so here's mine. As no doubt you're aware, we've had a tough time in the UK with Covid, and as I live on my own ( with a gorgeous dog for company) it's been easy to feel a bit isolated, especially during our various lock downs. Painting has been my solace during these times, and also a passion. And I feel commited to being the best painter I can be in the year's that are left to me ( I'm over 70). I'm so happy to have found this regenerative fulfilment and I've found your clearly explained guidance invaluable. I often complete 2 or.3 small paintings a week, and am finally taking my courage in my hands and am organising an exhibition in our local village hall. We'll see what happens. So thank you again for your generosity of heart which is supporting me through this fascinating journey.

[@edgorochowski9709]

Thank you, great tip.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful Ed

[@nickyheapy3346]

Wonderful clear instruction - thank you Ian

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shradhathorat]

Absolutely Brilliant ☺️👍👍

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Many thanks Shraddha.

[@arieljiang8198]

You always made it seem like so easy

[@syl-viebe3599]

Love it!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

So glad!