Using a Few Simple Shapes: Painting Demonstration

In this 20 minute video I show the mixing and brushwork of how I developed these four simple shapes into the finished painting.
Here is a link to the shorter video explanation: • Using a Few Simple Sha...
You can make powerful paintings with just a few shapes.
Each shape sits somewhere in space. The viewer needs to know where, or they are confused. The more shapes, the more complex that becomes.
In this demonstration I use just four shapes to build a painting.
Sometimes less is more.
Link to join my email list so you receive these videos weekly to your inbox: www.ianroberts.com/e-learning...
My website: www.ianroberts.com/
Facebook page: / ianrobertsartist
Instagram @ianrobertsartist: / ianrobertsartist
#masteringcomposition #ianroberts

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Did you enjoy this longer form demonstration? Should I do it more often?

[@kevinsun3348]

yes,please, definitely helpful to see the birth of a beautiful painting!

[@stellapurdy3895]

Yes It was very helpful, please do more!

[@bethtippett8708]

Absolutely. Thank you for the longer version. I would love to see more of the longer ones.

[@debrafritsch2463]

Yes, the longer video showing the paint mixture and brush strokes is very helpful. Talking through the thought process helps. What you are watching for like: hard edges, direction you lay in the strokes, weight of the pressure on the brush, when to apply paint as a dab or flick stroke, the light color wrapping around the shadows on the bush for proper depth perception, thickness of paint, etc. These things are hard to see just looking at a finished painting unless you are first aware of them. Thanks

[@catherinecabbell2666]

Yes - thumbs up to longer demo. Thanks - great demo!

[@karicreates7668]

Very high quality demo with everything I need: painting in real time, reference pic continuously shown, colour mixing , palette, pigments, generous narration and explanation of decisions. So good, thank you.

[@hasaneser9181]

you are a teacher of all the countries in the world not only for your country but for those who can understand English and loves painting.

[@philmecup]

BTW, Ian if you were watching, thanks so much for your videos. They are helping me so much!

[@javanthisingaram4843]

I certainly like the longer version better. It has so much information on the colours mixed, the brush strokes and the whole development of the painting. Amazed once again how a few big shapes lead to an effective painting.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Javanthi, I am delighted you enjoyed it. And it is true, sometimes a few shapes can make a painting and not a complex subject that requires a lot of detail to make it work.

[@sandy411]

Absolutely, the longer demo is very helpful. I hope you can keep doing these.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Talking with an editor to help with it. Thanks for letting me know Sandy. Best wishes.

[@dongranros9093]

Weird.. I discovered that KZbin had more to offer than shuffle dance demos! It was a revelation. I am a dedicated painter and a drawer(is that a word?) usually in ballpoint or technical pens. I am 76 so I'm guessing that my process is somewhat locked in by now but I found there is still room for good instructions, observations and valuable commentary. Happily your series of demos and lessons offers all of that. There is still room to learn and that is a good thing. Thanks! Donn Granros .. and I plan to buy your books also

[@janetandre5866]

Please do this more often! It’s very helpful to see how you finish a piece and go beyond the original block-in.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

OK Janet. I am looking for an editor to help. It takes a lot of hours but if I can find a decent editor, and I'm sure there are lots, then I'll try and do it more often. Thanks for letting me know.

[@cheyenneroll]

Yes, Ian more of these! It allows the viewer see clearly the brush techniques. The longer video also makes the dissection and construction of the image logical and simple. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Ann, OK just for you. More of these. Glad you found it helpful. See you Saturday.

[@BJones-yw4dd]

You could add the words "Plus Effectively Mixing Realistic Greens" to the title of the video and draw even more viewers, because you so effortlessly mix the color that landscapists fear and struggle with the most like it's .... a walk in the partk!!! Thank you, Ian!

[@maridaterri]

These demos are so good. No gimmicks, no trite stylistic tricks. Such beautiful paintings, and uniquely thoughtful insights into how to get there. Thank you, Ian!

[@lanaschuster7630]

I really appreciate how in depth you go in the longer video. I took notes. There is so much to be learned in the details. Thank you for taking the time to make and share these, Ian.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

HI Lana, thanks for letting me know. Wow, notes! See you Saturday. Best, Ian

[@annmarielopiccolo-carlsen7263]

Yes, I appreciate the longer version....so helpful to a novice painter.....thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great Ann Marie. Thank you for letting me know.

[@anniehalvorsen2469]

Ian- thanks so much. This wasn’t just about composition. So appreciate the little gems on brushwork, simplicity, economy of stroke, using not only structure and value to draw in the viewer, but the ever so subtle color contrast.I do not underestimate the time it takes to film, edit and voiceover a twenty minute video. I have been pastelling for about a year, and have taken the plunge and bought oils and requisite accessories. So far just staring adoringly at the pristine unopened tubes. I need to hang a sign on my wall that says “Five Simple Shapes”. Still haven’t gotten that, so matter how many times I hear it. Maybe this time it sticks...

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Annie, well thank you for the comment on the time involved. And glad you liked the video. Maybe find a not to complex oil painting you like and just copy it. Get those tubes out and start. I love the texture of it. Like being a 4 year old with finger paint in a way.

[@williamkoch6619]

Ian I enjoy the demos. I really think that the time factor for the demos are geared to the experience of the artist viewing the videos. I enjoy the short videos because I understand the processes involved. However for artists that are not as experienced and unsure of their strokes and design concepts the longer videos will answer more of the uncertainties they have. My students tell me many of the demos they watch don't explain the application and why established artists do the procedures and thought process while painting their creations.

[@deejo2]

This was very helpful. When painting a grassy foreground with wild flowers, I've struggled at times with what is enough & how much is too much. I love how you focus mostly on shapes. This is a great lesson on how to get it just right.

[@bethscanlon7791]

Yes I enjoyed the longer demonstration. I appreciate it.

[@theluddens2710]

I don’t paint in oils but this was very instructive in the way you mix and seek out colours, particularly greens. Very relaxing to watch. More of the same please.

[@orlane219]

Absolutely. This longer demo is very helpful and shows how much work and concentration you need to get to the finished work. Thank you

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Hannah. I appreciate your letting me know you found it helpful. Best wishes.

[@Take10Now]

Yes, love spending more time watching you work out the problems

[@dianebever7276]

I did enjoy the longer demo. Hope to see more of them.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Diane, that is great. Thank you for letting me know. Appreciate it.

[@paintlady2268]

Beautiful. Yes, I did enjoy the longer demonstration. Thank you.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for letting me know Brenda. Best wishes.

[@harrymoore546]

I'm just starting out and I found this video packed full of information. Seeing how you organize your palette, your explanation of the composition (in the short video), explaining the purpose of your brush strokes as well as stroke technique, was so helpful. Thank you

[@nancypahl7755]

I really enjoy watching a skilled painter like you, Ian. Every stroke counts. We're not seeing any happy accidents or gimmicky techniques here.

[@michaelharris9615]

This is great. Your color mastery is instructive. I'd like to see more how you manage your palette and cleaning of brushes, or not, in between.

[@sunnyseacat6857]

Terrific painting again and outstanding explanation of everything mentioned. Really like seeing the mixing of many colors and the angles of your brushwork, too. Love the longer demo. You are a FABULOUS teacher. Thank you for sharing your time, energy, and love of painting with us.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for the kind comment.

[@marilynbarker8255]

Amazing.... best teacher. I think it’s the voice!

[@kathyriggs2308]

I really enjoyed the longer demonstration--please include those when you can. Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

OK Kathy will do. THakns for the feedback.

[@billrogers5219]

Oh, this was great. You're always great on composition and the basic structures, but it's also so helpful to see you work on the details and show the brushwork. If you have the patience to make more of these demonstrations it would be great.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Bill, thanks so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it. I may have to hire a video editor to do the long form ones going forward. But will do it again. All the best.

[@toobepal]

Mixing chrome oxide green and cad yellow, white and turps really gets me going. More please Sir.

[@efluidartstudiopriscillab]

You're an inspired teacher who inspires . It doesn't get better than that.

[@alexandramcmeekin8492]

Thanks Ian…really found the longer version beneficial!

[@NidhiBhatia1]

Yes definitely, the longer video was quite helpful in terms of color mixing, strokes, weight on brush, change of temperature etc. Probably one thing more that you can help us understand is what kind of brush to use ...synthetic or hog or something in between ? filbert or flat or round ...what type. Thank you in advance, regards, Nidhi

[@rosannedistefano4249]

Really learned a lot in just that 25 minutes…your videos are wonderful

[@donnerdaumen84]

this channel is pure gold. thank you!

[@elsagrace3893]

Painting is more enjoyable to look at than the photo. So many things that can’t be done this way in watercolor but watching makes me think of how I might try it in watercolor.🤔 🧠

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Elsa, you're right the thinking in how you'd lay in the washes, what value, which steps that of course would be different. But in a way it demands seeing the few big shapes even more. And I hope the painting is better than the photo otherwise I guess the point in doing it at all would be lost. Best wishes.

[@123tabatha]

I really enjoyed the longer demo. Ive learnt MASSES !!! Thankyou sooo much

[@janesoncanvas8337]

Really enjoyed watching this a second time. Thanks for all of the great instruction!

[@vickiescallan5651]

Yes I really enjoyed the longer version thank you so much!

[@kathleenm3443]

I really appreciate that you have included in detail which colors that you used. The detailed explanation along with seeing you mix the colors as you go along. Of course it is very instructional to watch you apply the paint to the canvas. The verbal expression is very helpful too. Thank you for all the detail. I don’t think you can give TOO MUCH detail. Excellent

[@SingYourselfWell]

I wanted you to stop at 8 min, when the bush looked like a rock. Liked the light dark effect. Plus I'm originally from the Alps. :)

[@AdrianaHernandez108]

Love it! Thanks!

[@morefiction3264]

I wish you were a watercolorist. But I do learn about composition from you.

[@joanistotler8804]

Yes, I agree with what everyone has said - longer version - 2 thumbs up!!

[@joanistotler8804]

One thing Ian, it's so helpful to see your palette, but there's a glare always on the glass that doesn't show forth the lovely mixtures you get by the time it hits the canvas, making all the mixtures look very gray. Would there be a way to adjust the lighting? Thanks! And, I loved this beautiful little simple painting - who knew you could make so much out of a very ordinary, everyday scene - loved it!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Joani, glad you liked the video. I have a skylight directly above the palette. Which is creating that square of light on the palette. I'll have to see if I close it if there is still enough light on the palette. I'll see what I can do. Thanks for letting me know. I'd seen it and decided I could live with it.

[@kimbakerpaints]

Beautiful!

[@darielmerrills918]

It was great to have the short video first, with the longer one going into more depth, and answering questions the shorter one kind of raised. I am trying to think in shapes instead of things, but finding it hard, so the repetition helps.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Dariel. Nice to hear from you. You make a good point. Repetition of the design over subject. As a subject you might think the idea for the painting was a bit simple. And what are you having us look at anyway. But as design, hmmmm..... that can work. All the best to you.

[@ghvideodotnet]

Yes, please do the longer format more often. This was engaging and enjoyable to watch. Happy New Year!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Gillian, thanks for letting me know you like the longer ones. Hope all is well and you are back on the tennis court by now. With very best wishes for 2021.

[@catherineatkinson1729]

Loved this demo! Keep them coming, please!

[@catbraunwell6450]

Thank you so much Ian. It’s always so lovely to watch your videos and listen to your quiet voice. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.

[@desireecromwell-kraft889]

Thank you, Ian! Appreciate your insights.

[@pourquoipas971]

Merci, very informative ! Thanks.

[@vineyardsailing1923]

Love the long format. Very very helpful!!! Pls consider more while not giving up the short format. Agree that it’s great to watch when u only have a little time. Long format excellent for when we have a bit more time! Thank you!!!!!

[@markoartist5273]

Wow! Fantastic!

[@orrmarie]

This was SO HELPFUL!! Thank you!

[@carolepivarnik9316]

It is definitely helpful to watch your painting process start to finish. Always a good reminder that “less is more”! Your light touch with the brush is very instructive. Thanks for so generously sharing your expertise.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Carole, thanks for letting me know the longer videos are helpful. I appreciate the feedback. With best wishes.

[@cherigreen4471]

I love your painting and especially your explanations of how you compose your composition and color choices. Thanks so much!

[@user-iw8uz6cj6r]

Yes - really liked it! Thank u

[@pjprimadonna]

thanks, loved this

[@k.a.christianbuckeye4257]

Amazing, great work!

[@dv9476]

So beautifully created. Thank you

[@ushashantharam]

Love your style. Awesome painting.

[@pleinaire8698]

An EXCELLENT video on your brushwork, Ian...thank YOU!!

[@Diana-sm6vr]

This is amazing. Love your presentation.

[@caroledavies5201]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@yijane1226]

Great demonstration!

[@gardengrrlWendy]

Thank you! I learn so much from you!

[@janoneill3904]

So pleased I found you on KZbin, love your extremely helpful tips and demonstrations, easy to follow and understand Thank you Jan

[@delmar5652]

Oh! Yes very helpful. Thank you for this wonderful tutorial, . Hoping to see more.

[@TheSpassmer]

Wonderful,thank you, very valuable demonstration...

[@Tizaheijting]

I learned a lot about brushwork and, on the sideline, to learn to use my Phalo green a bit better (incl. the gradations in the sky). Will add chromeoxyde green to my palet as greens are for me (incl. skin tones) the most difficult to get nuanced in the right way. Really appreciated how you demonstrated that even if the basic idea is based on the masses/structure and direction of the eye, the nuances within the masses are achieved and delicately worked on without loosing sight of the overall basic construction. And how much you must think about this before you put the brush on the canvas to leave its mark. Thanks so much again.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Well Patricia, I'd say you got all the main points down! Glad you found it helpful.

[@ALLISMIND]

beautiful, thank you

[@marthacanady9441]

Oh, do I like your style. It just comes together so naturally. Thanks, Ian.

[@janetc3707]

Yes, extremely helpful!!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the video Janet.

[@lindamarquez3072]

YES! It was very informative in a practical way.

[@marypartridge5154]

Thanking you so much. This is really helpful

[@limitlessjewels1132]

Loved the longer demonstration! Your explanations are always great and being able to see more details is even better. Thanks for sharing so generously your knowledge. Also loved your book! It’s just amazing wealth of information Lucy Quin

[@mumtazsamnani1237]

Very helpful thank you

[@dremaaustin338]

Beyond gorgeous. When looking at this painting it's like walking through a field of Daisy's or Queen Anne's lace.

[@ronniecremers2354]

I found the longer video quite helpful. I need help seeing the small details you choose for your focal point on the photo, but can see them clearly in the painting. Your painting style does translate to watercolor in some respects and I love hearing your thinking process. Thank you for all your time and effort!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Ronnie, it is true you can't see exactly what I am seeing in the photo since it's so much smaller for you. But there were some neutral colored grasses at the top of the hill that I really could have made any color. Glad you find the videos helpful.

[@Coco2345ful]

Love this! Great reminder , so I keep viewing it! Thanks!

[@carrollwilson5169]

Great information, lovely painting

[@momof3terrors]

Your instruction is helpful. Thank you!

[@trevorwoodward4970]

I really found this so useful,easy to follow and most enjoyable. Thanks

[@andyhornberger758]

Beautiful painting! Thanks so much for these videos. I own your book Mastering Composition, and it is dog eared and very well loved. Thank you again.

[@scottdyerfineart9975]

Thank you Ian, all your videos help us as we struggle to improve and understand these nuances of painting

[@stevebyrne5048]

Really enjoyed this one, thanks Ian.

[@hw7291]

Love the longer demo. It’s helpful!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks for getting back to me and letting me know. And if H Wood is Harper, HI!

[@chloecrosthwaite1473]

Beautiful! Very helpful video! Thank you!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Great. Thanks Chloe for letting me know. All the best.

[@oksanakulkovets5692]

So beautiful 😍

[@RBrubaker113]

Yes, the longer video is very helpful. Thanks.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Robert, thanks so much for letting me know. Really appreciate it.

[@marypartridge5154]

Watching you paint is so helpful as you have such great style.

[@devikagill6443]

loved this so much Ian Roberts Thank You and stay Blessed :-)

[@rodrigoalmeida9927]

Simple and elegant

[@dawnawerbeski825]

Ian you are such a fantastic teacher. This format is awesome in my opinion.

[@marciarieff4920]

Great demo and Always great to see how your painting of the subject evolves with theory.

[@constancescott4039]

Just mesmerizing!! And super helpful, I would love to see more.

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Hi Constance, delighted you are enjoying the videos. They come out every Tuesday. There is one tomorrow. You can get them sent to you as emails each week if you don't want to miss one. With best wishes.

[@martigreen7229]

I absolutely love watching you painting and how you block it in. I have learned so much from you. Also most helpful how you mix colors to get the right value.

[@margaretlawther4708]

I really enjoyed!! Very helpful!!

[@IanRobertsMasteringComposition]

Thanks Margaret. Hope all is well with you. Best wishes.

[@paulallentaylor6034]

You surprised me by working the shapes filling lighter areas first, and then adding darks. Almost watercolorish. Shows that the one rule to follow is the one that works.

[@maryhodges-moulton8288]

I was able to see clearer the different shapes , images with this longer session.