How to See Like a Painter

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Perhaps the most useful tip to see like a painter is to think less in terms of "subject matter", but to think more in terms of compositional structure and design. Essentially, seeing the big picture first. Then, you're able to simplify the painting and strip everything away that doesn't support the design or composition. I'll show you what I mean in this video.
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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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КОМЕНТАРІ: 308

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

I really appreciate every single comment. Thank you. And I read them all. In the past I've also answered them all. Given how much the channel has grown, answering them all is proving a bit daunting. Going forward know that I will continue to read them all. I really enjoy your comments. If there is a question or comment that might be interesting in a way that is generally helpful I will continue to answer those. But please do know that I read all your comments and appreciate them. Thank you and best wishes.

@sharonstritzel9490 Рік тому

Thanks for all you do!

@leilaluginbill916 Рік тому

After watching many of your compositional videos, I have noticed that the way I view the world has changed. I’ve painted in watercolor for decades, so my sense of color and value is pretty well tuned, but now every where I go, I mentally compose pictures from landscapes to cityscapes to people doing activities. I’ve even become very aware of how movies are filmed to get the best composition to catch the viewer’s eye. I just watched the Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power filmed in New Zealand…the videographers are certainly masters of their craft. The whole time viewing, I was mentally composing paintings based on what I learned from you. Thank you…you have made my life more enjoyable😍

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Thanks so much for sharing that with me Leila. I watched a film last year called The Dig that it seemed every scene was so considered in terms of composition. Best wishes

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Glad you are seeing more in terms of shapes and designs too Max. All the best

@sapphiresennelier2319 Рік тому

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Have to agree on that. I’ve been on digs. In that film they took an isolated element and transformed it into a world. It was impressive.

@deaconseptember2002 Рік тому

One of the best on-line instructors in oil painting. Keep 'em coming, Ian.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Thank you Edward. I appreciate your telling me. All the best

@ivangreen5018 Рік тому

Ian, you are a highly effective communicator. When viewing other well-intentioned instructors, I come to appreciate your work even more.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

You're a prince Ivan.

@julieburke1579 Рік тому

Your videos always hold such gems of information Ian. Sometimes its a reminder of a concept/idea previously known yet I've forgotten how important it is to remember to remember it, or sometimes it's a totally new-to-me gem. Your videos are little treasures, especially in the context of the pressure these days for us painters to be film makers too and produce a slick, quick, attention getting, "junk food" like reel to feed the social media gods. Whereas your videos are like "whole foods", making me just want to sit down with a nice cup of coffee and take the time to thoroughly drink in and digest your informative, helpful and enjoyable content. I do have both your books and pull them out over and over. Oh, and lovely painting too!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Hi Julie, thank you for equating my videos with whole food. I too find it so easy to let my attention get distracted by youtube analytics. But I think what I have to say it pretty much decided so I don't stray looking for more.

@jebberjay4324 Рік тому

You are a master artist and a master teacher. Thanks again for another act of generosity, sharing your talents and what goes on behind the eyelids. 🧠 Thank you!

@decomposed_croissant295 Рік тому

Thank you for your videos! I’m not that proficient but even listening to it casually I feel like I’m learning a lot. Cheers!

@simonknights7526 Рік тому

So interesting, and so concise. Ian, I have learnt so much from you over the last year or so!

@c.augustin Рік тому

Even as someone doing large format pinhole photography instead of painting, I find your videos very instructive! While I can't leave out things that are there, it helps to get a better sense of what the important elements of a scene are. Pinhole photography has some slight similarities with painting, as it smoothes out many small details and forces to simplify the composition.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Sounds interesting Christian. Good luck.

@sandramillar9067 Рік тому

Oh it’s so good to be back and listen and watch your very very helpful videos. I love how you delineate the composition at the very beginning and walk us through all the next steps. I also admire your colour mixing skills 👏🙌🏻👏 your way of teaching is kind and encouraging. Have a wonderful day Ian!

@rafaeltuts4044 Рік тому

This is again a very useful and instructive video of a great landscape painting of yours. What I found particularly useful this time is how you showed very clearly till what stage you had reached at the end of the first day, before finishing off the painting. Thanks again for the inspiration!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Glad it was helpful Rafael.

@LukenUSee Рік тому

I really appreciate your style and approach to painting and teaching. Showing us your attention to design is so helpful. One thing I need to do is to create thumbnails to work out the composition. I've tended to want to rush the process, to sketch on the canvas and get on with get the painting. I see the value now in taking a bit of time up front to plan the frame and make important decisions. Thank you for sharing your artistic wisdom!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

I just think it makes more sense to have a roadmap before heading out on the journey. Best wishes

@LukenUSee Рік тому

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I agree. Great advice. Thank you so much!

@luludesjardins Рік тому

Thank you so much Ian.

@hikingwiththedog6078 Рік тому

This is a great video!! I'd love to see more like this, where you give examples of how you identify a scene to paint. You're incredibly helpful, and I always want to walk into your paintings!!!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

I'll maybe see if I can do a video just on that. Finding the image.

@hikingwiththedog6078 Рік тому

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thank you!!!

@AndyWalkerArt Рік тому

Really helpful video Ian - thanks for making everything so clear and simple. Love the painting by the way!

@leannemoss7002 Рік тому

This one was magic! Great painting, and great reminder to sketch out the design first. Learned that the hard way this weekend working on a large piece without a roadmap first.

@tamarageorge6966 Рік тому

I love your book. I have returned to it many times. And I’ve watched your videos that go along with it. You are such a consistent teacher. I really like the way you present concepts. Thanks so much for these shorts.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

You are so welcome!

@janeiwan3809 Рік тому

Ian, your demos are an incredible gift to your audience. Many thanks. Jane

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Thanks Jane. Nice to hear from you

@user-rx3ph3ox4i Рік тому

Thank you Ian for the lesson! You make me look at painting more professional every time. Thus, you support my creative work at professional level. I've learned a lot from you.

@lisaburda5490 Рік тому

Thank you so much, Ian! I am a beginner and your videos are incredibly useful! All the best!

@gypsyjay5789 4 місяці тому

I live in France and I am surrounded by beautiful light and landscapes and I have long been wanting to start painting landscapes in oil. Thinking now is the time to start this journey, I stumbled across your tutorial. It is so clean and simple to follow! You really are able to transmit your confidence to the watcher! I love your style too!

@paulbrown6008 Рік тому

Thank you so much for all the insight you bring and the demonstration showing your process from the initial drawing to the mixing of colors to the application of it to the finished painting. I'm so glad your book is back in publication, definitely have to get a copy.

@garysimkins2179 Рік тому

I cannot express in words the value of your tutorials. They have helped me see things in a more concise manner, and my drawing has improved vastly as a result of your instruction. Thankyou so much for all that you share with us.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Wow, thank you!

@janenef Рік тому

I loved watching you construct this painting and mixing the colors. The finished painting is awesome. Country roads are among my favorite subjects. Thank you.

@natalykenny2069 Рік тому

Thank you, Ian, for another great video tutorial! Very clear and helpful. ❤❤❤

@evelynasher2177 Рік тому

I value your instruction, Ian. Each time I gain insight and new techniques. Keep hammering home Mastering Composition which I find inspiring.

@txsckb Рік тому

Another home run, Ian. What a great synopsis on composition, design and simplification. Once again, “shapes, not things.”

@koriabdouch3589 Рік тому

I find your breakdown of the composition, simplification of the design, and the painting demo clips so helpful! Something I am working on and still find difficult especially when I am out painting in plein air. You make it look so easy, and I know it's not. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us!

@brendajeannewyche2294 Рік тому

Absolutely beautiful. This is very helpful information. Thank you.

@lozgreen5199 Рік тому

Thank you once again Ian, I have watched your videos for many years now and have purchased several of them. You are so giving and a wonderful teacher. Good on you mate

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

You are very welcome

@greenmacaroni8872 Рік тому

Your painting is beautiful. I’ve often wondered, what to look for when taking pictures for my own paintings. This is great help. Thank you. Julie 🥰

@sophiefernelius6900 Рік тому

Beautiful painting Ian!! Thank you for renforcing the essential, composition!!

@rayaru1 Рік тому

Love how you simplified eliminating unessential elements of the scene. How you direct the focus to the center of interest, love the whole process. Thank you. This will help me see better!!

@Coco2345ful Рік тому

Thank you for a very thoughtful and provoking demo! I really enjoy watching you paint. Thanks again!

@cathyabramson3357 Рік тому

This was so helpful and I love how you show your sketches and the thoughts behind each one. Learning color mixing is a hard one for me. Thank you Ian! 🎨

@gerriekaychurch658 Рік тому

Again another fantastic tutorial! I love the way you teach. Thank you for your generosity🤗

@WWStu Рік тому

Really clear communication, one of my favourite UKposts painting instructors. Every time I think “I’ll remember that for next time”! I’ll have to put your book on my wish list.

@deborahrech7429 8 місяців тому

Another wonderful video! So helpful.

@joanistotler8804 Рік тому

Absolutely gorgeous!!

@notyourtypicalpainter Рік тому

I love how you simplified the painting from the photo you took! Those shapes that you pointed out truly make it interesting! I will be honest I do the exact opposite most of the time (I like complexity) but I do agree 100% on how you explained that we as artist can pick and choose what we keep from the photo in the end if it helps with making a better composition!

@barbararuigrok Рік тому

Fantastic Ian (as always)! Thank you for your great advice!

@theodoradanielacapat298 Рік тому

Such a good way of explaining - thank you!

@tdav3237 Рік тому

Love it! So helpful to see step by step, and what you edited out to make the painting stronger. So often I get hung up on “getting everything in”…seeing this reminds me “less is often more”.. thanks!

@rgrvrrth Рік тому

The grasses are so full of vibrancy in such simplistic way!!!! Unbelieavable!!💚

@anitagibbs3714 Рік тому

Love yr work. Thank you for the way you break it all down. I wasn’t lucky enough to do art at school, was a young mum. Went to uni at 32 to do nursing & had a fulfilling career until Ill health struck home. So now at 62 decided to eat, breath & follow anything so I could to learn about Art. I Thought it would just be a few acrylic pours & abstract paintings….easy right! anyone can do it! No. I started learning about composition with abstract….heck theres a lot to it…I could not just put paint to paper….I needed to understand it Then I met you… love your style….now composition is making sense ( slowly). I just brought your book as well. Thanks again. Look forward to more info 😁

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Hi Anita, Lovely story and my very best wishes for your artistic journey.

@francoforleo4971 Рік тому

Beautiful painting Ian, as always…. Thank you!

@KatGrid Рік тому

Your videos are so incredibly helpful for a beginner like me. I tend to get stuck in the details. Now I am really working on recognizing structure first. I have already seen a difference in how I look at the world. With many other instructors out there on the internet I get discouraged by the things I don't yet know and can't yet do. In contrast, your videos have given me the confidence to overcome empty canvas anxiety and really start practicing the skills you teach. I am a long way from calling myself an artist, but thanks to you, I have found the courage to paint again and improve upon my skills.

@neetsrb Рік тому

Just fantastic! You have such a gift for mixing colors-thank you for presenting these videos so we can see how a composition evolves!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

My pleasure

@sapphiresennelier2319 Рік тому

This video ended with me gazing out my window on the scene I look at every day. I have wanted to paint it - an alley - but wanted it to look more “back yard”. Watching how you just eliminated elements instantly guided how I was looking at this site. The details often drag me down a rabbit hole. Your recomposing of a scene, drawing on the bones or architectural design elements, has influenced my way of seeing. What power you have and have given us! 😉

@craigseaborn4222 Рік тому

That was a beautiful painting Ian , and the video's are always helpful! Thank you so much , Craig

@jd-ke7uy Рік тому

Thank you Ian. I think it is one of your best pieces!

@RaviSingh-pp4qn Рік тому

I really like the way you simplify things. Its so good to watch you work

@janabroeckx6316 Рік тому

Thanks Ian I learned a lot from your demos. It's also very useful for Aquarel paintings. I'm new in this art world.

@brigittefortier1211 Рік тому

WOW! What an eye opener, thank you sooo much!

@smailhamza7251 Рік тому

I think the secret is just to love "painting" then we will see entire life in paintings visions. I love what you do ... from algeria

@DreamingCatStudio Рік тому

Soooo beautiful! Every step makes sense. I live in Northern California and you’ve captured a scene I might drive by. Thank you very helpful!

@christianday6759 Рік тому

Lovely painting. It is interesting how painters can see a much better reality than the scene before them. You did just that with great subtractions and abstractions. Thanks for the great video.

@Slaneous Рік тому

Marvelous work and process Ian as ever.

@divyasinghart Рік тому

Your videos always bring me clarity. Thank you so much

@wendyweissman908 Рік тому

I so appreciate your help, Ian! Although my style is a lot different from yours, the information you so generously provide is the single most important element that is improving my work. Thank you!!

@tedewilkins Рік тому

So helpful and informative. Thank you!

@brentladue Рік тому

Just want to say thank you for the videos, they have all been really helpful and well presented. Big fan of the book as well. Looking forward to what you have planned next!

@morvenb7759 8 місяців тому

Hugely inspiring! thank you

@candacetroystudios Рік тому

Another strong video Ian. I find that I go home every time I hear and see your videos. Hope to get back to painting soon.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Thanks Candice

@douglasmattingly1250 Рік тому

Another useful reminder of how to approach the start of a painting. Thank you, Ian.

@normavite-leon8493 Рік тому

I listened to your interview in the Learn to Paint podcast and I was intrigued by the way you explained the relevance of composition in a painting. This video and the clear, concrete, example you used, helped me understand much better how to think about composition. Thanks so much, this was super helpful!

@joanaclemente2955 10 місяців тому

I'm so glad I found your channel. I've always drawed and painted intuitively and your process is so simplified and refreshing, I feel like it has made everything easier for me. I even want to paint now, but using "your method". Love this, I just realized how much I complicate things because I always focus on the details throughout my paintings. Sir you put the fun back in painting because it's almost like I start things off already stressed out. I'm so stiff in my mind despite my brushwork seeming "free"... I'm a graphic designer and I admit, I've always thought about painting as a separate thing from design, but now, after watching your videos it seems kind of silly. It's also great that you read most of the comments. Greetings all the way from Portugal! :)

@roslynr9767 Рік тому

Thank you so much! Once again, another excellent lesson.! I cannot get enough of hearing, "Simplify" !

@meiredeabreu8665 9 місяців тому

Gorgeous ! Thank you so much! Loooove it!

@europeanroyalty4778 Рік тому

I seen recently for the 1st time what your talking about. At first the beautiful scene is what caught my eye, not long after I began to see the design. It was winter trees, with repetitive V shapes, some were distorted V shapes, but they were repeated everywhere. It was really exciting when I saw the design of the composition and not just a scene.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Nice to hear you're seeing the design. Onward.

@immanuel7925 Рік тому

awesome work sir! good lesson!

@pradeepjhuboo9458 10 місяців тому

A very helpful tutorial that simplifies what the artist should see first. This relieves the tension the every single detail would add to at first sight. Thanks again Ian !

@lorrainesaliba5469 Рік тому

Hi Ian ! It is always a pleasure to get your much awaited monthly video ! Thank you for adding your pencil sketches which I never get tired of seeing !! I am blown away everytime ?😁 I enjoy and appreciate your explanation which is always to the point and in so much detail. I send you my sincerest thanks and blessing to You and your lovely wife Anne. Warmest regards....Lorraine 🤗🎨😁

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Thank you so much

@santone1849 Рік тому

great book great video thank you Ian

@ivarboneless2649 Рік тому

You’re a legend Ian, most helpful instructor I’ve watched

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Thank you sir.

@sharonstritzel9490 Рік тому

Just beautiful!!!

@user-vo6wy7km6c Рік тому

Thank you so much for sharing your practice with us! You are a very helpful instructor, and your book is also a treasure. Thank you thank you!

@robertdufour2456 Рік тому

Again! Just outstanding insight! Thank you, Sir, for sharing your experience and passion.

@choosetruthalways7995 Рік тому

I have learned so much from how you teach our eye to view the essence of what is actually fascinating our mind/ heart . You instinctively teach us - The universal rule of beauty- the golden ratio - balanced relationship that the mind's eye loves! Thank You ♥

@marynugent2424 Рік тому

Your lessons are very helpful. Thank you!

@normamiller2316 Рік тому

Thank you for another outstanding and helpful lesson. Your words on design resonate! I learn so much from your lessons, thanks.

@myrablackwell3271 Рік тому

Great demonstration the variation of greens…. Love roads in a painting I always learn so much from you. Simplification is my quest.

@joannschoenleber813 Рік тому

Brilliant! Thanks for these lessons that helpfully simplify it all!! 🙏👍

@glorious5389 Рік тому

Excellent work. Love it.

@clemencelartigau Рік тому

Oh my! Things seem so easy when I watch your videos… I love it ! Thank you !!!

@mimiwhitney8317 Рік тому

Working with all those greens was terrific. Nicely designed, also.

@sabinelloyd8532 Рік тому

So much makes sense that did not gel before! Your explanations are down to earth and easy to follow.

@julliettecarignan8563 Рік тому

Hi Tim, I love all your content but especially these videos on how to SEE scenes and make the most of them by designing. I'm also re-reading your "Creative Authenticity" and marveling again about the rare gift that book is, offering such great wisdom and insight for painters!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Glad you liked it Juliette.

@laurieh5190 Рік тому

I love your videos, and this is one of your best! I learn so much from each of them. Thank you so much!

@daisyrafferty2204 Рік тому

Allow me to join the chorus, you are an excellent teacher. When you first put up your photo I was struck by the shape of the distant trees, I saw the wind in them pulling them to one side...but you elected to draw them and paint them straight up and down. I would have left that wind in....but we're all different, and that's what makes painting exciting. Thanks for the lesson.

@YogeshKumarSharma Рік тому

Awesome sir.

@thereserioux2178 Рік тому

Just what I needed. I often tend to add too many details. Your approach will be helpful.Thanks.

@ARTPAINTING101 Рік тому

I love that you included some of the mixing process it is educational.

@jermainejeromyart Рік тому

Your videos always give me a shot of inspiration to keep painting

@lorraineferraro8946 Рік тому

Amazing Ian !

@clienteneno6233 Рік тому

Ameiiiiiii...parabéns Sr.Ian Roberts

@liesesadler5295 Рік тому

I’m stealing the analogy of “ coming in from the backside” - it really speaks to finding the skeleton or structure to hang an idea on. When painting outside sometimes it’s hard to get someone to see shapes, so I think this will be helpful!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Рік тому

Glad that was helpful Liese.