I was a still life student of Paul Lipp in 1976-77. Out of 12 to 16 paintings, the wet into wet alla prima was my favorite for the lively brushwork and spirit. But, otherwise, being that Paul Lipp was a sergeant in the marines and stood behind me smoking a pipe as I painted, locking in the correct color, value, and shape was mandatory- and a little intimidating. It was one of my best courses in college.
Haste is a big deal in painting. I've heard that painting is a relaxing activity but it actually needs concentration and premeditated intentions. If you lose those you lose the quality and you get disaffection and depression. Haste is the first enemy, it leads both to too ambitious compositions and to pictorial effects that don’t “realize” the painting. You are a great teacher, thank you boss 🙏🏻
Structure! What a great concept to live by! One of my favorite quotes ever is by Branford Marsalis, who reportedly said: “There’s no freedom in freedom, my man, there’s only freedom in structure”. True for painting, music and life.
This video struck a chord with me because I've always been more of a process oriented person in whatever I do. Yes, I like to see the finished result whether it's repairing something or building something, carving or painting a subject. I just like using and handling tools and materials. The smell of wood, paint, turpentine and the feel of a brush or tool in hand is what I find relaxing and enjoyable. It sometimes almost seems surprising when I realize the thing I'm working on is done.
That's is great. I am the same and in fact love crafting things for exactly the same reason. I think one of the best signs you're doing something that agrees with you is when you feel time has stopped. As you say here.
Great commentary! You are right, of course, I become so anxious to see if I can get a "good result" I tend to miss the actual joy of the process. Thank you for the insight!!
I know the experience from practicing guitar. Less on enjoying the process and more on getting the result. Which always seems so depressingly far away.
Thank you Ian Robert for giving the two important words, structure and composition. At the same time the process of painting rather then finishing it up. Thank you so much 🙏🏾. I really appreciate and enjoy your artistic skills and creativity too.
I so enjoy your posts… ! I also take note of your library in the background, to see if any books have changed position 😊 Great knowledge and understanding , thanks for sharing 🙏🙏🙏
I so agree! I do not rely on painting for income, so for me it's all about the process. The paintings are merely artifacts. I love plein air, but I also love the meditative process or working on a studio painting.
Hi Steve, so this video probably struck a chord. Plein air has its exciting engagement and still life it's process. Glad the video agreed with you. All the best.
I love how your painting turned out! As always, your instruction and emphasis on structure, composition and design is so valuable! Thinking of the painting process as having a meditative quality and influence is interesting. It encourages a slower, more reflective method of artistic expression, and removes the contrived sense of urgency to quickly complete a piece, as with Plein air. Entertaining the idea of slowing down and enjoying the painting process itself is constructive. It allows for the creative experience to be both contemplative and spontaneous resulting in a more satisfying and indulgent endeavor. Thank you.
HI Ann Marie, I think there is a tendency to rush because there is a fear that maybe it might turn out, and I'm vulnerable feeling that so if I rush I'll get over feeling vulnerable. But the flip side is you now rush and hurry and don't realize how much adjusting and nuancing it takes to make a painting work. For me, and everyone I know as well.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I know well the feeling of anxiety and vulnerability resulting when I perceive, and assume others will judge, a painting to be “bad” (as we are our own worst critics!). But, for me, I tend to rush more as a result of losing attention or focus, or not knowing how to solve a problem that has developed with a painting. This often occurs because, perhaps, I have not committed fully to the preparatory steps (drawing, value sketch). As a result, I rush to quickly finish my painting because I have lost interest. This experience leaves me disappointed and discouraged, certainly not satisfied! As you indicated, I do not always appreciate the subtle, deliberate changes required for the successful painting I wish to achieve. . So, to approach painting as more meditative is refreshing. It helps to alleviate the pressure and stress, and gives permission simply to relax and enjoy the artistic process.
That’s exactly! I just started painting and I’m always in a rush, afraid that I won’t be able to reach my goal. Always surprised that, “I painted this?” And always scared when starting a new painting…
Always good to be reminded of the necessity of structure, then design, then detail, even for very abstracted work, that the constraint of structure in the composing is helpful, not hemming you in. Freedom in structure as Susanne quoted Marsalis below. And yes if we’re not enjoying the process, what’s the point. Thank you again for yet another wonderful video Ian.
Think you are referring to stanza, also term 'strophe' can apply, for grouping of repeat music, pattern, rhyme: verse - chorus, verse - chorus, bridge-chorus is a frequent song pattern or structure.
I'm with you, Ian...I really enjoy being able to slow down and enjoy the process and nuances of painting a still life. You can really study how the light describes the form, temp shifts and, my personal favorite, reflected light bouncing around. Thanks for putting these videos together. I really enjoy tuning in each week. Cheers.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thank you, Ian! Learning to see, distill, and execute in whatever medium is a lifelong pursuit. A real blessing I think. 🙏
I love Ian's philosophy of art! Even the delightful freedom of a bird in flight is expressed within the realms of constraint and restraint. Gravity, altitude, the dangers of predators, many things keep the bird within certain parameters. Thanks Ian.
I love still life painting for that very reason of slowing down in my process, doing several layers as I go along and even coming back to add other elements to it in future thoughts and ideas 💡 🎨😉👍🏼 thanks for your methodology and thoughts ,I really am enjoying this .
I’m absolutely enjoying your videos. The way you explain the process is easy to understand. I’m basically a watercolor artist for many years, but I also dabble in oils. That’s why I watch your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 🌴Tallahassee, Florida 🌴
I am quite new to painting. Your posts are very informative. Thank you for sharing. The medium I am using is watercolour. It seems that your teaching is transferable to watercolour in many ways. As I say I am a novice so please correct me if this is not so. Kindest regards
Thank you for simplifying composition for me. You've boiled it down to the basic concept. I'm learning a lot and really enjoy the short, concise videos.
Exactly! Many and many layers, with at least on two sittings. I never have achieved with Alla-Prima anything on the canvas (or board), the initial concept that was there from the very beginning before my eyes.
Your choice of "structure's importance" is the perfect antidote to the "there are no rules camp" that seems to surround me LOL I much enjoy your Tuesday videos thanks for taking the time to do them and for making them public for all to enjoy.
HI Stella, glad you are enjoying the videos. I think it is a really good distinction to think about rules vs conventions. Most of Western representational art is based on conventions that work. Perspective if you want to get it "right" is more of a rule since it is based on geometry, and if you don't do it right you can tell. But so much of the rest is conventions and you can find people that break the convention and still make it work. But as so many people say, it is often better to know the convention and know that you are breaking it, rather than breaking it and not knowing and therefore not knowing perhaps the consequences. All the best.
Very pretty. I really like how your fabric looks and the color of that fabric in front of the bowl. Some of the great masters were experts at at painting beautiful fabrics. At some point I'm going to give it a try. Painting a silk is particularly beautiful, getting the right sheen. Thank you!
I'm one of those 'fraidy cats😭 Afraid if I don't finish it quick, I'll lose sight of what I'm trying to do and get lost in the middle. Little do I know, that rushing is what's CAUSING me to always get lost... And THANK YOU for emphasizing accuracy in the block in stage. So many other tutorials keep going "oh it doesn't have to be perfect" or whatever, but when I try it, it just looks like a big mess and I give up. This makes WAY more sense.
Hi Doug, there's a quote of the late poet Mary Oliver " attention is the beginning of devotion". I love that quote for the sense of slowing down, really putting your attention on the thing at hand, and what that does to our awareness. All the best.
Your emphasis on structure is compelling. I look at a pretty anything and say I'll paint that, most times with mixed results. Now I see that structure and composition are the basics and need to be in place before everything else. Thank you for your time and talent!
It is easy to make the analogy of building a house and putting in the foundation first. It is probably the least exciting thing about building a house because you won't even see it when it is done, but the building can't exist without it. It's way more fun picking out tiles colors for the bathroom. Except you know without the foundation....
Been watching your channel for a short time and learning alot from your teaching and advice. After painting for nearly 20 years we never stop learning from others. Composition is a really important part of our painting process and I'm always looking to improve my compositional skills. Thanks for sharing and Happy painting from Sydney 🎨🔔👍
HI Tez, I agree with you about the learning process. And the composition thing really is such a crux to the whole thing and I find I am always questioning and pushing it too. Glad you are enjoying the videos. With best wishes.
Great advice. I always get demotivated when my drawings are not going how I wanted. I will remember to enjoy the process, the results will come with time.
I think we all go through that. Start off excited, watch it all go to hell and then dig in and pull it back from the brink. The more you enjoy the process as opposed to seeing what you are doing always compared to so idea you have of what the finished painting should look like, I think the more room and time you give yourself to be with the process. All the best.
Fabulous Demo. I sure would like to see a demo on how to create Silver, Gold and Cooper. I just tried painting a cooper teapot and it came out pretty good. However, one has to practice, practice, practice.
Hi Mimi, I'm delighted you enjoyed the video. I think a lot of painting something like reflective metal, or a glass of water, anything really is really looking at it, and eliminating the idea of say copper from your mind, and then start painting using the colors you actually see. And then as you say practice practice practice. All the best.
Yes, I found this very helpful - end result, very good - just shows how layers build up and how the colours change due to the layering. Thanks. Jane / Oxford
Hi Jane, there's just some things you can't do with one layer of paint. I think some of the paintings I love most in the world in fact make such good use of this idea. Can't rush it. Glad you liked it.
HI Svetlana, well that painting had its up and downs. It isn't all clear sailing. But I find, as I said in the video, if I am with the process I can be relaxed and pull it around. Best wishes.
Good to see you, Ian. I like how you built the depth and emphasized slowing down. Painting is a very spiritual process indeed. Nice painting. Be safe and take care. Gayle
Thanks Ian I love painting and realise structure is so important. I am learning from your videos which will make painting even more enjoyable. Thank you
Hi Helen, I guess in actually applies to all of life doesn't it? But then our art practice is in many ways a microcosm of how we look at everything. Best wishes.
Beautiful. I realize your emphasis is on composition here, but since you changed the color of the tablecloth (and it looks great) ,so if you could explain to us how and why you may change the colors ?
Is this observation correct? As well as the main color blocks (and main light/dark within) you start with the background/context so that when it come to the "subject" blocks the values and tones are within a context. Whereas adding the background around the "subject" would risk having to majorly adjust the subject. Secondly - when I paint anything that has eyes I find it comforting to get detail in the eyes early; it helps me visualise the end result in the context of that arresting detail. But is that a beginners mistake - putting the roof on before the walls are strong enough to take it - so ending up with a painting where the eyes may be great but the rest of it is weaker
You want to be painting the objects of a still life in relation to the background. So trying to paint the objects and then sticking in the back ground after, separates the unity of the painting. And like the highlight on an orange, that is all stuff that fits in at the end when the big shapes and arrangements are pretty set. Eyes would be the same. Sort of a tempting detail, but if later you realize you need to darken or lighten things then the details are wasted and will get repainted anyway.
I am learning using watercolor as my medium and I find layering the hardest part. Do you think I should move to acrylics at least for learning the concepts with?
WIth larger paintintgs I'll do a block in and let in dry and then go back in. With smaller paintings, say 12 x 16 or smaller I'll do it all wet into wet in one go.
do you use mediums at all? it looks like you dont... your process is a treat to my eyes Ian, thanks for being on youtube and inspiring so many of us..do you take online courses?
Great video. But as you talk about horizontals and verticals in structure, I find myself painting Miner's Lettuce, and the composition is sort of circular. In your book you talked about various composition shapes -- cruciform, S-shape, L-shape, etc. Perhaps you could do a video that talks about those in relation to your current emphasis on verticals and horizontals as a starting structure. :-) Thanks for all this. I'm learning and seeing more!
Hi Ralph, I think way back, over a year ago probably, I mentioned I had eliminated talking about L, S, O and had replaced it with just this one. But that was a long time ago. I'm thinking of doing a couple in a couple of weeks, that goes back to the most fundamental ideas to I guess reset the stage for the channel. So yes, that is a good suggestion Ralph. Thanks and all the best.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I do agree that your horizontal design concept is primary and extremely helpful in nearly all cases. But, like any other principle, it isn't exclusive.
Ian: There have been very few paintings which stop me in my tracks (dog's breakfast will have to wait). Yours this morning was one of them ! Normally I save your videos for a less hectic time of day or later in the week, but not today. I HAD to see the video now. The Composition, color and gestalt, are simply compelling. ( got to go .... dog...)
Hi Jim, thanks so much. I really appreciate your telling me. There is something about doing the painting publicly so to speak that makes me happy I got the thing to work at all. So hearing that you actually liked it means a lot. Best wishes.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition When I saw the painting as the background for the UA-cam video title page, I didn't know it was yours, it simply grabbed me to find out more - where did it come from, who did it, etc. This also cemented in my mind the concept of composition being the equivalent of the "hook" writers use to draw you into a story. Composition is what grabs you from across the room - to come close for a better look. Or to stop while scrolling through thumbnail images on the computer.
What a beautiful person. Humble, intelligent, talented, and generous with his hard-won knowledge.
I was a still life student of Paul Lipp in 1976-77. Out of 12 to 16 paintings, the wet into wet alla prima was my favorite for the lively brushwork and spirit. But, otherwise, being that Paul Lipp was a sergeant in the marines and stood behind me smoking a pipe as I painted, locking in the correct color, value, and shape was mandatory- and a little intimidating. It was one of my best courses in college.
Haste is a big deal in painting. I've heard that painting is a relaxing activity but it actually needs concentration and premeditated intentions. If you lose those you lose the quality and you get disaffection and depression. Haste is the first enemy, it leads both to too ambitious compositions and to pictorial effects that don’t “realize” the painting. You are a great teacher, thank you boss 🙏🏻
Love this comment. So true!
Structure! What a great concept to live by! One of my favorite quotes ever is by Branford Marsalis, who reportedly said: “There’s no freedom in freedom, my man, there’s only freedom in structure”. True for painting, music and life.
Super great quote Susanne. Thanks for sharing that! All the best.
Great instructions👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻‼️Thanks!!!
Cupping your hand and using it as a view finder is helpful in isolating the color you want to match. Squint for the relative value.
You make it look so easy and enjoyable. Beautiful results. Learning so much. Thank you.
Happy to be here even 2 years late! In no hurry more interested in content and contentment. Thanks Ian Roberts!
I love the way you layer so many stages
This video struck a chord with me because I've always been more of a process oriented person in whatever I do. Yes, I like to see the finished result whether it's repairing something or building something, carving or painting a subject. I just like using and handling tools and materials. The smell of wood, paint, turpentine and the feel of a brush or tool in hand is what I find relaxing and enjoyable. It sometimes almost seems surprising when I realize the thing I'm working on is done.
That's is great. I am the same and in fact love crafting things for exactly the same reason. I think one of the best signs you're doing something that agrees with you is when you feel time has stopped. As you say here.
I enjoyed watching the process. Thanks Kab.🌷
Awesome!! And you make it look easy and fun!! Thank you Ian!!
Lovely painting, thank you for sharing.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing, I really enjoy your videos
j'adore,j'aime énormément votre peinture.je regard en boucle les démonstrations....sans osé de commence moi même
Great commentary! You are right, of course, I become so anxious to see if I can get a "good result" I tend to miss the actual joy of the process. Thank you for the insight!!
I know the experience from practicing guitar. Less on enjoying the process and more on getting the result. Which always seems so depressingly far away.
THANKS. ENJOYING YOUR INSTRUCTIONS.
I love how you changed the grey color to green one!!! Perfect job!!!
Wow!!That was so deep and meaningful. Thanks Ian.❤
I'm delighted that you found it useful
WOW. Thank you Ian.
Hi Ian, I really find yr videos exemely inspirational
Thank you Ian.
Thank you! Definitely will try working like this on my next painting!
I'm glad it was helpful
It is true , the process brings us to almost meditation , slowly and gently . Thank you again !
Nice to hear from you Christine. All the best.
Great instruction, great advice! Thank you for reminding us to ‘enjoy’ the process, don’t be so hurried to finish quickly!
Beautiful painting, Ian. Love the Tuesday videos now more than ever.
Hi Alan, great to hear from you and glad you are enjoying the videos. See you the 20th.
Wow!
I really love this painting! Turquoise, orange, and old silver! You can’t go wrong with that composition!
Beautifull painting process -
Thank you Ian Robert for giving the two important words, structure and composition. At the same time the process of painting rather then finishing it up. Thank you so much 🙏🏾. I really appreciate and enjoy your artistic skills and creativity too.
Hi Usha, thanks so much for letting me know you are finding them helpful. With best wishes, Ian.
Beautiful!
I so enjoy your posts… ! I also take note of your library in the background, to see if any books have changed position 😊 Great knowledge and understanding , thanks for sharing 🙏🙏🙏
I so agree! I do not rely on painting for income, so for me it's all about the process. The paintings are merely artifacts. I love plein air, but I also love the meditative process or working on a studio painting.
Hi Steve, so this video probably struck a chord. Plein air has its exciting engagement and still life it's process. Glad the video agreed with you. All the best.
I love how your painting turned out! As always, your instruction and emphasis on structure, composition and design is so valuable!
Thinking of the painting process as having a meditative quality and influence is interesting. It encourages a slower, more reflective method of artistic expression, and removes the contrived sense of urgency to quickly complete a piece, as with Plein air. Entertaining the idea of slowing down and enjoying the painting process itself is constructive. It allows for the creative experience to be both contemplative and spontaneous resulting in a more satisfying and indulgent endeavor.
Thank you.
HI Ann Marie, I think there is a tendency to rush because there is a fear that maybe it might turn out, and I'm vulnerable feeling that so if I rush I'll get over feeling vulnerable. But the flip side is you now rush and hurry and don't realize how much adjusting and nuancing it takes to make a painting work. For me, and everyone I know as well.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I know well the feeling of anxiety and vulnerability resulting when I perceive, and assume others will judge, a painting to be “bad” (as we are our own worst critics!).
But, for me, I tend to rush more as a result of losing attention or focus, or not knowing how to solve a problem that has developed with a painting. This often occurs because, perhaps, I have not committed fully to the preparatory steps (drawing, value sketch). As a result, I rush to quickly finish my painting because I have lost interest. This experience leaves me disappointed and discouraged, certainly not satisfied! As you indicated, I do not always appreciate the subtle, deliberate changes required for the successful painting I wish to achieve. .
So, to approach painting as more meditative is refreshing. It helps to alleviate the pressure and stress, and gives permission simply to relax and enjoy the artistic process.
That’s exactly! I just started painting and I’m always in a rush, afraid that I won’t be able to reach my goal. Always surprised that, “I painted this?” And always scared when starting a new painting…
Very nice demonstration sir
Love it!
Learning a lot thank you
Always good to be reminded of the necessity of structure, then design, then detail, even for very abstracted work, that the constraint of structure in the composing is helpful, not hemming you in. Freedom in structure as Susanne quoted Marsalis below. And yes if we’re not enjoying the process, what’s the point. Thank you again for yet another wonderful video Ian.
Hi Lana, you make a great précis of whole video there. Glad you liked it and see you the 20th. All the very best.
Think you are referring to stanza, also term 'strophe' can apply, for grouping of repeat music, pattern, rhyme: verse - chorus, verse - chorus, bridge-chorus is a frequent song pattern or structure.
I'm with you, Ian...I really enjoy being able to slow down and enjoy the process and nuances of painting a still life. You can really study how the light describes the form, temp shifts and, my personal favorite, reflected light bouncing around. Thanks for putting these videos together. I really enjoy tuning in each week. Cheers.
Hi Scott, I'm delighted you are enjoying the videos. I went to your website lots of great paintings. Congratulations. All the best.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thank you, Ian! Learning to see, distill, and execute in whatever medium is a lifelong pursuit. A real blessing I think. 🙏
I love Ian's philosophy of art! Even the delightful freedom of a bird in flight is expressed within the realms of constraint and restraint. Gravity, altitude, the dangers of predators, many things keep the bird within certain parameters. Thanks Ian.
You have a gift for analogies that makes things more clear. Tks
Thanks so much. They're a great teaching tool I guess if the analogy makes things clearer.
I learn so much from every video you show us. Thank you again.
How dry do you let the paint get before adding the next layer? Thanks for the demo, Ian. You make the most sense.
This is absolutely beautiful and I thoroughly enjoy your videos, Ian! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
You are so very helpful, and you've made me realize what my paintings are missing. Thank you.
I love still life painting for that very reason of slowing down in my process, doing several layers as I go along and even coming back to add other elements to it in future thoughts and ideas 💡
🎨😉👍🏼 thanks for your methodology and thoughts ,I really am enjoying this .
I’m absolutely enjoying your videos. The way you explain the process is easy to understand. I’m basically a watercolor artist for many years, but I also dabble in oils. That’s why I watch your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 🌴Tallahassee, Florida 🌴
I am quite new to painting. Your posts are very informative. Thank you for sharing.
The medium I am using is watercolour. It seems that your teaching is transferable to watercolour in many ways. As I say I am a novice so please correct me if this is not so.
Kindest regards
Thank you for simplifying composition for me. You've boiled it down to the basic concept. I'm learning a lot and really enjoy the short, concise videos.
Hi Kathleen, thank you so much for letting me know you are finding the videos helpful. All the best.
I loved so much this picture. So simple and so profound!
Exactly! Many and many layers, with at least on two sittings. I never have achieved with Alla-Prima anything on the canvas (or board), the initial concept that was there from the very beginning before my eyes.
Your choice of "structure's importance" is the perfect antidote to the "there are no rules camp" that seems to surround me LOL I much enjoy your Tuesday videos thanks for taking the time to do them and for making them public for all to enjoy.
HI Stella, glad you are enjoying the videos. I think it is a really good distinction to think about rules vs conventions. Most of Western representational art is based on conventions that work. Perspective if you want to get it "right" is more of a rule since it is based on geometry, and if you don't do it right you can tell. But so much of the rest is conventions and you can find people that break the convention and still make it work. But as so many people say, it is often better to know the convention and know that you are breaking it, rather than breaking it and not knowing and therefore not knowing perhaps the consequences. All the best.
Well done... thanks...
Most welcome Norman.
Lovely, thank you!
I just started watching you today!
Welcome MaryAnne!
Very pretty. I really like how your fabric looks and the color of that fabric in front of the bowl. Some of the great masters were experts at at painting beautiful fabrics. At some point I'm going to give it a try. Painting a silk is particularly beautiful, getting the right sheen. Thank you!
Loved the fabric position . Was it intentional ?
How do u light your stills ?
Your compositions are always so unique and interesting
Beautiful
Thank you Karen.
Very helpful and beautiful!!! As always!! Thank you so much!
I'm one of those 'fraidy cats😭 Afraid if I don't finish it quick, I'll lose sight of what I'm trying to do and get lost in the middle. Little do I know, that rushing is what's CAUSING me to always get lost...
And THANK YOU for emphasizing accuracy in the block in stage. So many other tutorials keep going "oh it doesn't have to be perfect" or whatever, but when I try it, it just looks like a big mess and I give up. This makes WAY more sense.
Thanks for your help! I really appreciate you!
Good advice. I tend to rush too much. Slowing down to enjoy the process will be my goal with my next project.
Hi Doug, there's a quote of the late poet Mary Oliver " attention is the beginning of devotion". I love that quote for the sense of slowing down, really putting your attention on the thing at hand, and what that does to our awareness. All the best.
Thank you
Your emphasis on structure is compelling. I look at a pretty anything and say I'll paint that, most times with mixed results. Now I see that structure and composition are the basics and need to be in place before everything else. Thank you for your time and talent!
It is easy to make the analogy of building a house and putting in the foundation first. It is probably the least exciting thing about building a house because you won't even see it when it is done, but the building can't exist without it. It's way more fun picking out tiles colors for the bathroom. Except you know without the foundation....
So inspiring Ian . Thank You.
Been watching your channel for a short time and learning alot from your teaching and advice. After painting for nearly 20 years we never stop learning from others. Composition is a really important part of our painting process and I'm always looking to improve my compositional skills. Thanks for sharing and Happy painting from Sydney 🎨🔔👍
HI Tez, I agree with you about the learning process. And the composition thing really is such a crux to the whole thing and I find I am always questioning and pushing it too. Glad you are enjoying the videos. With best wishes.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Thanks so much Ian🎨👍
Great advice. I always get demotivated when my drawings are not going how I wanted. I will remember to enjoy the process, the results will come with time.
I think we all go through that. Start off excited, watch it all go to hell and then dig in and pull it back from the brink. The more you enjoy the process as opposed to seeing what you are doing always compared to so idea you have of what the finished painting should look like, I think the more room and time you give yourself to be with the process. All the best.
Fabulous Demo. I sure would like to see a demo on how to create Silver, Gold and Cooper. I just tried painting a cooper teapot and it came out pretty good. However, one has to practice, practice, practice.
Hi Mimi, I'm delighted you enjoyed the video. I think a lot of painting something like reflective metal, or a glass of water, anything really is really looking at it, and eliminating the idea of say copper from your mind, and then start painting using the colors you actually see. And then as you say practice practice practice. All the best.
Thanks Ian, I love still life. You are so right, it’s very meditative.
Glad you liked the video Joanne. Best wishes.
Love how you teach and of course I love how you paint!!
Thanks so much Frances. Really appreciate your letting me know. Best wishes.
Yes, I found this very helpful - end result, very good - just shows how layers build up and how the colours change due to the layering. Thanks. Jane / Oxford
Hi Jane, there's just some things you can't do with one layer of paint. I think some of the paintings I love most in the world in fact make such good use of this idea. Can't rush it. Glad you liked it.
It is beautiful. And it looks so easy, when you do it, while enjoying the process!
HI Svetlana, well that painting had its up and downs. It isn't all clear sailing. But I find, as I said in the video, if I am with the process I can be relaxed and pull it around. Best wishes.
Ian, this painting is so beautiful.. Thank you for another inspiring demo.
Thanks so much Jane. Nice to hear from you. Best wishes.
Good to see you, Ian. I like how you built the depth and emphasized slowing down. Painting is a very spiritual process indeed. Nice painting. Be safe and take care. Gayle
HI Gayle, so nice to hear from you. All the best to you and see you the 20th.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition What's happening on the 20th?
Thanks Ian I love painting and realise structure is so important. I am learning from your videos which will make painting even more enjoyable. Thank you
Hi Dawn, well that is why I'm making them so I really appreciate your letting me know you are finding them helpful. Best wishes.
Thanks for another great video and message to enjoy the process!
Hi Helen, I guess in actually applies to all of life doesn't it? But then our art practice is in many ways a microcosm of how we look at everything. Best wishes.
As you paint with oils and did more than one layer, did you have time between the layers?...if so how much time?
Wonderful video Ian! Your meditative, relaxed manner was palpable in the video. I’m starting a new still life today. Thank you!
HI Diana, glad you enjoyed the video. Look forward to seeing the still life. All the very best.
Thank you , I really love your videos ❤️
Really happy you are enjoying them and thanks for letting me know.
So helpful!!
Thanks Joani. All the best.
Thank you!!!
You are welcome!
Beautiful. I realize your emphasis is on composition here, but since you changed the color of the tablecloth (and it looks great) ,so if you could explain to us how and why you may change the colors ?
Is this observation correct? As well as the main color blocks (and main light/dark within) you start with the background/context so that when it come to the "subject" blocks the values and tones are within a context. Whereas adding the background around the "subject" would risk having to majorly adjust the subject. Secondly - when I paint anything that has eyes I find it comforting to get detail in the eyes early; it helps me visualise the end result in the context of that arresting detail. But is that a beginners mistake - putting the roof on before the walls are strong enough to take it - so ending up with a painting where the eyes may be great but the rest of it is weaker
You want to be painting the objects of a still life in relation to the background. So trying to paint the objects and then sticking in the back ground after, separates the unity of the painting. And like the highlight on an orange, that is all stuff that fits in at the end when the big shapes and arrangements are pretty set. Eyes would be the same. Sort of a tempting detail, but if later you realize you need to darken or lighten things then the details are wasted and will get repainted anyway.
Beautiful. What colour was the silver on the bowl, or at least what colours did you use. 🌸
I am learning using watercolor as my medium and I find layering the hardest part. Do you think I should move to acrylics at least for learning the concepts with?
Hi Ian, when you talk about passes, are you doing them wet on wet?
WIth larger paintintgs I'll do a block in and let in dry and then go back in. With smaller paintings, say 12 x 16 or smaller I'll do it all wet into wet in one go.
Ian, how do you approach edges while putting on a new layer, especially if the previous layer has dried? Thank you.
Thank you for the incredible content.
do you use mediums at all? it looks like you dont... your process is a treat to my eyes Ian, thanks for being on youtube and inspiring so many of us..do you take online courses?
really like
I have a tendency to want to fine tune more… how do you keep from doing a 4th and 5th pass?
What brushes do you use? They look very soft almost too difficult to control.
Hi Grace, I use hogshair filberts most from Escoda Clasico and Turkell.
Great video. But as you talk about horizontals and verticals in structure, I find myself painting Miner's Lettuce, and the composition is sort of circular. In your book you talked about various composition shapes -- cruciform, S-shape, L-shape, etc. Perhaps you could do a video that talks about those in relation to your current emphasis on verticals and horizontals as a starting structure. :-) Thanks for all this. I'm learning and seeing more!
Hi Ralph, I think way back, over a year ago probably, I mentioned I had eliminated talking about L, S, O and had replaced it with just this one. But that was a long time ago. I'm thinking of doing a couple in a couple of weeks, that goes back to the most fundamental ideas to I guess reset the stage for the channel. So yes, that is a good suggestion Ralph. Thanks and all the best.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I do agree that your horizontal design concept is primary and extremely helpful in nearly all cases. But, like any other principle, it isn't exclusive.
Was this illustration done in acrylic or oil ?
How long do you wait between layers? Do you wait for each layer to dry completely before moving on to the next layer?
Usually 2-3 days is enough. And I'd definitely prefer it is dry before continuing.
Do you let each layer dry before you proceed ?
Ian: There have been very few paintings which stop me in my tracks (dog's breakfast will have to wait). Yours this morning was one of them ! Normally I save your videos for a less hectic time of day or later in the week, but not today. I HAD to see the video now. The Composition, color and gestalt, are simply compelling. ( got to go .... dog...)
Hi Jim, thanks so much. I really appreciate your telling me. There is something about doing the painting publicly so to speak that makes me happy I got the thing to work at all. So hearing that you actually liked it means a lot. Best wishes.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition When I saw the painting as the background for the UA-cam video title page, I didn't know it was yours, it simply grabbed me to find out more - where did it come from, who did it, etc.
This also cemented in my mind the concept of composition being the equivalent of the "hook" writers use to draw you into a story. Composition is what grabs you from across the room - to come close for a better look. Or to stop while scrolling through thumbnail images on the computer.