As always, you gave us your time, talent -both as an artist and a teacher, and tender guidance. You never fail to give me insight to make my paintings better. I'm truly and hugely grateful to you.
Love this demo, I always appreciate you leaving in the parts of the process where you're grasping for something or have to repaint areas you didn't get right the first time.
Always look forward to the 1st Tuesday of the month and your series of invaluable demonstrations. You can always make tricky concepts so easy and less daunting to understand. A brilliant teacher.
Ever since I’ve started watching your videos I’ve found myself finding compositions everywhere. It’s allowed me to do so many beautiful paintings that I wouldn’t have spotted before. I’m so grateful for the instruction and knowledge Ian!
HI Seth, I thought that long mark of orange on the table was the one that just sort of came alive almost as I painted it. But it was cool after setting the stage with all the shadows to see it pop with the lights.
I would never have recognized this scene as a motif for a painting. And it looks so dramatic. You make me see things much more clearly. Thank you very much for another eye-opener! Geli
Hi Angelika, I like the idea of searching for the thing that most people might pass by and making a painting of that . Makes me pay attention to stuff around me that otherwise I'd miss.
Beautiful to watch you paint this. Since my painting is indoors, this was just what I wanted to see. Watching paint become a thing is seeing a kind of magic. Love paint. Thank you!
When I paint, my first aim is not to create a masterpiece (would be nice though) but to learn to see more consciously, which is a pleasure in itself. Thank you so much for helping me on this journey. It is always a pleasure to watch your videos. Angelika (Bavaria)
Hi Angelika, starting off trying to create a masterpiece seems like a sure fire way not to paint. Too much pressure. I think you're approach is sound. And as you say a pleasure in itself. Which is the point really isn't it. Happy you find the videos helpful.
Thank You! What a generous demonstration for those like us who are getting the basics right. Love your enthusiasm to really try for us to understand the magic of light....and shadows
Yes! thanks for all you do to help us understand what we’re seeing and doing. I started clicking on all of the comments I agree with, and we are all saying it!--THANK YOU!
For me, what makes this most simple design very beautiful is the juxtaposition of the warm orange tone of the wooden table against the cooler green and blues. I'd love to have painted this. It IS all about light. Thanks
You mean the new angle with the stronger light on me. I even used a better camera to film it. I wanted to have the light dim right down so I went completely black and then back up to make the point. But it proved a tech bridge too far for me. Best wishes.
Thank you Jean Pierre. I think that is always the striking thing when someone pulls something you see everyday and can help us see it in a new way. Or in a new light I could say. All the best.
Hi Kathi, it's funny sometimes those videos go really easily, everything falls into place, or I can film it as if probably did. And sometimes, like those newspapers, they just had a life of their own. All the very best.
Excellent demonstration.. especially about using a dark underpainting for this piece.. Light.. shadows.. reflections .. very well done, Ian.. thank you.🥰
I greatly value your painting information and inspiration. You have provided a wonderful service to the painting community for years, and we appreciate your considerable help and expertise, particularly about composition. Thanks. One minor comment though: Despite many decades of an "old wives tale" assumption being spread among painters without any supporting science, in the northern hemisphere the best painting light is from the south, not the north. North light is bluer and has less candlepower (lumens). North light starts later in the day and leaves sooner. Southern light is "whiter" (meaning containing more of the visible light spectrum) more powerful and lasts longer throughout the day. The more powerful southern light often has to be controlled with blinds and shades, but that's a small price to pay for all the advantages.
HI Mark, delighted you have enjoyed the videos. I'll have to look into your comment about north light. Because in Paris for example there are lots of these purpose built studios from the late 19th century with huge north facing windows. The problem with south is you have sunlight coming in and changing all day long. Shades or not. But I'll look into it. Thanks and all the best.
Very well spoken and calming video, I rarely paint still lifes, but after watching your video I feel like i want to paint a still life soon. Thank you for brightening my day 😊.
The great thing about still life is you can control pretty much everything. The objects, the setting, the angle you view it at, the angle of the light source. Glad you enjoyed it Alena. All the best.
I always tell my students your darks are only as dark as your lights are light. Joni Mitchell’s Shadow and Light album always comes to mind. The introduction is spot on. It is no surprise that she is also a visual artist.
I'll have to listen to that again with your idea in mind. But it's true, you can lather on white and not much will happen unless you get the darks behind it. All the best.
Golly, Ian, once again I'm so envious at your ability to 'draw' shapes with your brush. Years of experience, I know, but it's still so impressive to watch. As you paint, the viewer (me) sees an object just appear; so incredibly skillful! Wish MY hand was as steady! (Lovely painting BTW)
Glad you liked it Evan. I think part of that skill is seeing the shapes and just painting those and not getting distracted with other things. I'm not sure my hand is that steady actually.
Hi Ian, thanks for another lesson. I have watched your videos since 2022 and because of a heavy work schedule have not been able to put in to practice your methods. I recently retired and have moved from San Diego, Ca to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. My goal is to paint Plein Air here in San Miguel. I have begun by using a view finder and drawing subjects in my area with a focus on composition. Thanks again for your time and dedication in producing the videos because of them I have been encouraged to paint.
What an exciting move. My father was a painter and visited San Miguel on my parent's honeymoon and he raved about it always thereafter. I think in 1950 it was a very sleepy little town. I'm sure it has changed a lot. But it sounds like a wonderful place to retire and paint. Good luck.
I'm a lover of beautiful dark transparent underpainting. Btw, the name's Richardson, G (Gary) "richardsong@" is the happy accident of sequence. Happens all the time. : )
Thanks Ian for another invaluable demonstration. The whole process is simple and easy to follow. I I really appreciate, you taking time to share your knowledge and experience with us. Always look forward to monthly Tuesday email.
I do not paint well and gave up. However you break it down so masterfully for us to be able to follow. Thank you so much. I am inspired to go back to painting again now. Ever so grateful to you ~ Eliyah from Singapore
Hi Eliyah, I would be more than delighted if you again felt to dive in and paint again. It's like anything worthy of long term attention (like learning a second language or a musical instrument, or painting) it takes some time to build up the basics so it becomes a fluent medium of expression. But it is worth the effort in my mind. Good luck.
Another great video! You explain and demonstrate things so clearly and your warm personality shines through . Thank you for your generosity in posting these videos 😊
it was only part way through the painting process that I noticed even the newspaper fold reflects the green of the cup...so cool! Very helpful painting... I paint mostly for thumbnails that I make for my frugal Frau video channel so some of these are pretty quick. Good exercise to just get these out, as currently with remodeling in the house I don't have too much time to paint. When I do, I am going to replace all my oil paints and start painting in oils again. Acrylics are just so sticky and do not flow well. Of course I will keep up the watercolors and a bit of casein.
HI Sukey, I think just continuing to think in terms of thumbnails and design and strong value masses is actually a great exercise. When the house is done enjoy getting back into oils. All the best.
Thank you…. I am hoping when this is all done to just paint much more. I really love your videos. And this last subject so spontaneous,so simple yet you turned it into art. I am still fascinated by the reflected light on the newspaper … you captured that perfectly, succinctly, just stated absolutely beautifully without a lot of fuss.
Love this one, Ian (King of Composition)! Darker underpainting is key - tried it recently, you just validated WHY it came together more easily than most - thx, will send it to you:) Deb
Thank you Ian for a wonderful video again. I like them so much and this was no exception. Clear,interesting and so educational. They give me so muh inspiration. Thanks, Guy (Finland)
Your description of your process (including those you find tricky, and your resolution) is so helpful! I would have gotten to the "fish" point and thrown my hands up in dismay.
Forgive me but …enlightening ! I learned a few notions seems so obvious after your excellent video . I so enjoy your generous sharing of techniques Thank you
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 85 | คู่เอก "ยอดเหล็กเพชร vs ผึ้งหลวง"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Qq_19bnnxEo/mqdefault.jpg)
As always, you gave us your time, talent -both as an artist and a teacher, and tender guidance. You never fail to give me insight to make my paintings better. I'm truly and hugely grateful to you.
Thank you so much for letting me know. I really appreciate it. All the best.
Love this demo, I always appreciate you leaving in the parts of the process where you're grasping for something or have to repaint areas you didn't get right the first time.
Glad it was helpful! And yes it is helpful to see process rather than just editing it so it all looks easy.
Thanks for your video! ✌️🇺🇦
You are most welcome Serg. All the best.
the green and orange light are gorgeous- I wouldnt have thought of it especially for the cup.
Thank you Barbara. That cup was pretty green. It is just that the photo was over exposed and so the green looked white and bleached out.
Thank you very much. We are very lucky to have you as a teacher.
I appreciate your telling me. Happy you enjoyed it. Best wishes.
I always look forward to watching your videos. Thank you. 🌿
Delighted you enjoy them.
Thank you so much, Ian. You are such a good teacher, explaining so thoroughly and generously. I love your work and am grateful for your videos.
You are most welcome. Delighted you enjoyed it. All the best.
Thank your Me Roberts for being an inspiration and online mentor! You’ve done a great job of simplifying oil painting.
Thanks so much Will. I appreciate your telling me. All the best.
Love your lessons. Thsnk you
Glad you like them!
Always look forward to the 1st Tuesday of the month and your series of invaluable demonstrations. You can always make tricky concepts so easy and less daunting to understand. A brilliant teacher.
You are most kind. Thank you.
Ever since I’ve started watching your videos I’ve found myself finding compositions everywhere. It’s allowed me to do so many beautiful paintings that I wouldn’t have spotted before. I’m so grateful for the instruction and knowledge Ian!
That makes me so happy to here. All the best.
I never thought about the fact that I am just painting light. We’ll put! Thank you. I really enjoyed watching you paint that still life.
Glad that created an insight Kathy. All the best
Thank you and all the best.
Great. I love how you simplify things.
Thank you.
Thank you for another fantastic video. Love the subject and the demonstration. Thanks for helping keep us all inspired!
Glad you enjoyed it and I am most delighted to know the videos are helping keep you inspired. All the best.
Your opening lines is brilliant.
This was very informative. Thank you
Delighted you enjoyed it. Best wishes
Thank you Ian - I love watching you paint. You make it look so easy and simple views come out beautifully. Best wishes. Janie
Many thanks Janie.
You are the best! The way you teach how to paint is amazing.
I'm delighted you found it helpful. Thanks so much.
That first hit of light on the cup was stunning, such a perfect demonstration
HI Seth, I thought that long mark of orange on the table was the one that just sort of came alive almost as I painted it. But it was cool after setting the stage with all the shadows to see it pop with the lights.
I would never have recognized this scene as a motif for a painting. And it looks so dramatic. You make me see things much more clearly. Thank you very much for another eye-opener!
Geli
Hi Angelika, I like the idea of searching for the thing that most people might pass by and making a painting of that . Makes me pay attention to stuff around me that otherwise I'd miss.
I always smile at the end because your ending is so kind and loving, like a dear friend. Thank you!
Thank you . I appreciate your telling me. All the best.
I continue to learn so much from you. You awaken my eye to see.. really see!
I appreciate your letting me know Monica. All the best.
Absolutely loved this thanks so much Ian! Lovely painting 👏🏽💖🌞
Thank you Penny. With best wishes.
Just wonderful, Thank you, I could watch it all day one!😊
Thanks so much. Happy you enjoyed it.
Beautiful, and informative as always. Thank you.
Delighted you found it helpful Bonnie.
Beautiful to watch you paint this. Since my painting is indoors, this was just what I wanted to see. Watching paint become a thing is seeing a kind of magic. Love paint. Thank you!
Delighted you enjoyed the video Virginia. All the best.
So Lovely! And so much valuable instruction and information. Thank you!
Happy you enjoyed it and found it helpful. With best wishes.
When I paint, my first aim is not to create a masterpiece (would be nice though) but to learn to see more consciously, which is a pleasure in itself. Thank you so much for helping me on this journey. It is always a pleasure to watch your videos.
Angelika (Bavaria)
Hi Angelika, starting off trying to create a masterpiece seems like a sure fire way not to paint. Too much pressure. I think you're approach is sound. And as you say a pleasure in itself. Which is the point really isn't it. Happy you find the videos helpful.
Thank You! What a generous demonstration for those like us who are getting the basics right. Love your enthusiasm to really try for us to understand the magic of light....and shadows
I'm delighted you found the video helpful. All the best
Yes! thanks for all you do to help us understand what we’re seeing and doing. I started clicking on all of the comments I agree with, and we are all saying it!--THANK YOU!
Thanks so much for telling me Jane. All the best.
All art instructors need to go thru your courses. Hats off to you!
I'm so glad it was helpful.
Excellent, it is so helpful to see the process from start to finish. Love the painting. It reminds me of some of Diebenkorn's still life paintings.
Well I would always welcome a comparison with Deibenkorn. Glad you enjoyed it, Barbara. With best wishes.
What a beautiful and striking painting. Simple objects made extraordinary. Thanks for the excellent lesson, Ian!
Hi Michelle, glad you found the video helpful. And thank you for your comments on the painting itself. All the best.
Brilliant, as always, in all ways.
Thanks so much Clara
Such a simple subject, but what a great painting of light and shadow.
Thanks so much Pat.
For me, what makes this most simple design very beautiful is the juxtaposition of the warm orange tone of the wooden table against the cooler green and blues. I'd love to have painted this. It IS all about light. Thanks
Delighted you enjoyed it. And now it is your turn. All the best.
This was very interesting and always fun watching you paint. Thank you. Take care. g
Always great to hear from you Gayle. All the very best to you.
I love the lighting in the beginning of your video to prove your point.
You mean the new angle with the stronger light on me. I even used a better camera to film it. I wanted to have the light dim right down so I went completely black and then back up to make the point. But it proved a tech bridge too far for me. Best wishes.
Thanks appreciate your time in doing this! 😊
You are most welcome Rosanne
You made a masterpiece from this mundane scene. That's a wonderful art work you did! It kind of reminds me of Edward Hopper's Cafe Hopper.
Thank you Jean Pierre. I think that is always the striking thing when someone pulls something you see everyday and can help us see it in a new way. Or in a new light I could say. All the best.
Thank you so much for this great demo. I really appreciate you explaining the way light affects value in a painting.
Another great and informative video Ian. Thank you 😊
I'm happy you enjoyed it Mary. All the best.
Thank you, Ian. I like what you said about light. And thank you for sharing your struggle to paint the newspaper. Gave me encouragement.
Hi Kathi, it's funny sometimes those videos go really easily, everything falls into place, or I can film it as if probably did. And sometimes, like those newspapers, they just had a life of their own. All the very best.
Excellent demonstration.. especially about using a dark underpainting for this piece..
Light.. shadows.. reflections .. very well done, Ian..
thank you.🥰
Thanks so much. All the very best.
🎨... Complimenti. Emozioni senza fine. Caravaggio è qui.Grazie maestro Jan per tutto questo.... 🎨
Thanks so much. And yes the light is like Carravaggio. With best wishes.
I greatly value your painting information and inspiration. You have provided a wonderful service to the painting community for years, and we appreciate your considerable help and expertise, particularly about composition. Thanks. One minor comment though: Despite many decades of an "old wives tale" assumption being spread among painters without any supporting science, in the northern hemisphere the best painting light is from the south, not the north. North light is bluer and has less candlepower (lumens). North light starts later in the day and leaves sooner. Southern light is "whiter" (meaning containing more of the visible light spectrum) more powerful and lasts longer throughout the day. The more powerful southern light often has to be controlled with blinds and shades, but that's a small price to pay for all the advantages.
HI Mark, delighted you have enjoyed the videos. I'll have to look into your comment about north light. Because in Paris for example there are lots of these purpose built studios from the late 19th century with huge north facing windows. The problem with south is you have sunlight coming in and changing all day long. Shades or not. But I'll look into it. Thanks and all the best.
Wonderful demo, thank you!
I'm glad you found it helpful Patty. All the best
Thank you so much Ian for your lesson! hugs!
You are most welcome. Happy you found it helpful. With best wishes.
Thank you for your demonstration. I love watching you paint and hearing your commentary.
You are so welcome Kim. Best wishes.
First video I've watched, and have learned soooo much from this one (1). You are a great teacher and painter.😮❤😊
I love the background painting. 😃
A painting of a stream in Corsica.
Thank yuo. I am working on a painting in which I have been trying to implement your lessons. Remains to be seen how it comes out.
Good luck with it Catherine. Sometimes a new idea you have to try it a couple of times to get to the bottom of the idea. All the best
U make it look so easy
Excellent and calm commentary
So delightful to see U explain and execute
Thank you
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it.
Very well spoken and calming video, I rarely paint still lifes, but after watching your video I feel like i want to paint a still life soon. Thank you for brightening my day 😊.
The great thing about still life is you can control pretty much everything. The objects, the setting, the angle you view it at, the angle of the light source. Glad you enjoyed it Alena. All the best.
I always tell my students your darks are only as dark as your lights are light. Joni Mitchell’s Shadow and Light album always comes to mind. The introduction is spot on. It is no surprise that she is also a visual artist.
I'll have to listen to that again with your idea in mind. But it's true, you can lather on white and not much will happen unless you get the darks behind it. All the best.
Golly, Ian, once again I'm so envious at your ability to 'draw' shapes with your brush. Years of experience, I know, but it's still so impressive to watch. As you paint, the viewer (me) sees an object just appear; so incredibly skillful! Wish MY hand was as steady! (Lovely painting BTW)
Glad you liked it Evan. I think part of that skill is seeing the shapes and just painting those and not getting distracted with other things. I'm not sure my hand is that steady actually.
Grazie Ian! Utile, davvero!
Thank you.
Hi Ian, thanks for another lesson. I have watched your videos since 2022 and because of a heavy work schedule have not been able to put in to practice your methods. I recently retired and have moved from San Diego, Ca to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. My goal is to paint Plein Air here in San Miguel. I have begun by using a view finder and drawing subjects in my area with a focus on composition. Thanks again for your time and dedication in producing the videos because of them I have been encouraged to paint.
What an exciting move. My father was a painter and visited San Miguel on my parent's honeymoon and he raved about it always thereafter. I think in 1950 it was a very sleepy little town. I'm sure it has changed a lot. But it sounds like a wonderful place to retire and paint. Good luck.
This is so helpful , thank you for all your videos!
Thanks you much Fabienne. With best wishes.
Wonderful, simple, dramatic! Thank you, Ian.
Thanks Ralph. Always good to hear from you.
Thank you and I wish you all the bestes!!!❤❤❤
Thanks so much Denise. Best wishes.
Thank you so much for your gift of teaching.
Thanks Ian, very generous. Simply and elegantly put.
You are most welcome. Best wishes.
Useful and to the point, as always. You are a valued resource for me.
Delighted to hear it. Thank you.
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH, Ian, for this VERY IMPORTANT, VALUABLE & INFORMATIVE video!
You are most welcome Andrzej. I am delighted you enjoyed it.
The underpainting really holds everything together!
Picking that underpainting color was I won't say luck exactly but was a very fortunate choice in how it held it all together.
As always, immensely helpful. Poetry in paint. Thank you.
Thank you. Delighted you enjoyed it Richard.
I'm a lover of beautiful dark transparent underpainting. Btw, the name's Richardson, G (Gary) "richardsong@" is the happy accident of sequence. Happens all the time. : )
Thanks Ian for another invaluable demonstration. The whole process is simple and easy to follow. I I really appreciate, you taking time to share your knowledge and experience with us. Always look forward to monthly Tuesday email.
Delighted you enjoyed it.
Thanks for modeling and explaining what you're doing! Very informative.
Glad you found it helpful Amy. Best wishes
I do not paint well and gave up. However you break it down so masterfully for us to be able to follow. Thank you so much. I am inspired to go back to painting again now. Ever so grateful to you ~ Eliyah from Singapore
Hi Eliyah, I would be more than delighted if you again felt to dive in and paint again. It's like anything worthy of long term attention (like learning a second language or a musical instrument, or painting) it takes some time to build up the basics so it becomes a fluent medium of expression. But it is worth the effort in my mind. Good luck.
Thank you. You've taught me so much.
That makes me happy to hear. With best wishes.
You are such a good teacher. You have a wonderful way of explaining your thought process. Love it.
Thanks for telling me Richard. I appreciate it. All the best.
Just love your calm attitude and explanation of your painting.
Thank you. I appreciate your telling me.
Another great video! You explain and demonstrate things so clearly and your warm personality shines through . Thank you for your generosity in posting these videos 😊
You are so welcome!
Love all your videos Ian. You keep it simple but oh so informative. My favourite tutorials by far ❣️
Thanks so much Dianne.
Brilliant! Thank you so much! As always, very helpful and instructive. 🎨🤗
Glad it was helpful Dianne. All the best.
it was only part way through the painting process that I noticed even the newspaper fold reflects the green of the cup...so cool! Very helpful painting... I paint mostly for thumbnails that I make for my frugal Frau video channel so some of these are pretty quick. Good exercise to just get these out, as currently with remodeling in the house I don't have too much time to paint. When I do, I am going to replace all my oil paints and start painting in oils again. Acrylics are just so sticky and do not flow well. Of course I will keep up the watercolors and a bit of casein.
HI Sukey, I think just continuing to think in terms of thumbnails and design and strong value masses is actually a great exercise. When the house is done enjoy getting back into oils. All the best.
Thank you…. I am hoping when this is all done to just paint much more. I really love your videos. And this last subject so spontaneous,so simple yet you turned it into art. I am still fascinated by the reflected light on the newspaper
… you captured that perfectly, succinctly, just stated absolutely beautifully without a lot of fuss.
Thank you so much for your demonstration Ian. You explain it all so well.
You are the best teacher Ian. Regards
Appreciate your saying so. Best wishes.
You are such a wonderful teacher and I LOVE your painting 🙏🏼
Thanks so much Karen. Best wishes.
Love this one, Ian (King of Composition)! Darker underpainting is key - tried it recently, you just validated WHY it came together more easily than most - thx, will send it to you:) Deb
Great to hear from you Deb. And yes I'd love to see it. All the very best.
Excellent lesson and demo! Thank you for sharing this. It was very helpful
You are welcome Christine. Best wishes.
Wow loved this and feel so grateful and inspired to paint! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and masterful art with the world. 🙏🏼
I think Maryann nothing would make me happier than my videos inspiring you to paint. Make it feel worthwhile. All the best.
A privilege to watch you work. Thank you!!
Hi Barbara, happy you enjoyed it. Best wishes.
Wow! This whas fantastiskt ❤ You open my eyes❤
Well that is a wonderful thing to know and for you to tell me. I appreciate it. All the best
Thank you Ian for a wonderful video again. I like them so much and this was no exception. Clear,interesting and so educational. They give me so muh inspiration. Thanks, Guy (Finland)
Thanks for letting me know Guy. All the best.
Great lesson on Light!. Learned a lot. Thank You!
You are most welcome. All the best.
This was great, thanks!
You are most welcome Kathy
Thank you sir. Helpful indeed.
Glad you found that helpful Sylvain. With best wishes.
Its a great demo. And i really enjoyed it! Thank you!
Glad you found it helpful. Rob. All the best.
Your description of your process (including those you find tricky, and your resolution) is so helpful! I would have gotten to the "fish" point and thrown my hands up in dismay.
Glad you found that helpful. Particularly with a TH-cam video I am filming I have to come us with a solution, dismay or not.
Forgive me but …enlightening ! I learned a few notions seems so obvious after your excellent video . I so enjoy your generous sharing of techniques Thank you
It's like that sometimes. An idea so obvious, right in front of your eyes so to speak. Delighted you enjoyed it. All the best.
Awesome to watch it progress!
I'm delighted you enjoyed it. Thank you!
❤once again a very helpful video
Thanks so much Jon. Best wishes.
So helpful 😊 Thank you for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
I just recently bought your book and happened upon your channel
I hope you enjoy the book and find it helpful. And the youtube videos as well. My very best wishes.
Great tutorial ‼️👏‼️👏. Thank you for sharing 🖌️🖼🎨‼️
Thanks for watching Joan. Best wishes.
great process and love the finished work.
Thanks so much.
Thank you Ian, another great tuition.
Glad you liked it Gary.
So much to learn here … thank you 🙏
You are so welcome. All the best.