Planning enhances, 100%. And it still leaves many opportunities for expressiveness. Such as color choice (mood), looseness in objects painted as masses, expressive line and on and on. Otherwise I'm easily bored with very pretty colors, textures and brush strokes when my eye isn't certain where, exactly, their path through the painting should lead them for a moment of reward and rest.
I think it helps. Without planning, rather than just enjoying the painting process (and thus the ability to be more expressive), I spend more time trying to fix compositional or color errors that could have been taken care of in the planning process.
It helps! The process of planning, for me, teaches me what drew me to the image in the first place and as I consider the individual elements that comprise the image I start to see the important role some aspects play and the distraction caused by others. Once the map is laid out I can better express the feeling it gave me initially and hopefully communicate that more naturally.
Oh wow! I just finished watching you speak with Angela Fehr. I'm a member of her on-line community and was soooooo very pleasantly surprised that you were her 'mystery guest'. Your book, Creative Authenticity, is my all time favorite. I first read it a year and a half ago, maybe two, have re-read it fully twice since and often re-visit my dog-eared pages. And your Mary Oliver quote, perfect! Without getting all idol worship-esk, I simply don't go there, I could listen to you every day. You have such a wonderful way of conveying your knowledge. Profound. Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
I have just bought a copy of Ian's Creative Authenticity because I love the way he explains things. It looks as though the book is the same style and as informative as his videos. I imagine re-reading it too. Love the analysis. I have just rediscovered Angela Fehr. After a few years of trying different techniques I now feel I can apply myself to the loose method of watercolour. I am not a member of her on-line community so I missed Ian. I am doing a couple of her courses while I move between several artists, trying out many different styles. It was interesting to read your comments. What an interesting turn of phrase - idol worship-esk. I am a little that way. I eagerly await the weekly analysis that is gently chatty.
Hi Paint Lady, I've seen your comments before but it is nice to hear that you were on Angela's call yesterday. That was fun. I am delighted you enjoyed it and these weekly videos. We need more books with dog-eared pages. My best wishes, Ian
Hi Sandi, I only met Angela because Robin, who is her internet person was in my course. Angela's great. I guess you need to be a member to watch the interview. Not sure. It was fun and I always like to talk about authenticity. It connects to so many resonant aspects of ourselves. With best wishes, Ian.
@@sandraworrall-hart3840 Hi Sandi! The AF community is great. I've found it to be a very inclusive, positive and experience. A place that feels safe to expose ourselves through or art; get honest and helpful feedback in a positive manner and be exposed to the processes so many others are working with. For me, it opens up a space of creative growth that would otherwise happen in the vacuum of self. By very definition of the calling, many artists of all types spend our time creating in a solitary way, so the community is, to me, priceless. I too watch, look at and read about many artists to glean what speaks to me. I began in acrylics because of sensitivities I didn't choose oils, although still think of it often. I found both Angela and Steve of Mind of Watercolor on TH-cam two years ago, two distinctly different voices, binged watched both and haven't looked back. Maybe I'll see you there some day. In the meantime, happy painting!
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Yes one needs to be a member. I made a rule 4 years ago to only have one paid subscription at a time and that paid sub is still going strong. I really like the way you interact with everyone here. It is reflected in your chatty TH-cam videos that have a personal approach. I also have nearly all of your videos from Artist Network. I'm reading your book Creative Authenticity at the moment. In it there are many parallels to writing - similar mindset. While I love to write I have to really work hard to transfer that mindset to art, ha ha.
Another lovely drawing with valuable information. I am finding that the more I plan ahead, the more expressive I can be with my brush because so much of the left brain work has been figured out ahead of time. I am learning that from you. Thank you!
Thank you, Ian. As a new subscriber I have been learning a lot from your tutorials and demonstrations. Simplifying shapes and finding vocal points are exactly what I’m after. 🙏👍😊
This is very helpful, Ian, thanks. I appreciate these editing exercises and look forward to more. I also enjoyed watching how you render water in pencil.
Hi Lyn, actually you sort of shocked me there because this week's video is on doing water reflections and I was wondering how you had seen it already. All the best to you and Chip, Ian
Thank you again for another excellent demonstration .i have been trying to put into practice your advice and it has helped me so that I am looking at my photographs with a Completely different view . Just the start I now but I will keep watching your very valuable videos to learn more . Many many thanks Robert .
You are most welcome Judy. When you starting thinking compositional design and not subject matter and lot of your photographs start to be suspect. Best wishes, Ian.
Boring question, but when you are using a photo reference are you doing edit via Photoshop or some other software and working from laptop/tablet? I need to upgrade to a user friendly way to manipulate photo references and just wondering what people use. These compositional videos have changed the way I take photos when traveling! Thank you so much! Workshop with you on bucket list!
Hi, I'm pretty low tech when it comes to photos. Most of the work is done when I take it. I mean how I frame the image while taking it. Then I have a Mac and in photos the only changes is I will crop the image more carefully, usually aspect ratio, and perhaps adjust exposure and contrast slightly but that is about it. I don't do photoshop. Nothing against it. I know lots of painters I respect that do use it.
Bonjour Ian, your drawing is amazing, i m not good at drawing, wow can can order your book, to teach me how to draw???? desesperee. Thank you for an answer.
My book might help you. You can order it on Amazon here: www.amazon.com/Mastering-Composition-Techniques-Principles-Dramatically/dp/1581809247?ref_=ast_author_dp
I just went to look and I'd say it does look like that. I do remember it was in fact a very narrow canal that just happened to open up there and went back to its narrow channel under the bridge. So I agree with you in how it looks.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I looked at the original a lot and I think it was hard to "get" it, but I do believe this is the road coming into town...there is a fork in the road and the left veers left and up and over the bridge into town. I think you missed how the bridge is built. And even I see that on the war side of the waterway there is a footpath all the way through, under the bridge. I never meant to make an issue of it but it took me so long to decipher that bridge and that waterway... the very focal point, the beauty of the bridge into the town. Even the footpath curving up on the far side of the bridge; There is a good half inch of waterway and it runs almost straight left to right ... , you blew it, babel LOL Hope your of a good nature about this.
Do you think planning hinders or enhances expressiveness?
planning enhances expressiveness because artist intentionally adds expressiveness into painting.
Planning enhances, 100%. And it still leaves many opportunities for expressiveness. Such as color choice (mood), looseness in objects painted as masses, expressive line and on and on.
Otherwise I'm easily bored with very pretty colors, textures and brush strokes when my eye isn't certain where, exactly, their path through the painting should lead them for a moment of reward and rest.
I think it helps. Without planning, rather than just enjoying the painting process (and thus the ability to be more expressive), I spend more time trying to fix compositional or color errors that could have been taken care of in the planning process.
It helps! The process of planning, for me, teaches me what drew me to the image in the first place and as I consider the individual elements that comprise the image I start to see the important role some aspects play and the distraction caused by others. Once the map is laid out I can better express the feeling it gave me initially and hopefully communicate that more naturally.
@@ngocthaodrawing I'm inclined to agree with you. You almost can't help the expressive part. It just needs a good foundation. Thanks.
Oh wow!
I just finished watching you speak with Angela Fehr. I'm a member of her on-line community and was soooooo very pleasantly surprised that you were her 'mystery guest'.
Your book, Creative Authenticity, is my all time favorite. I first read it a year and a half ago, maybe two, have re-read it fully twice since and often re-visit my dog-eared pages.
And your Mary Oliver quote, perfect!
Without getting all idol worship-esk, I simply don't go there, I could listen to you every day. You have such a wonderful way of conveying your knowledge. Profound.
Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
I have just bought a copy of Ian's Creative Authenticity because I love the way he explains things. It looks as though the book is the same style and as informative as his videos. I imagine re-reading it too. Love the analysis. I have just rediscovered Angela Fehr. After a few years of trying different techniques I now feel I can apply myself to the loose method of watercolour. I am not a member of her on-line community so I missed Ian. I am doing a couple of her courses while I move between several artists, trying out many different styles. It was interesting to read your comments. What an interesting turn of phrase - idol worship-esk. I am a little that way. I eagerly await the weekly analysis that is gently chatty.
Hi Paint Lady, I've seen your comments before but it is nice to hear that you were on Angela's call yesterday. That was fun. I am delighted you enjoyed it and these weekly videos. We need more books with dog-eared pages. My best wishes, Ian
Hi Sandi, I only met Angela because Robin, who is her internet person was in my course. Angela's great. I guess you need to be a member to watch the interview. Not sure. It was fun and I always like to talk about authenticity. It connects to so many resonant aspects of ourselves. With best wishes, Ian.
@@sandraworrall-hart3840 Hi Sandi!
The AF community is great. I've found it to be a very inclusive, positive and experience. A place that feels safe to expose ourselves through or art; get honest and helpful feedback in a positive manner and be exposed to the processes so many others are working with. For me, it opens up a space of creative growth that would otherwise happen in the vacuum of self. By very definition of the calling, many artists of all types spend our time creating in a solitary way, so the community is, to me, priceless.
I too watch, look at and read about many artists to glean what speaks to me. I began in acrylics because of sensitivities I didn't choose oils, although still think of it often.
I found both Angela and Steve of Mind of Watercolor on TH-cam two years ago, two distinctly different voices, binged watched both and haven't looked back.
Maybe I'll see you there some day. In the meantime, happy painting!
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Yes one needs to be a member. I made a rule 4 years ago to only have one paid subscription at a time and that paid sub is still going strong. I really like the way you interact with everyone here. It is reflected in your chatty TH-cam videos that have a personal approach. I also have nearly all of your videos from Artist Network. I'm reading your book Creative Authenticity at the moment. In it there are many parallels to writing - similar mindset. While I love to write I have to really work hard to transfer that mindset to art, ha ha.
Yay thanks 🙏 ask and you shall receive...looking forward to more
This week coming up I"m doing a video on my painting from this same image.
I bought your book and watched your online course on Artist University a few years back. I am a big fan of yours. Thank you!
Delighted you have found the videos. All the best.
Another lovely drawing with valuable information. I am finding that the more I plan ahead, the more expressive I can be with my brush because so much of the left brain work has been figured out ahead of time. I am learning that from you. Thank you!
It works doesn't it. Glad you liked the video. Best wishes, Ian.
Yes. It does. I am fortunate to have your knowledge and experience in my life.
I love your drawing , thank you .
Glad you like it
Very Interesting and Useful information. Thank You MUCH.
Thank you, Ian. As a new subscriber I have been learning a lot from your tutorials and demonstrations. Simplifying shapes and finding vocal points are exactly what I’m after. 🙏👍😊
Can’t wait for this video, enjoyed and learned from every signal video you have done.
These videos capturing how you think and plan are very useful. Thank you.
HI Aino, I'm glad you find them helpful. I actually like making these where I do some art work.
Great sketching!
Thanks Dorothy
I am really enjoying the videos you post. Every week I either learn something new or your information reinforces what I have already learnt.Thank you.
Thx... technique 💜
Can you please do a series specifically applying composition principles to portrait and figure drawing and the specific challenges that brings?
I''ll try and do some Allan. Just not sure when I'd have to do some portraits to pull that off and right now everyone has a mask one.
Lovely Ian , Thank you so much : all the videos inspired me to drawn again whenever possible !
Well that is a good thing. My best wishes to you, Christine. Ian.
Thank you for your posts and reminders especially during this hard time. I always enjoy listening to your advice.
Esther, thank you. I am happy you are finding it helpful. My best wishes, Ian.
I am learning so much about composition with you. Nice job!
Great. Happy to hear it.
Thank you Ian! So helpful!
Glad you liked it. Thanks for the comment.
Another GREAT VIDEO - very inspiring and motivating.
Thank you Catherine. I appreciate your letting me know. Best, Ian.
So helpful, Ian - thanks - looking forward to more drawings!
Hi Joani, thank you for letting me know you find it helpful. I really appreciate it. More drawings to come. Maybe even paintings.
Really helpful. Thanks, Ian.
Hi Ralph good to hear from you. Glad you liked it. My best wishes to you and see you in August. Ian
This is very helpful, Ian, thanks. I appreciate these editing exercises and look forward to more. I also enjoyed watching how you render water in pencil.
Hi Lyn, actually you sort of shocked me there because this week's video is on doing water reflections and I was wondering how you had seen it already. All the best to you and Chip, Ian
Great strong composition! Thank you, Ian!
You are welcome! Best wishes, Ian.
Thank you again for another excellent demonstration .i have been trying to put into practice your advice and it has helped me so that I am looking at my photographs with a
Completely different view . Just the start I now but I will keep watching your very valuable videos to learn more . Many many thanks Robert .
You are most welcome Judy. When you starting thinking compositional design and not subject matter and lot of your photographs start to be suspect. Best wishes, Ian.
Fantastic
Thank you!
your drawing is so beautiful. I really appreciate your profound videos !
Thank you. Really happy you are enjoying them. All the best, Ian.
Boring question, but when you are using a photo reference are you doing edit via Photoshop or some other software and working from laptop/tablet? I need to upgrade to a user friendly way to manipulate photo references and just wondering what people use.
These compositional videos have changed the way I take photos when traveling! Thank you so much! Workshop with you on bucket list!
Hi, I'm pretty low tech when it comes to photos. Most of the work is done when I take it. I mean how I frame the image while taking it. Then I have a Mac and in photos the only changes is I will crop the image more carefully, usually aspect ratio, and perhaps adjust exposure and contrast slightly but that is about it. I don't do photoshop. Nothing against it. I know lots of painters I respect that do use it.
Bonjour Ian, your drawing is amazing, i m not good at drawing, wow can can order your book, to teach me how to draw???? desesperee. Thank you for an answer.
My book might help you. You can order it on Amazon here: www.amazon.com/Mastering-Composition-Techniques-Principles-Dramatically/dp/1581809247?ref_=ast_author_dp
👍
4 it looks like the creek misses the bridge.... you put a strange perspective under that bridge, didn't you?
I don't mean to sound too critical of this point; I do like a lot all your videos; I've learned a lot.
I just went to look and I'd say it does look like that. I do remember it was in fact a very narrow canal that just happened to open up there and went back to its narrow channel under the bridge. So I agree with you in how it looks.
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I looked at the original a lot and I think it was hard to "get" it, but I do believe this is the road coming into town...there is a fork in the road and the left veers left and up and over the bridge into town. I think you missed how the bridge is built. And even I see that on the war side of the waterway there is a footpath all the way through, under the bridge.
I never meant to make an issue of it but it took me so long to decipher that bridge and that waterway... the very focal point, the beauty of the bridge into the town. Even the footpath curving up on the far side of the bridge; There is a good half inch of waterway and it runs almost straight left to right ... , you blew it, babel LOL Hope your of a good nature about this.
T
Were you an architect before becoming a painter??? your sketches look like Architectural drawings.
No, but I helped put myself through art college doing ink drawings of people's homes.