This demonstration of creating a painting from a reference without being glued to the specifics of the reference is truly eye opening to me. Thank you!
Yes, this is how understanding composition and having years of experience come together. I have a photo taken from a fishing cabin high above the North Umpqua River in Oregon where the view is obstructed by many trees. I know what lies beyond the trees: the riverbed and bolder rocks, the fast flowing water hitting the rocks and creating beautiful crashing water effects plus beautiful splashes of sunlight hitting the water and trees. So great, but why in the world did I feel so hampered by the trees blocking the view and why didn’t I just get rid of some to clear the view to the river? It amazes me that such a SIMPLE solution has evaded my thought process and prevented me from painting this beautiful scene for several years. Am I the only painter so dim witted? After all, I’ve been painting for many years and still get hung up on these composition problems. Your tutoring is truly opening my eyes, though, so thank you again for a great video.
NO, you're not the only painter that would have a problem changing the photograph! I've often felt compelled to paint exactly what the photo shows..warts and all.!! I'm better now.
Please don’t be so harsh on yourself- I have the same stumbling blocks. They’re common. Especially with a photo as a reference- photos feel like I have to do what’s in them. Like it’s already finished and I’m only copying it.
Thanks so much Lillian and I"m delighted you found the video helpful. From the number of likes for it I think you are definitely not alone on clearing out the trees. All the best
I just finished readying your book Creative Authenticity. I just wanted to thank you so much for your insightful writings. My favorite two sentences “it’s one thing to give expression to something you feel strongly about. It is another thing to find a simple way to express what you have discovered so another person can appreciate it”. We can all do with being less self centered and focusing on things outside of us. I think that is when we truly become great communicators as Artists.
Every time I see you paint, I can’t wait to get to my easel. Such a motivational video. My results never live up to yours, but it it sure is fun to try. Thank you, Ian.
I am a photographer and I sometimes will paint my photos. Sometimes I will run into problems because I know what I am seeing through a camera. I know the depth of field and what I want to show through a particular lens I have on the camera. Then, I want to put the photo on canvas and I see it differently as I paint. I believe this video will help me next time I tackle one of my photos. Thanks Ian.
I am just seeing this now Feb 2024 and I'm smiling. When I first started to paint not all that long ago, I did a painting of a photograph "as it was". I t was horrible so I put it away. Then I started watching your videos on composition and pulled the paint out. I also had a road that hit a dead end and did exactly what you did in this painting. Cleared away the trees and had the road go to the ocean. . I softened the edges and simplified the shapes and now I love it. It may not be the best thing I ever did but the fact that I learned from you to have a critical eye and ask myself questions leading to a solution makes this a painting I love. Thanks so much Ian and I hope to go further with you in your classes. I'm in MC now.
This was worth waiting for (after the “trailer” in the brushwork course)! Watching your progression from photo to under painting to blocking in and your thoughts about simplifying and correcting as you go towards the final painting are a practical course for any artist. Thanks for this!
Thank you so much! I'm a beginning painter and have started my first large work ever. The examples and concepts in your video will be part of my final painting!
You just solved my current problem, a beautiful path in autumn that goes back to a sliver of lake. I just need to open up the trees a bit and see more water. I always forget that we can invent changes. Thank you!
It’s always sad when something great ends, and I’m definitely feeling that way now. I’ve been watching your videos since the beginning, and I want to thank you, Ian, for everything you’ve taught me. Good luck in your new endeavour. Hopefully, we’ll see you again, and I’m looking forward to receiving your emails.
I don't know if the lake actually existed or not, but it was genius to reveal it to the viewer through the use of negative space. Just excellent, thank you.
Fantastic perspective regarding how to think about transitioning from a photo to a painting. As a photographer you created a beautiful painting that supersedes the photo. Thanks so much.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I have already done one painting yesterday and I am amazed at the result when first blocking colour shapes. Today, I received your book Mastering composition, ordered 2 days ago on Amazon. I am thrilled as I am already planning my next painting. I have already read more than 50 pages of your book and listened to numerous videos over the last days. You have heightened my inspiration. I have also recommended your channel to a close friend.
The whole time I was watching this video, I was thinking about your video about painting shapes, not things. That, together with values, and you have a painting! Marvellous!
I learn so much by watching your videos. Could you create a video on composition for a square canvas? I really struggle with square compositions. But love square paintings and formats. Thank you!
Thank you Ian. Two years ago I was feeling stuck in making any progress with my paintings. I picked up a paintbrush 17 years ago. I fell in love with painting Plein Air and with oils. Over those 17 years sometimes I would take classes, get out and paint, or just travel with a sketchbook. Months would also go by when I would not pick up a brush or a pencil. Then two years ago (COVID times) it was time to start again. My work is really benefiting from your instruction. Thank you for your generosity.
Oh, Ian, I learned so much from that little bit of blue. That line on the distant shore is perfect. There’s a whole year of art lessons in this one video. Just watch it 30 seconds at a time and implement that in your own work.
I really love these videos. They are super helpful, great explanations of not only how, but why you choose to do what you do! I enjoyed the video about copying a master, well tomorrow my task is to copy one of yours!😅 Thank you
My word! Yes, the painting is truly spectacular, but what amazes me even more is your creative brain! How you solved your problem (that every one of us would never knew existed haha) and threw down your solution like it was no big deal. So perfectly executed as though it was all there in the photo already! And thank you for your generosity in sharing, it’s always so inspiring 💝
I just put in an order for some copies of Mastering Composition for the bookstore at the John C Campbell Folk School in NC where I'm teaching Composing Dynamic Watercolors soon. I have used the book for many years and highly recommend it- regardless of genre. I now want to order your other book too.
Hello Ian. I always look forward to your tutorials and the manner in which you present your videos. I find them very informative, interesting and inspirational. After 50 years of painting, I still struggle with actually leaving it alone. The details call me but I miss the mark on creating the soft peaceful warmth of the landscape. Your videos inspire me to continue reaching that goal.
Went to visit an exposition on William Turner yesterday and noticed he'd apply on his paintings everything I've learned from your videos and books; it was really cool being able to quickly notice the armature, value masses and the use of defined and undefined edges to direct the eye towards the focus, and how he used various elements to distract and redirect and keep your eye from getting stuck in one place. I felt like I finally knew what was going on and it was super interesting; I can't thank you enough for the invaluable knowledge you share with us.
Ian, I’ve just discovered you on TH-cam. Thank you so much for all the great videos. I’ve been a watercolor painter for years and dabble in oils. I’ve learned so much by watching your videos. You simplify your art so that it is so understandable. Please continue giving us these lessons.
Thank you for another wonderful teaching video. I’m always amazed that you see possibilities in a scene that I would pass by and then you turn it into a really interesting painting. Especially love the fence and the “blue line” in this painting.
Ian Roberts, muito obrigada pelas orientações sobre valores tonais e composições necessários numa pintura. Deus abençoe sua vida grandemente. Gratidão ❤❤
Thank you Ian. This is a terrific tutorial, I learned heaps in a very short time. I paint mainly from photos or paintings from days gone by, ( not copying, just learning from the compositions and colours used) Thanks again, see you next time.😎🇦🇺🦘
Very nice Mr. Roberts, your imagination opened up the space for the viewer to be drawn into the painting. It's beautiful to see your process in producing your art. I'll be looking out for your reprinted book here in Madrid.
This month I've been consciously wrasslin with my resistance to deviate from photo ref. But as I've been working forward through your videos I've been thinking about applying this notion of compositional intent to creatively adjust photo ref. This video comes at a great time for me. Gives me a lot to think about. Thanks. Ian, you've made me much better at interpreting what interests me in landscapes, with a greater understanding of what I'm doing, in a very short period of time. I'm deeply grateful to you. Thank you so much.
Awesome video and how to change some things and make a painting look better. Thanks so much for all you do for us. Your books are a great source of information. Blessings and take care.
This was an eye-opener in explaining the transformation of photographic raw material into artistry through the application of composition principles! Great video and a real masterpiece painting! Thank you.
This is one of my top 3 favorite paintings by you, Ian. I feel instantly drawn to and transported to this place! There's something very inviting, serene yet mysterious about this composition, the colors and the simplicity of it all......great stuff, and thanks again for all you do!
Your videos are so helpful, the sketching, blocking in, and use of color are wonderful. You create the light so well! Do you allow people to use your reference photos to create their own paintings? Thank you.
Thank you, Ian! I would love to see more about how to resolve problems with photos. I struggle with this all the time. I'm amazed with the way you solved the problems and made this photo work as a painting!
Thank you Ian! I've really missed your videos and this of course was no exception. Made my Tuesday morning seem like it's off to a better start. I can see what attracted you to that image; it is charming, kind of rustic and really gives off a vibe of calm. Plus, I have to say it is such a learning experience every time you paint a scene with multi greens. . . . The painting is lovely.
Great instructions! It's been awhile since I've watched your videos and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them and learn from them. Great news about the reprinting of Mastering Composition. I have borrowed it from my library but now I can own it. Thanks for the heads up.
Great video.. really useful...I have that problem a lot of the time..I see an interesting view , take a photo and it can be so disappointing and confusing trying to work from the image. Great to see how you tackled a tricky photo and really wonderful painting at the end. I really like the the initial block in with charcoal drawing over it too.. thanks Ian.
Glad you found it helpful Edna. I was looking at that block in with the charcoal too and although it didn't grab me that much as it was it did make me think it was interesting and maybe could be pushed into service somehow. With a bit more thought. All the best
This is SO beautiful!! I love everything you've done to make it the way it turned out. Thank you for sharing your way of thinking as you always do and please do more!!
Great lesson -- problem, solutions, final picture! Makes us want to be there. I'm heading up to Tahoe next week to find some inspiration and lots of reference photos.
Super helpful! I've been grappling with a photo I really want to paint, and your demo gave me some new things to take into consideration. I sincerely appreciate your sharing your knowledge so generously!! Thank you so much. :)
wow!! I really learned so much from this! I am a newbie to composition, not to painting, however, I just painted what I liked with never giving much thought to composition. But I can see how important it is to plan out your paintings. I think I was doing the composition part without really knowing that I was. Thank you for helping me solve some problems that were not allowing me to paint the many pictures I couldn't figure out what to do with. Wonderful video.
Thank you Ian I've just started to follow you but have become addicted . Learnt alot about composition creativity perspective etc. Youve also vindicated a lot of stuff I've thought about in my paintings and painting style and I haven't been to art school.
Amazing lesson Ian! Thanks so much ☺️ I’m a happy owner of your book. Highly recommended. It teaches so much that I keep it close to my easel. Good news that is available again so more people can enjoy it!
This was a terrific tutorial! It is so helpful how you talk through your thought processes to help us learn. I look forward to buying your compositon book. Thank you,
Hi Ian love the painting and the video, I was really looking forward to the first Tuesday, I am really pleased with the rosemary and co brushes that you recommended, regards Jeff UK
l love this painting!
Thanks so much!
I watch your videos all the time 🤓
That's not all! You are such an inspiration! Where have you been all my life!!!
Thanks so much. Very kind of you to say
This demonstration of creating a painting from a reference without being glued to the specifics of the reference is truly eye opening to me. Thank you!
You're so welcome. Delighted you liked it
Yes, this is how understanding composition and having years of experience come together. I have a photo taken from a fishing cabin high above the North Umpqua River in Oregon where the view is obstructed by many trees. I know what lies beyond the trees: the riverbed and bolder rocks, the fast flowing water hitting the rocks and creating beautiful crashing water effects plus beautiful splashes of sunlight hitting the water and trees. So great, but why in the world did I feel so hampered by the trees blocking the view and why didn’t I just get rid of some to clear the view to the river? It amazes me that such a SIMPLE solution has evaded my thought process and prevented me from painting this beautiful scene for several years. Am I the only painter so dim witted? After all, I’ve been painting for many years and still get hung up on these composition problems. Your tutoring is truly opening my eyes, though, so thank you again for a great video.
NO, you're not the only painter that would have a problem changing the photograph! I've often felt compelled to paint exactly what the photo shows..warts and all.!! I'm better now.
Please don’t be so harsh on yourself- I have the same stumbling blocks. They’re common. Especially with a photo as a reference- photos feel like I have to do what’s in them. Like it’s already finished and I’m only copying it.
Thanks so much Lillian and I"m delighted you found the video helpful. From the number of likes for it I think you are definitely not alone on clearing out the trees. All the best
I just finished readying your book Creative Authenticity. I just wanted to thank you so much for your insightful writings. My favorite two sentences “it’s one thing to give expression to something you feel strongly about. It is another thing to find a simple way to express what you have discovered so another person can appreciate it”. We can all do with being less self centered and focusing on things outside of us. I think that is when we truly become great communicators as Artists.
Thanks so much for sharing, and well said. So glad you are enjoying the book so much. All the best, Ian
@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition I am patiently waiting for your next Art Workshop. Unfortunately I missed the last one in February
Every time I see you paint, I can’t wait to get to my easel. Such a motivational video. My results never live up to yours, but it it sure is fun to try. Thank you, Ian.
Thank you so much Martha. Enjoy the painting process & have fun with it. All the best, Ian
I am a photographer and I sometimes will paint my photos. Sometimes I will run into problems because I know what I am seeing through a camera. I know the depth of field and what I want to show through a particular lens I have on the camera. Then, I want to put the photo on canvas and I see it differently as I paint. I believe this video will help me next time I tackle one of my photos. Thanks Ian.
I am just seeing this now Feb 2024 and I'm smiling. When I first started to paint not all that long ago, I did a painting of a photograph "as it was". I t was horrible so I put it away. Then I started watching your videos on composition and pulled the paint out. I also had a road that hit a dead end and did exactly what you did in this painting. Cleared away the trees and had the road go to the ocean. . I softened the edges and simplified the shapes and now I love it. It may not be the best thing I ever did but the fact that I learned from you to have a critical eye and ask myself questions leading to a solution makes this a painting I love. Thanks so much Ian and I hope to go further with you in your classes. I'm in MC now.
This was worth waiting for (after the “trailer” in the brushwork course)!
Watching your progression from photo to under painting to blocking in and your thoughts about simplifying and correcting as you go towards the final painting are a practical course for any artist.
Thanks for this!
Thanks so much Joe. See you Saturday.
This lovely painting made me smile as it was so inviting and serene. Thank you for the wonderful demonstration!!
Thank you so much! I'm a beginning painter and have started my first large work ever. The examples and concepts in your video will be part of my final painting!
You just solved my current problem, a beautiful path in autumn that goes back to a sliver of lake. I just need to open up the trees a bit and see more water. I always forget that we can invent changes. Thank you!
You're so welcome Judy!
It’s always sad when something great ends, and I’m definitely feeling that way now. I’ve been watching your videos since the beginning, and I want to thank you, Ian, for everything you’ve taught me. Good luck in your new endeavour. Hopefully, we’ll see you again, and I’m looking forward to receiving your emails.
I don't know if the lake actually existed or not, but it was genius to reveal it to the viewer through the use of negative space. Just excellent, thank you.
Thanks so much Mark
Fantastic perspective regarding how to think about transitioning from a photo to a painting. As a photographer you created a beautiful painting that supersedes the photo. Thanks so much.
Well said. Thanks so much Susan
Would never have thought of adding the lake, totally transforms the picture.
Thanks Raymond
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I have already done one painting yesterday and I am amazed at the result when first blocking colour shapes. Today, I received your book Mastering composition, ordered 2 days ago on Amazon. I am thrilled as I am already planning my next painting. I have already read more than 50 pages of your book and listened to numerous videos over the last days. You have heightened my inspiration. I have also recommended your channel to a close friend.
your episodes are such a treasure, thank you
The whole time I was watching this video, I was thinking about your video about painting shapes, not things. That, together with values, and you have a painting! Marvellous!
You are so welcome!
Hi Ian, I feel so blessed to have come across you on TH-cam! You really "have the goods" on Composition that I need in my work!!
You are so welcome. Glad you are finding my videos so helpful
Have been sidetracked and really want to get back to painting. So satisfying to the soul to see your magical lessons again!!
The lake at the back is just like a cherry on a cake. You made it complete Ian🎨👌
Oh, so beautiful, your paintings are so calming, balm for a soul, composition and colors you use are just so pretty to look at❤️
Thank you very much!
I learn so much by watching your videos.
Could you create a video on composition for a square canvas?
I really struggle with square compositions. But love square paintings and formats.
Thank you!
Your book arrived today (I’m in northern Alberta), and it feels like I’m on a new journey with my painting.
That is wonderful. I hope you enjoy it! My hope was it is something you can revisit year after year. All the best
Thank you Ian.
As a photographer until now.
So much in my archives...
Thank you.
Thank you Ian. Two years ago I was feeling stuck in making any progress with my paintings. I picked up a paintbrush 17 years ago. I fell in love with painting Plein Air and with oils. Over those 17 years sometimes I would take classes, get out and paint, or just travel with a sketchbook. Months would also go by when I would not pick up a brush or a pencil. Then two years ago (COVID times) it was time to start again. My work is really benefiting from your instruction. Thank you for your generosity.
Makes me so happy to hear, Kathleen. Thanks so much.
Super helpful! It does look better with the composition opened up back there.
Oh, Ian, I learned so much from that little bit of blue. That line on the distant shore is perfect. There’s a whole year of art lessons in this one video. Just watch it 30 seconds at a time and implement that in your own work.
Wonderful. Delighted you found those tips helpful Raye
Loooove your compositional fix confidence. Adopting!!
I really love these videos. They are super helpful, great explanations of not only how, but why you choose to do what you do! I enjoyed the video about copying a master, well tomorrow my task is to copy one of yours!😅 Thank you
I would love the photo and painting to be side by side at the end. Gorgeous work!
Thanks so much Laurie
My word! Yes, the painting is truly spectacular, but what amazes me even more is your creative brain! How you solved your problem (that every one of us would never knew existed haha) and threw down your solution like it was no big deal. So perfectly executed as though it was all there in the photo already!
And thank you for your generosity in sharing, it’s always so inspiring 💝
Thanks again for your insights and ability to explain process a rare talent in itself.
I just put in an order for some copies of Mastering Composition for the bookstore at the John C Campbell Folk School in NC where I'm teaching Composing Dynamic Watercolors soon. I have used the book for many years and highly recommend it- regardless of genre. I now want to order your other book too.
Thanks so much Annie. I know you will find the Authentic Composition book also helpful
Hello Ian. I always look forward to your tutorials and the manner in which you present your videos. I find them very informative, interesting and inspirational. After 50 years of painting, I still struggle with actually leaving it alone. The details call me but I miss the mark on creating the soft peaceful warmth of the landscape. Your videos inspire me to continue reaching that goal.
Went to visit an exposition on William Turner yesterday and noticed he'd apply on his paintings everything I've learned from your videos and books; it was really cool being able to quickly notice the armature, value masses and the use of defined and undefined edges to direct the eye towards the focus, and how he used various elements to distract and redirect and keep your eye from getting stuck in one place. I felt like I finally knew what was going on and it was super interesting; I can't thank you enough for the invaluable knowledge you share with us.
THanks so much for letting me know. Happy to hear it. All the best
Ian, I’ve just discovered you on TH-cam. Thank you so much for all the great videos. I’ve been a watercolor painter for years and dabble in oils. I’ve learned so much by watching your videos. You simplify your art so that it is so understandable. Please continue giving us these lessons.
I plan on it. Thanks so much Judith. Glad you are enjoying the videos
You really lighten the value of the shadow where the man is
The camera will often push the darks much darker than they are in real life.
You are such a good teacher. I much appreciate your videos.
Thanks so much Roland, I appreciate your telling me. All the best.
Excellent lesson…amazing result !😮
Thank you for sharing your great knowledge. Your tutorials have completely transformed my paintings.
Thanks so much Mason.
This video has filled a blank slot in my mind 😳 😅. What an eye opener! Sir, thank you so very much ❤ 🙏.
Most welcome! Delighted to hear this
Thank you for another wonderful teaching video. I’m always amazed that you see possibilities in a scene that I would pass by and then you turn it into a really interesting painting. Especially love the fence and the “blue line” in this painting.
Thank you so much Ian for sharing your process of painting from a photo. You are a wonderful teacher, love your videos.
just love.... always VERY helpful. I suppose, the "eye" takes time to achieve. applause!!
Thanks so much Cheri
Picked up the book a couple of months ago. Thank you.
Ian Roberts, muito obrigada pelas orientações sobre valores tonais e composições necessários numa pintura. Deus abençoe sua vida grandemente. Gratidão ❤❤
I am delighted that you found it helpful
Beautiful painting Ian and excellent teaching as well, thanks Craig
Thanks so much Craig
Lovely painting!
These videos are gold and inspirational, thank you !
I had some lightbulb moments watching this video. I need to get into my studio and solve some problems. Thankyou Ian.
Wonderful. Thanks so much Wende
Thank you Ian. This is a terrific tutorial, I learned heaps in a very short time.
I paint mainly from photos or paintings from days gone by, ( not copying, just learning from the compositions and colours used)
Thanks again, see you next time.😎🇦🇺🦘
Very nice Mr. Roberts, your imagination opened up the space for the viewer to be drawn into the painting. It's beautiful to see your process in producing your art.
I'll be looking out for your reprinted book here in Madrid.
You are very welcome Mark. Thank you. I know you will enjoy the book
This month I've been consciously wrasslin with my resistance to deviate from photo ref. But as I've been working forward through your videos I've been thinking about applying this notion of compositional intent to creatively adjust photo ref. This video comes at a great time for me. Gives me a lot to think about. Thanks.
Ian, you've made me much better at interpreting what interests me in landscapes, with a greater understanding of what I'm doing, in a very short period of time. I'm deeply grateful to you. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the kind comment. So glad you are finding my videos so welcome. All the best, Ian
Thank you for such genuine lessons! Book is on the way in the mail! Yay!
Wonderful! I know you will enjoy the book. Thank you Karrie
Love the way you paint. So clean and precise! Your videos are clear, concise and inspiring. Thank you.
Thank you so much Virginia. Very kind
Such a beautiful painting!! What a gift to be able to watch you paint and listen to your thought process along the way! Thank you so much.
You're so welcome Maryann
Awesome video and how to change some things and make a painting look better. Thanks so much for all you do for us. Your books are a great source of information. Blessings and take care.
You're so welcome. Delighted you are enjoying the book
This was an eye-opener in explaining the transformation of photographic raw material into artistry through the application of composition principles! Great video and a real masterpiece painting! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much Kathy
What an amazing gift Ian's videos are! I get so much out of each one!
Thanks so much Pat!
Thank you. This is very helpful. Such a lovely painting.
You make it look so easy. Lovely painting!
Thank you very much Aino
your book is excellent, very good info within.
This is one of my top 3 favorite paintings by you, Ian. I feel instantly drawn to and transported to this place! There's something very inviting, serene yet mysterious about this composition, the colors and the simplicity of it all......great stuff, and thanks again for all you do!
Fantastic and very helpful! Thank you, Ian!!!!❤❤❤
You're so welcome Nataly
Awesome painting lesson! ♥️🙏🌷
Thank you very much!
Your lessons are so helpful-and entertaining to this painting nerd. I work in pastels, but your composition principles work for all media. Thank you!
So much good information and solid advice packed into 8 mins! Wonderful painting, thank you Ian.
Glad you enjoyed it Barbara
Your videos are so helpful, the sketching, blocking in, and use of color are wonderful. You create the light so well! Do you allow people to use your reference photos to create their own paintings? Thank you.
First time I’ve seen your videos. This is just awesome!! You make it look easy 👍
Thanks so much Linda. Glad you like them
Hi Ian. Great seeing you. This was a very informative video. Thank you! Take care. g
Nice to hear from you Gayle. Hope all is well. Glad you enjoyed the video. With very best wishes.
Gorgeous painting, great tuition again too. Thank you.
Thanks so much Matt
Thank you, Ian! I would love to see more about how to resolve problems with photos. I struggle with this all the time. I'm amazed with the way you solved the problems and made this photo work as a painting!
Thanks so much Mel. Delighted you enjoyed seeing the process
Thank you Ian! I've really missed your videos and this of course was no exception. Made my Tuesday morning seem like it's off to a better start. I can see what attracted you to that image; it is charming, kind of rustic and really gives off a vibe of calm. Plus, I have to say it is such a learning experience every time you paint a scene with multi greens. . . . The painting is lovely.
Thanks so much Evan. Glad you were able to enjoy this month's video
Great instructions! It's been awhile since I've watched your videos and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy them and learn from them. Great news about the reprinting of Mastering Composition. I have borrowed it from my library but now I can own it. Thanks for the heads up.
Wonderful. Thanks so much Sharon
Again an excellent tutorial with inspiration and professional skill advice. Thanks
Thanks so much Wolfgang
Great video.. really useful...I have that problem a lot of the time..I see an interesting view , take a photo and it can be so disappointing and confusing trying to work from the image. Great to see how you tackled a tricky photo and really wonderful painting at the end. I really like the the initial block in with charcoal drawing over it too.. thanks Ian.
Glad you found it helpful Edna. I was looking at that block in with the charcoal too and although it didn't grab me that much as it was it did make me think it was interesting and maybe could be pushed into service somehow. With a bit more thought. All the best
This is SO beautiful!! I love everything you've done to make it the way it turned out. Thank you for sharing your way of thinking as you always do and please do more!!
You are so welcome! Thank you Joani
Great lesson -- problem, solutions, final picture! Makes us want to be there. I'm heading up to Tahoe next week to find some inspiration and lots of reference photos.
Hi Ralph, hope you are having a great trip and getting lots of great photos. Tahoe is beautiful. All the best
Well explained and illustrated. Appreciate you sharing.
Glad it was helpful Adrian
Super helpful! I've been grappling with a photo I really want to paint, and your demo gave me some new things to take into consideration. I sincerely appreciate your sharing your knowledge so generously!! Thank you so much. :)
You are so welcome Wendy. Delighted you found the video so helpful
I just found your channel and I am so excited! Thank you for helping us
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much Ian. This was great. That was a nice solution to your composition problem. I appreciate seeing how you paint dappled shadows too.
Glad it was helpful Erin
This may be my favourite painting you've shown us, and a great lesson. Thanks Ian
Glad you enjoyed it Gord
Ian….excellent job! Very beautifully done. Love the repeated structures and the areas of interest. Cheers-Greg
Glad you enjoyed it
wow!! I really learned so much from this! I am a newbie to composition, not to painting, however, I just painted what I liked with never giving much thought to composition. But I can see how important it is to plan out your paintings. I think I was doing the composition part without really knowing that I was. Thank you for helping me solve some problems that were not allowing me to paint the many pictures I couldn't figure out what to do with. Wonderful video.
You are so welcome Merrie. All the best, Ian
Thanks Ian. Great composition tips.
Glad you enjoyed it Kamlesh
Thank you Ian I've just started to follow you but have become addicted . Learnt alot about composition creativity perspective etc. Youve also vindicated a lot of stuff I've thought about in my paintings and painting style and I haven't been to art school.
Welcome aboard! So glad you are already enjoying the videos so much Vivek. All the best, Ian
Amazing lesson Ian! Thanks so much ☺️
I’m a happy owner of your book. Highly recommended. It teaches so much that I keep it close to my easel. Good news that is available again so more people can enjoy it!
Thanks so much. Glad you keep it close by. All the best, Ian
I love that painting!!! I am pulled into it.
Thanks so much Maureen
I love this painting Ian. What a success it is with those changes! Thank you so much for sharing.
You're so welcome Julie
You have just given me the answers I needed to tackle two photos I’ve had for years. Thank you for a great tutorial
You are so welcome Rita
Hi Ian! New to your channel and loving your videos! Great work 😊
Glad you've found them Renuka. All the best
Thank you Ian! Beautiful painting and excellent lesson! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
This was a terrific tutorial! It is so helpful how you talk through your thought processes to help us learn. I look forward to buying your compositon book. Thank you,
Thank you so much. I know you will find the book helpful. All the best, Ian
Hi Ian love the painting and the video, I was really looking forward to the first Tuesday, I am really pleased with the rosemary and co brushes that you recommended, regards Jeff UK
Glad you enjoyed it
That was so helpful! I feel like I finally have the insights for being able to deviate from the photo to make a better composition.
Glad it was helpful!
Great instruction as always. Good news about your book.
Glad you enjoyed the video. I know you will enjoy the book also
Beautiful painting! Thanks for sharing your process. I can see why you liked this picture so much. It's very captivating!
Thanks so much Michael