The high quality of the content aside, I appreciate how you've kept the video entirely free of padding and distractions. Thank you.

Congrats on your achievement of 100 videos and nearly 2 years. You will probably never know how much you have impacted artists with these short insightful nuggets of gold.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Debbie! That means a lot. I am so happy 100 videos later people are still watching & finding them helpful.

@tanyahunter7320

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Ian. I am soon to attend my first life drawing event and am feeling much more confident having watched many of your videos. I appreciate all that you share 💗

Ian . . . years ago, while in a figure drawing class, I saw the prof start his drawing with a piece of square graphite. He had broken it off so that the piece he was using was about one half to to three quarters of an inch long. He turned it on it's side and rather quickly laid in the masses of the shadows . . . no lines or other visual aids. In moments, his sketch began looking (generally) like the figure on the stand. I adopted this method for myself. It's amazing how quickly you can get a foundation under you that will support later work. Keep on keepin' on, Ian. You do good work.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Dick. I have a book somewhere of someone doing exactly that. And as you say the figure sort of seems to appear out of nowhere. And it's a dramatic look. Glad you are enjoying the videos. Best wishes.

I’ve learned more about life drawing in this tutorial than three years at art school.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Well dang, thank you!

@meganruchwatercolors7186

2 жыл бұрын

I bet because you don't learn alot in art school! I never learned much but I certainly have learned from other grest artists! As my sons say" keep drawing just keep going practice all the time and you will be amazed how good you will get"

How I wish I had a prof back in art school that explained principles the way you do, Ian. So very enlightening!

@bradwatson7324

2 жыл бұрын

And it's very unfair. You're paying good money -- and quite a bit of it -- to learn how to draw and paint. It's infuriating!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

As time goes on art schools seem to put less and less attention on it. More on concepts and stuff.

Thank you very much Ian.., obviously you are successfully simplified tha basic fondation of figure drawing..., very helpful and relatively easy to "digest" the principle lessons.., I've enjoyed so much.., my warmest regards from Jakarta, Indonesia

I've revisited this lesson 4 times now, spread across many months and with many figure drawing classes/sessions in between watches. The tips you've shared here served me so well when I first started drawing in a studio last year, and it is always a joy to come back to them, too. Thank you so much!

Just recently stumbled on your channel & I must say ...I do enjoy your videos & feel inspired by your contents. Your soothing, calm, insightful voice is an added bonus. Thank you 🌷

Ian, you are the perfect teacher. Is crazy how much I learnt from your videos.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Happy to hear that! Thanks so much

As always, SO useful. Some of the best instructional videos on KZread. Thank you for this.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome! That makes me happy to hear Lois

Fascinating. Your videos aren't just informative; they are inspiring. It's not about (you) teaching, it's about the viewer wanting to learn. And you instill that desire.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you Dave. Glad you like the videos so much

I totally agree with the words of Debbie. I hope you will not stop making these videos for a long time.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Astrid

Happened to come across your channel today. Watched a couple of your figure drawing videos and subscribed. I took a figure drawing class in college many, many, many years ago and was so intimidated I dropped it. Now that I'm retired I want to begin again. I look forward to your next video and catching up your previous ones.

Thank you Ian sir for this fabulous informative tutorial!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome Meena! Best wishes

I have found that drawing from a reference photo is a great exercise in *transferring* one two-dimensional image to another; while drawing from a sculpture is a *translation* from a three-dimensional object to two dimensions; and that drawing from life adds to that the translation of movement--often in the subtlest ways, since no live model can remain completely still or return to the exact same pose after a break. Great video; great tips!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jesse, it is quite right, each of those three are very different ways of seeing the world.

Thank you for your consistency of publishing, as well as your sharing from your mountain of expertise.

Would so love to do course on figure drawing / painting, with a focus on composition. Mastering Composition was fantastic.

Oh Ian, I'm thrilled with this video! When I walked in to my first life drawing class in college (1970, I'm dating myself) I knew immediately the figure would be primary subject matter for me. I really wish (I'm repeating myself now) I'd had an instructor then with as much clarity and knowledge as you've presented here. I'm an old hand at figures now, but I always come away with some new tip or strategy every time I watch you. I've gained an new appreciation for landscapes since finding your channel, but I wish you would do more instruction with figures; painting, drawing, anything! Your drawings are lovely, BTW. Great video!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

HI Evan. I've started going back to paint the figure weekly. Maybe I'll start doing more figures again. Glad you are enjoying the videos.

Most useful to get students to think in terms of volumes and three dimensional shapes instead of outlines. Brilliant as usual.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Diane

I'm planning a study of my dog, a lurcher, and this is so helpful. His legs are transparent when the light shines through and his bones, muscles and sinews are visible. Not that different to the human form. He's a great dog.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Good luck with the drawing.

Congratulations on the 100! Your channel is an excellent resource for learning about painting, as well as being inspired by your regular musings.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Mark. I am so pleased after 100 videos people like you are still finding them so helpful

Great, here you show two very important points I was not taking into consideration in my drawing. Thank you for your time and effort.

I love your figure drawings Ian. Can't wait for the portraits to start!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them Jill. I'm just back at my local art center and starting to do portraits again weekly. So when I'm back in that groove I'll do one.

@jilllong26

2 жыл бұрын

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition That's good!

Very helpful explanation of how to begin a figure drawing,. I have always had a problem with proportions in figures and this made it much more clear as to how to make it 3 dimensional. Thank you once again

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome Julie.

You are by FAR my favorite artist & teacher on KZread

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

So nice of you to tell me Gianna. Thank you.

Another great lesson, thank you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it Judith!

These focused packets of thoughtfulness are keeping me going as I sometimes lose heart in my quest to get back to art after a long hiatus as a computer laborer. You have no idea what a difference you make! Thank you.

The context of the figure makes for an interesting completed picture. I can fill a page of sight size figure studies, but I always include the chair (if there is one) and I like props. I think the overlaps is the most useful tip for me here. Thank you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting! I'm glad you found it helpful!

I can’t stop watching your videos. SO GOOD! Thank you so much. God bless you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome

It’s like you read my mind I have been struggling today with proportion in my work ! Thank you very much. I ordered your book today I’m excited waiting for it

The length of the video is perfect great video!

Thank you for yet another good share! Appreciate your time and effort to create!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome Sara

Thank you for clear lesson and advices!

Looking forward too the next 100! All great stuff, Ian.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful! Thanks Bradford

As always a very helpful and 'to the point' instructional video which I can use when next looking at and drawing the figure especially within the landscape. Thank you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

So nice to hear from you Philippa. Glad you enjoyed the video. All the best.

Yay! A new Ian Roberts video. Thanks so much!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome Jacquie!

I used to draw the sculptures at the Met Museum in NY. That was a great experience.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Miguel, they're great because they are usually so well lit and the light and dark masses so clear.

@miguelsuarez8010

2 жыл бұрын

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition and they don't move! haha..

Great stuff as usual Ian, thanks! Your videos are among the few channels that I click 'like' BEFORE even watching because I know it's gonna be good!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. Nice to know I have that vote of confidence before the video.

Your last bonus point -- integrating the figure in the composition: Yes, please! It would be great to have a video or two on how to incorporate figures in landscape composition both as complimentary elements and as a central subject. What pitfalls should we be aware of? What best practices should we employ? How do figures impact the center of interest?

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Good suggestion Matt. I'll have to give it some thought and get some images organized but will try that at some point.

You are a great help and inspiration to me in tutoring my pupils here in New Zealand. Thankyou Ian.

Thank you sir for such insightful tips. I remember from my life drawing classes in over 25 plus years ago the instructor rarely ever showed us how to draw the form. It felt more like an open studio day. Too bad KZread wasn’t available then or more like a teacher with your passion and skill level.

Absolutely insightful.

Fabulous job! Thank you for your content!

Enjoying your tutorials immensely!

I’m really enjoying your videos! Thank you! I’m teaching myself to draw overweight/plump women and this helps a lot.

Dear Ian thank you so much for your emails and I really appreciate your lessons and find you very skilled.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them! Thanks for the support Mary Ann

Congratulations, Ian on your 100th - we are benefiting from all of your videos! This one on figure drawing is wonderful!! More please! :O) Love Richard Diebinkorn!!!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Richard! And so glad you like the videos. Hope the figure drawing lesson helps

So pleased you are tutoring on figure drawing. Loved this entrée. Much in need of inspiration ☺️. Thank you ❣️

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome Roselyn!

Your videos always keep on educating me, much appreciate.

A perfect summary and great reminder of what to consider.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

10 ай бұрын

thanks so much Michael. Glad you think so

Thank you, Ian! You're such an awesome teacher! I'm so glad I've found your channel. I've been watching all your old videos and can't wait for the new ones, too =)

Thanks so much for addressing this topic. It has made me think a bit differently about figure drawing. I’ve been stuck trying to do gesture drawing and forgetting about “volume.” I’ve felt defeated by seeing no improvement but now I’m anxious to start practicing again.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

HI Karen, gesture is a good warmup but you need to spend time slowly measuring and getting proportions organized on a page as well. Lots of different dimensions to figure drawing. It's why it's so challenging and engaging.

@karensliwinski1243

2 жыл бұрын

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition thanks Ian. I started my practice yesterday 😃

You are an amazing teacher. Thank you.

Thank you so much. What a great help this video has been for me.

Thank you!!! As always so clear and helpful. I am so much more comfortable with figure drawing than landscapes. Would love an extended figure class with you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

HI Sally, glad you found it helpful. Maybe now with the art center open I'll get back into figure drawing again and do another video on it.

I haven't tried figure drawing in 50 years... not since college. You inspire me to try again. Fascinating lesson! Congratulations on hitting the 100 mark!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. All the best.

so great, thank you

Ian, I didn’t know you were also a figure drawing artist. Great to learn these tips from you. Thanks a lot!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Rudy!

I cannot express in words how much your tutorials have helped me to see better, and more concisely. It's invaluable, and I continue to learn from each and every video. You are a wonderful teacher. ! hello from Toronto Canada.

every video is incredibly useful and interesting. Thank you!!

Thanks so much, absolutely helpful 🙏🙏💚

I admit, after soooo many years post-art school, i’d forgotten about seeing the figure as dynamic, energetic 3-D mass & how it’s integrated into the (possibly) more static image environment … too many photos, not enough life! Thanks Ian!

@mohandoctor1930

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much 👍💕

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jayne, it's true, sometimes you just need to go back to direct observation again to reignite the eyes.

@jaynebourke752

2 жыл бұрын

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition you know, you inspired me to revisit my copies of Andrew Loom is’ wonderful books on “Creative Illustration,” “Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth” and “Successful Drawing”…. But, mostly, thank you ever so much for your weekly mentoring/teaching/inspiring videos!!! You are so gifted as an artist, but so exceptional as a teacher, too! I can’t tell you how much you sound & grounded principles have impacted me & my art. Thank you with all my heart… and I love Anne’s book, too! (Please tell her!) I own your books & DVDs… your personal weekly KZread make my week! Thanks for all the effort to produce them & for being so willing to share! You change people for the better! (And made me fall in love with the pencil again!) Wishing you the best!

Love the learning, thank you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it

Thanks so much, Ian!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome Nancy!

So perfect for right now. I’ve joined other artists. We meet twice a week and do figurative sketching for 3 hours with a live Nude model. I love it. I’m hoping it will help to incorporate people in my paintings. Can’t wait to hear more on this subject. Thank you 🙏🏼

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Kim. perfect timing then. All the best.

Thanks Ian for this. It’s been YEARS since I thought about figure drawing class. I might contact my community art centre to see if any classes are being offered. Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving!!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sue, yes, go again. And thanks for the Thanksgiving greetings

Hi Ian ! I must say that each and everyone of your videos has been packed with invaluable knowledge and what is great about them is that you come straight to the point and in such a short time you hammer the information in my head and I never get distracted while you explain !!! I am ever so grateful for that ! I hope that the 100 will in time get four more zeroes !! That would be awesome if you can keep helping so many of us to become better artists. Warmest regards and sincere gratitude ..... Lorraine 🤗🎨

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Delighted you are enjoying the videos. 4 more zeros would be around 20,000 more years I think!

Great suggestions!

Congrats Ian, another excellent video which will guide many of us the right way in figure drawing, a difficult subject.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. I am delighted you think so

Excellent lessons/teachings, thank you so much!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome Sarah!

Ian, a massive THANK YOU! for all the great videos you've produced. I haven't attempted life drawing yet but this has inspired me and the drawing course I'm doing at the moment leads onto it. Congratulations on reaching 100 Videos. They've helped and inspired me so much to advance at painting and composition. I really enjoyed your videos on painting subtle greens. Sometimes I think I enjoy mixing colours most of all! Your ability to inspire and connect with the hearts of artists at all stages is truly amazing and uplifting. Thanks again.

Keep on keeping on Ian, this week, brilliant, learn ing still. Need to watch it a few times to. Sink it in more.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Drawing takes time and practice. Thanks for watching Derek

Thankyou im very new to figure drawing and this is rather helpful!! My favorite tip that i want to try out is definitely the shadows behind areas where your showing lighting to make it pop, as that is great.thankyou for the video :]

Always a treat to watch your videos!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Laurie

Congrats! May your channel grow from strength to strength…. ! 🙏🎨🙏

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Franco!

Congratulations to you on 100 wonderful episodes and thank you!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! And thanks for watching Annmarie!

Thanks a lot Ian!!!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Paresh! Glad you liked it

I love your instruction, inspirational. Thank you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! You're so welcome Gayle

Reminded me of all the years of life-drawing classes I've had..... these were short...and mostly better. Thanks

Excelentes remarks, thanks

Gosh Ian, many thanks and congratulations on sticking with us to 100! Yet another most helpful video and here's to the next 100! We can hardly wait!!!🎂👏👍🤗

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks! Delighted you have enjoyed them Pat!

@patjeffers9431

2 жыл бұрын

@@IanRobertsMasteringComposition Your teachings have been immensely beneficial. You have a gift to make even the somewhat complex understandable. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to share and to help so many.

Ian, thank you for yet another very helpful lesson. These lessons are a gift.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

After watching endless videos on figure and life drawing I keep coming back to this one video. It says it all. I know it has profoundly shaped the way I approach my drawings. I hope you will do many more on this subject.

I wait impatiently every week for your video. I love how succinctly you present a topic. Thankyou for the reminder all good paintings have good drawing skills underlying their success. Lovely drawings , and now I’m inspired to keep trying figure drawing. Cheers

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Delighted you enjoyed it and thanks so much for watching week after week Sarah

Congratulations and many thanks, Professor!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

Congratulations on your 100th weekly video - epic - and hopefully you will keep them going. I, like many, learn so much from you - they are a generous and wonderful gift to those of us trying to improve our skills. Not only is every topic rich in content and superbly delivered, they are also truly inspirational - my Tuesday tonic that keep me going.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Richard. I appreciate your telling me.

Congrats! Awesome ideas, as always, priceless. Thank you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Rick!

Congratulations and many thanks and another 100 more!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lotte!

Thank you❤🙏

I found the idea #2 of showing overlapping shapes very helpful. Thank you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful Ralph. All the best.

Excellent video. Thank you for posting 🙂

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching

Thanks for all these great videos and your wonderful book. I’ve had your book for a few years but the videos brought a deeper understanding, especially verticals, horizontals and focal point.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Delighted you are enjoying both the videos and books Catherine. They compliment each other nicely

I am a recent viewer to your channel. Thank you for doing this. I have learned from your videos. I love portraiture and figure best and really appreciate you for bringing this to us. ❤️

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Excellent video !

Congrats with the 100 episode jubilee! You are doing a useful educational work It helps us to pick the tips to improve our work

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! It has been a lot of fun. All the best

Congrats 100 and THANK YOU!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! And you're so welcome! Glad you liked it Claire

Thankyou I feel more educated already now I just need to practice what you have taught

Congratulations Ian on 100! I think a lot about overlaps in landscapes and what I see in the figure but did not take it to the depth (muscles) as the background reason for those overlaps. I appreciate your thoughtful breakdown of the process, 1-5, and your careful explanations. Thank you.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it Andrea and found it helpful.

Another practical and informative video….thank you! I have never attempted figure drawing…..still have so much to learn with simple mass shapes, value, et cetera. But, I agree, there is value in learning something new…… 100 videos…..amazing……congratulations……hoping for, at the very least, 100 more!

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ann Marie, thank you.

Congratulations for the 100th! Thank you again for sharing such an interesting and helpful topic. I´ve never stopped to think about the overlapping layers.

@IanRobertsMasteringComposition

2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful. Glad I could provide a new perspective