Paused the video at 01:30 to let you know your words made me tear up. I'm 22, I've been drawing since I was little, but as I age, I feel like my connection with drawing becomes more and more corrupted with my stupidity and greed. I want and don't want to improve at the same time. Admitting I'm not good is scary, trying to improve not knowing if I will succeed is scary. Your words didn't heal me, but they touched something in me. Thank you

I'm so glad I found your channel! You are such a good trainer, I love the way you explain and teach about painting!

Ian, I've learned so much about the process of painting from your videos. Any paintings I completed and people enjoyed were really accidentally and the result of luck. I had no idea what i was doing and was frustrated to the point that for a year I couldn't pick up a brush because I knew it resulted in a dead end. You described that frustration perfectly. Your videos got me onto firm ground and taught me a way forward and to understand painting in a different way. I'm excited once again about making art! Thank you so much!

Thanks a lot for your videos, they are very useful and engagement!

I am so grateful to find you! Thanks for sharing your gift, eh? 🤩👑✨

hope this class will be offered again, as I have made other commitments this winter. I'm a graphic designer and do not paint, at least not landscapes, but I feel it is so incredibly useful to any kind of artist. This channel has already been a treasure trove of information! I'm definitely going to study from the book, and hopefully next time I'll be able to take the class.

Registered and am excited to be in the course Ian! I've read your book multiple times and considered taking the course last year. But I didn't. And this year I'm no closer to mastering composition than I was last year. So this is the year! I'm a watercolor artist and drawing is SO important for us. And too many times I just don't love my compositions and can't identify WHY they don't work. Now in this course, with a group, I will!

I needed to hear this SO badly. Just hearing you say "you're called to this expression".... and I AM! I love it, I can't live without it, but I'm just...... not. that. great. It doesn't stop me, but it does majorly bog me down. I have DREAMS that my art is beautiful, and accurately represents my soul..... but then I try and recreate it and it looks like those funny ancient drawings of cats LOL. I truly need to get better at drawing, I'll never give up. THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!!!!

What is interesting about drawing is you really have to be intentional about the mode you're applying to the drawing between constructive and filling shapes. Between line-based like a Hirschfeld, and something shade based. You can actually start to feel the difference. Practicing drawing probably highlights that more than anything else. And as you improve you get better at being more intentional about what it is you're trying to make.

Hi Ian. First I'd ike to thank you for your videos, I have learned a lot from them including that a painting I have been working - on and off - since 2019 was a poor 'photo' composition but I have promised a painting of the scene to my daughter so I battled on. I decided I ought to join this course but unfortunately can't justify the cost but thank you again for your very helpful videos and advice. I think I will look again at some your past videos and may well start again!

It's so true what you said in this video Ian, I've found after 20 year's of painting You need to have a plan and focus step by step also get the colour right and get the brushstroke miles down and most of all be creative and enjoy. A good drawer is a great painter. Thanks Ian for sharing and hope a lot sign up for you're course 🎨🎨👍

Hello Ian! I have needed this forever… thank you for offering!

Can I just say, as a young artist, this is so encouraging and poetic. Thank you for your passion and kindness. It's obvious how much you respect and love this craft, you are so much more than even a great teacher!

Simply, THANK YOU!!

I took this class last year, extremely helpful.

I haven't put one smear on a canvas in my lifetime, still love these videos. Even got the book!

First the way this video was filmed seemed a little different than others and it felt very personal. Because the background was softened it pulled you forward in the video and allowed it to feel more personal....so kudos on that! Also I am having trouble with the link opening properly so you might want to look at that. Thank you great video as always.

I am also taking this class. I'm excited and I am so happy I am taking the class. I want to encourage people who might have a disability as I do. I have low vision and thought I was going to be out of my depth. I am already learning so much, and we are only getting started. So don't be scared jump in. Thanks, Ian.

I've felt for years that I want to paint. And now (in my fifties) after binge watching your videos, I think I'm ready to start. Could you maybe make a video on where you recommend a beginner to start, as far as materials? Much appreciated. / Ingela, Sweden

Wise words It took me several years of doing oil painting courses to realise it was drawing and composition which needed attention. I was lucky enough to go on a six day residential drawing course and a two day refresher - time spent with a good teacher can yield great results in the time frame of Ian's course.I cannot access the link as yet. Looking forward to finding out more.

I spent over six years drawing before I even picked up a paint brush. I started painting when we locked down and it's so fabulous. It's hard though and in some ways not like colored pencil drawing. Right now I'm trying to copy Vermeer and am painting The Girl With the Pearl Earring. Vermeer is kicking my butt. I just finished The Automat by Hopper. That was easier than Vermeer. Copying the masters is a great way to learn how much you suck at painting.

Sir, thank you. Your passion for art is only equaled by the care your show for me, the student.

Ian Roberts: VERY VALUABLE, IMPORTANT, INTERESTING & INSPIRING video!

Your talks totally reflect what I'm thinking about...getting the composition down..but, moreover, taking the time to draw

Great philosophy Ian, applies to far more than painting.

I have been working through "Mastering Composition." My drawing has already improved. Have joined the class to improve further.

Ian - this looks fantastic. I've been hoping you'd offer this course. I work full--time and would need to plan ahead for each lesson so information on days/times would be helpful. How long is each class available to view if you can't participate live? Many thanks - Elizabeth

Registration for the 2023 Mastering Composition Course is now closed. Sign up for the 2024 waitlist here: masteringcomposition.com/2023-course/

I can't tell you how many times I've argued for drawing first when it comes to painting. As you say, most people are in a hurry to paint and they base it on a foundation that's at best rocky.

Hello Ian I love your KZfaq channel and have learned a lot just watching the short videos. I signed up for the drawing thinking it was this master composition course. I’m excited about being in the drawing class but how can I also get into mastering composition?

No brainer & I would recommend this course. However for me though I would love to do this course, at the moment the NZ $ makes it a bit of a challenge to afford though extremely worthwhile & worth every cent. It all makes perfect sense. Maybe at a later date. In the mean time I soak up every scrap of information from your videos that I watch time & again.

Hi Ian, I really appricate the free content you provide, thank you! Is there someplace I can go to get the cost of your course? I signed up for the 2024 wait list but would like to know some sort of approximate cost so I can start putting aside funds. Thanks again.

Highly recommend this course, took it last year.

Looks like you get a lot of questions, so I’ll keep it brief. Can you do a video on what to do when you start selling your paintings ? taxes , business name , registering your name with the state , license , LLC , bank account , what are your thoughts on these subjects ?

Hi Ian, Your channel is amazing! Now, where do I information about the actual course? It says closed for 2023. Is this not a set of videos for students to follow or is it virtual with specific meeting times? Thank you and super excited to find out more information.

Hi Ian, thank you for all your videos! So inspirational and valuable. I’m interested in looking into your course but having trouble connecting to your site. Thanks

Hi Ian. have read and used your wonderful book "Mastering Composition" and I subscribe to your very helpful emails with videos. I live in Maleny on the east coast of Australia and am wondering how practical it will be for me to get the most out of this course given the significant time difference? I am an established landscape painter, working almost full time professionally as an artist but I regard professional development as vital to learning and this course can only add to my growth as a learner. I would appreciate your recommendation on my question above. Thank you Cate Day

#learn #oilpainting #classes #painting #acrylic #artist

Since so many of us are not able to see any specifics about the course (other than pay $449 now) on the link, perhaps you can just send an e-blast to your subscribers that gives the information we can't access on the link. Worse case scenario, can you at least send an e-blast that covers the logistics like: How long is each session? Will there be a live session as well as a Zoom recording? When will assignments be due? How will the critiquing process work? Like many of the other commenters I find your videos very helpful and I am anxious to learn more about this course. Thank you.

Mr Roberts, I enjoy your videos. I’m interested in making my still life abstract paintings more interesting. Do you think I could use your drawing course to shape my brain cells to paint more effectively?

Hi I know that the zoom meetings will be recorded, but I would prefer to join them live. When will they be held? I am located in Europe (CET).

Hi Ian. I'm trying to find out more about your drawing course, but can't get the web site up Can you tell if it's your end or mine.Cheers Paul

Hi Ian , not that i don’t Want to take the course and maybe this might help me for correcting my dramatic view of the subject It is like when I draw a landscape my eyes goes overall and my pencil follows the invisible lines between the details Of course most of the time , there is no structure at all and can be frustrating but at the same time the result can be expressive So it is possible to slow down , drawing masses and having yet a emotional speed difficult to handle ?? I guess it might be a tremendous challenge never to be achieved ??? Humm, something to try perhaps ? Cheers Christine

I 'am really interested in your course Ian, does the course run again if I an if I am not available for it by Jan 21st ?

Is there a wait list? I just returned from a trip back home. I missed the 2023 registration.

I just saw this video. I’m so sad it is already closed. Since I noticed that the link is for 2024 now, do you teach just one class per year? Also, do you have in person classes too? Thank you.

There is a problem with the link to mastering composition.

I am in Eastern time. Wondering….. Will I be able to do everything since I’m in a different time zone

Can anyone recommend a site or forum where I could post an image I'm working on and receive critique/feedback/advice regarding composition? Thanks

Being an artist is like being a lawyer in a way. You first learn all the rules inside and out so you can later break them and get away with it.

Hi Ian, interested in your course. Visited your website but very little info there? How many lessons, when start- end, rythem, time investment for students etc etc? Do overlook this info somewhere maybe??

I am trying to access the links but I keep getting the message that the site can't be reached.

You had me at 01:14 . I love you now.

How can I join drawing course?

Hello Ian and Happy New Year! It may be me but the links seem to be broken. Thank you!

I have tried several times to get the link to the course is the problem on your end.

I am trying to find info on your course but I can't get through - the server quits responding. ??

Link to register does not open.

I’m not clear about how the timing works. Is it a set of recorded classes that I can do at any time during the week, or is it live, and I have to be available at a certain date and time?

Are these prerecorded videos Ian? Can I watch them at my own pace?

The link is not working. It is 6:30 a.m. in California. How can the course be closed already?

Where is the link below to click?

There is a problem with the link to the course.

Unfortunately, the links don't work for me.

Wow, wAy beyond my economic level!

There is no link?

Tried to add my name to the 2024 waitlist- by clicking on the link- it just says the 2023 class is closed...what to do?

Ian - so disappointed . . .I've been trying to sign up for this class multiple times over the last few years and never succeed in getting through. The server for the course info just doesn't load the site. I've been trying since 7:30 am and its now 8:30! You must have folks sitting at their computers beginning at 12:01 am. SO frustrating not to be able to get through.

I am having a problem with the link.

Yikes. Links don't work. Help!

It says it’s closed already

Where is the link

I am very sorry for myself that I will not be able to participate in this seminar because $449 is very expensive for me.Thank you anyway.

Ca I join from INDIA?

🙏👍🙏

Ian: Will the students be working from their own photo reference at some point in this course?

Ian - sorry to report - link doesn't appear to work.

Link to register does not work...

Monthly payments with a great credit card would be perfect for some of us. As it is, this is too expensive for a woman on SS.

Painting is NOT drawing with a brush. One of the most important things I learned early on that made a the difference for me was when a master painter told me simply, "you cannot draw with paint." Drawing and painting are not the same. Trying to draw with paint just doesn't work and will leave you frustrated with amateurish/cartoonist looking results. The man who taught me this was a retired surgeon, the youngest person in US history to reach the rank of colonel in the US armed forces and has an IQ of 165.... Einstein's IQ believed to have been around 160. While I have learned a lot of Ian and he is much better than me. The man who gave me that insight - you can't draw with paint - far, far surpasses any you tube instructors. So I am sorry, while I respect Ian and trust much of what he says.. he is in over his head here. It was only when I STOPPED trying to draw with paint that I finally learned HOW TO PAINT. painting is NOT drawing and drawing is NOT painting.