What every painter should know about composition

In this 8 minutes tutorial about composition Dutch landscape painter Janhendrik Dolsma talks about the difference between a static and a dynamic composition and how this can be helpful in your own painting process.

In the second half of the video he introduces his Composition Trouble Shooter, with 4 useful tips, ranging from 'check your focal points' to 'look in the mirror', from 'loose stuff' to 'make a choice'.

Dolsma illustrates his argument with examples from his own work and works by both old (Jan van Eyck, Rafaël) and new masters (Mondriaan, Pollock).

Dolsma participated in exhibitions in the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Taiwan, Spain, Belgium and the USA.

[michaell]

Eight minutes of tutorial that can completely change a painter's approach. Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge.

[marciahorton]

I really liked the addition of your subtle humor, "checking if we were awake", very cleaver. Thank you so very much for sharing your tips with us. I also enjoy seeing where in the videos your cats will make there appearance. Stay safe and healthy. Looking forward to your next video.

[andywesselsphotographyart]

Very helpful indeed.... live and learn 👍 Prachtig werk!!

[Always.Allyd]

I enjoyed the epiphany I experienced when you mentioned that "balance is, by definition, the absence of movement." This, in itself, is my solution. If I am stuck, I should step back or even away from the painting a while. For, I cannot be in the action of my problem. I must resist the temptation to 'fix it.' I then approach the canvas later, with a new perspective from a balanced place of mind. Thank you so much. You are my guru. Hahaha...

[originalArchie]

Absolutely brilliant, thank you for sharing, 😊😊

[petergreen]

Love the " Sun, Wind, Ocean painting . Glad I'm not on a sailboat trying to navigate through it ! Thanks for another informative, well crafted video .

[dinahnicest]

Very useful info. As I subbed, of course I read the name of the site. I draw portraits and am always looking for backgrounds. Very recently it occurred to me that the sky should offer plenty of good ones. Then what do you know?

[muallabiber]

Gercekten mukemmel calismalar. İnannilmazlar siz bir harikasiniz👏👏👏👏

[elenamargulescu-fd]

Today I discovered you. For me you are a treasure; I'm 78 years old, I've been painting for 3 years, and I'm fascinated by the sky, the sea, the waves.... With permission, I'm your student from today. Thank you. be blessed
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[fotoalive]

Just love everyone of your vidéos, your soft hypnotique Voice puts me in à contemplate state of Mind admiring your magnicent clouds time stops and I réalise I must watch more than onces to absorb these precious Teachings ! Thank you for sharing your Amazing talent 🙏

[christinegalysh]

Thank you and all the best. Beautiful kitties.

[mariadifronzoscrenci]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talents. I just Love your videos and have learned so much by them 🙏♥️. Is the Sun, Wind Ocean painting is one of your masterpieces? I’m thinking it is 🙂. It’s Beautiful ♥️🕊!

[tissy]

Thank you! Beautiul and inspiring. I feel motivated and the kitties in your videos are always welcomed!! :)

[stevebrinkworth]

On holiday with amazing sunsets and skies. Thinking about my passion of painting clouds and number one inspiration. Thank you Janhendrik once again.

[pabitramohangayan]

I find no difference between the photographs and your paintings.
Hardly have I seen like these before ❤️
Regards dear sir 🙏

[jendavis]

I take photos of my painting with my phone to identify errors in my painting. Which is similar to using a mirror, because it will flip the image and give me new perspective. I have a short memory. Therefore taking a pic of my painting gives me a reference to look at after correcting each boo-boo. Usually there is more than 1 error in my paintings 😂

[robhead]

What a find your work is!!! Thank you!
Lots of great videos on your channel sir! Thank you!

[Jenny-ylhw]

Thank you Sir for your sharing your wonderful insight..

[maximhollandnederlandthene]

Im stuck die years now, all between the ears. 😂