Painting Accurate Values

The value masses drive most paintings. So getting then in accurately is important. But accurate to what? A photo, life, or your painting's needs.

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The colors on my palette:
Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Permanent
Dioxazine Purple
Ultramarine Blue
Chrome Oxide Green
Phthalo Green

Link to some recent paintings by Ian Roberts for Sale:

[markdonovan]

A simple, yet huge take away: ensure that the values SERVE the painting. Thank you Ian, for these gems of insight.

[MrDs]

As a watercolorist things are not as simple and require more planning but the essence of what you teach is still invaluable.

[smarterthanawaffle]

The Painting Coach was singing your praises just yesterday if you haven't hear already.

[paintingsofwaves_mikewoning]

That was a bit more in depth analysis of how our attention moves through the painting: loved it! Very informative and soothing to watch. So much to learn still... pfff. Thanks!

[RoseDragoness]

This is amazing break down of values. Usually I got the impression that accurate value is what accurate like in real life!

[Gg]

Loved how you led the eye to the center of interest way back and not only the value shifts, but the subtle color temperature shifts. This painting sings!

[janey]

A real artist. He knows well the craft. He is the one we should seriously learn from

[abinlp]

Great timing for me, with this video. I'm at the point in painting to learn these things. Not using values had been what kept my paintings from the next level. The way you've explained it in this video is so helpful and such an important thing for painters to learn. Especially when you point out "its the values WITHIN the painting that matter." Not the plein air in front of you, or the photo you're working from, but the painting. Its priceless information. All of your videos are great, but this one is really special.

[thebirdartistscottage]

Hearing you walk through the composition of this painting was so helpful, Ian. I really appreciated learning about the choices you were making and what you were changing versus what you left in from the photo. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us so generously!

[ClayExtrudingExpert]

Hello. This painting of yours suggests to me, yet again, the importance of knowing when to stop. For me, as a novice, my wife plays an important role in my development, especially when I'm painting outdoors. Namely, she tells me when to stop by sweetly saying in this coaching whisper of hers, "Stop messing with it or you're going to screw it all up!" Thanks, again, Ian.

[joannesharpe]

This is so helpful. Perhaps I'm just getting dialled in, but listening to your thinking and watching paint go onto your canvas at the same time has really resonated for me this morning. I may try a 'copy' of this painting to reinforce the learnings. Thank you

[timliddy]

Great lesson on where to place the contrast and stronger values. Thanks.

[ejfalias]

no shenanigans. just incredibly helpful. what great resource you are. Thank you.

[pchabanowich]

This seascape 'design' creates a longing in me; the actual immensity of it is calling me to the place of mists and tides and mysteries. The values of which you speak are in full play here. ❣

[jonquilbennett]

Beautiful painting, and SUCH useful teaching . . . . thank you so much Ian! Again and again youre helping me to remember that I'm doing a painting that works, not copying a scene or photograph. I'm really enjoying being a "member of your art school"!

[paresh]

Wow the atmosphere created with the background is so amazing!!!

[martigreen]

I have been watching you for over a year, you are my saving Grace as I struggle with value and light.
You are the best with explaining. Your a beautiful artists and I admire you and your work. Thank you for taking the time to helping other artists.
Bless you.

[sschwenk]

This 11 minute lesson was more informative and powerful than watching a 2 hour demo in a workshop. Pure and without interruption and chit chat. I enjoy every Tuesday morning because of your lessons. Thank you.

[prodbymorii]

You are a genius when it comes to composition and colors.

[marthacanady]

Just beautiful, Ian. I see your point exactly about serving the outcome of the painting not the photo. I see what drew you to take the picture, but your painting is just much more striking. LOVE IT.