Thinking in Shapes to Simplify an Image

Everyone says you got to simplify your paintings,
but the whole world just seems to be details. They're everywhere. So what do you leave out? Today I'm going to show you!
I want to take you through the process of how you can simplify paintings and what it means to leave out detail because if you're looking at a scene, it's millions of blades of grass, thousands of flowers, tens of thousands of bricks, 40 windows. What's important? What
isn't important? What do you leave out? What do you put in? It demands a different way of looking at the whole problem, so I'm going to show you a diagram that'll help explain it.

[Valentin-szwd]

I think your shelves are collapsing. 😅

[ericsprouse]

You are a gift to the art community. Thanks for sharing!

[sunnyseacat]

"... the thinking that goes on before you pick up a brush." Oh!
3rd time watching and learning more each time. Thank you Ian. You explain everything so well.

[cynthiahale]

If I am grasping this correctly, the drawing is the “middle plane” of your painting break down, then you decide which if any details you eventually put in after painting the block in. A notan, or quick thumbnail sketch would be the “back” plane to check compositional structure. I have such a difficult time choosing which details to put in my sketch. This was very helpful.

[paulamitchem]

Ian, thanks for re-releasing these videos as a monthly theme. I think if people really want to see in shapes they need to take your drawing class. My problem with simplifying is that I have been letting my left brain take over but I am working on it.

[FatMatters]

You’re the best. Thank you. I’m a watercolorist but I’ve been able to relate what you teach to my medium.

[gsansoucie]

Wow, I’ve watched endless videos around sketching, watercolor, etc. This is the first one that really spoke to me. I’ve been looking for something to do on a daily basis to help build my skills and to be fun. I’ve been getting so lost in the details that my daily projects have all failed. What you have shown me here is a way to focus on the tones, something I’ve done for decades with B&W photography.
Thank you for this, this summer, we are touring Newfoundland. I hope to have many great opportunities to test this out.

[corallall]

I remember good old times when this video was uploaded in first time😊

[bloomhavenstudios]

You have finally given me the answer I have been searching for. I know I include too much detail in my paintings but I couldn't find an answer on how to simplify. Your explanation is so clear and logical. This will become part of my process. Thank you.😮

[KristySchulze]

Dear Ian, I only recently discovered your video tutorials, and must say I’m in love with your style of painting and teaching and your compelling demeanor! I am retired now after a lifetime of work as an advertising and graphic designer. I had my own business. You could say that I’m a skilled ‘conceptual creative’. But I have been stumbling along with painting and felt very frustrated by my inclination to focus on detail yet I yearn to paint more loosely, like you do. Your guidance has helped me to realize that I can see the composition of a drawing or painting more as a graphic design. (Insert head smack emoji here!) You gave me permission to purposely make the composition the strongest aspect of the narrative. With this epiphany I am so excited to explore painting again! Thank you. Thank you.

[paulmorey]

Hi Ian. As an avid watcher of your vids for the last 4 years or so, I would like to thank you, and it is with the greatest joy that I will look forward to your new direction of travel, and wish you the very best on your new path. (Old dogs can't learn new tricks EH) Sincerest thanks again Cheers Paul

[markdonovan]

A goldmine of insights presented in a visually understandable way. Thank you for sharing.

[christinedozier]

Shaft of Light photo really brought it home! Thanks so much. Perfect timing for me

[andrzejmaranda]

VERY IMPORTANT, INTERESTING & VALUABLE video!

[dutchamericanman]

What a rich and meaningful blessing it is to have these, your videos, your excellent instruction and direction. I’m grateful to have these, to learn from your experience, and to benefit from your very excellent teaching. Thank you.

[peggysharrow]

Our local plein air painting group starts its painting season this coming Wed. these simplifying videos are very helpful. Peggy

[rhonamocke]

I was so looking forward to your video and at last. Love it, thanks

[hippopotamusbosch]

I remember having 40 minutes to make a painting or drawing every day in high school art class. Nothing like having a tight schedule to focus the mind.

[bhavani]

Thank you Ian I have been in the dead zone Art wise for a while .Watching you videos inspire me to take up the pencils once again. I so appreciate your teaching style and generosity Miriam .

[acrylicpoursgalore]

I really really appreciate you!!! Your videos are so perfectly put together and inspire - thank you!!!