Mastering Composition: Techniques and Principles to Dramatically Improve Your Painting (Mastering (North Light Books))

I have been painting (oils) for a few years now and have been taught a 'tonal' approach to art. This book is excellent and without doubt the single most helpful book I have read on the subject and indeed art in general. The examples relate to oil painting but the principles apply to all media. I higly recommend this book to beginners and experts alike.

This is an excellent and practical book which outlines the principles of composition in some detail. He also explains the role of light and shade in a picture. Most books just have brief explanations about the subject and yet, in my opinion, it is the foundation of painting. I have had students come in to my classes who are quite good at painting but can't understand why their paintings do not have the impact they want and are not working well. A few changes to the composition and adjustments in the tones and one can see a dramatic difference. This is the first book I have found that is dedicated to the subject. I can highly recommend this book for painters.

The book is a genuinly helpful guide to landscape painting, focussing on the importance of composition but using excellent, easily understood examples. I have been reading books that teach art for over 50 years, this is definately one of the best. Highly recomended.

This book is a real eye opener. It has taught me to look so differently when creating artwork. Ian takes you through many concepts from armatures, using good photo references, colour and so much more. It's a book that I will come back to time and time again. A great reference and resource.

This book explains clearly the underlying rules of composition and how the movement of the eye across a painting can either interest a viewer or put them off. The deep structure of a painting is covered, and then using perspective, colour and value masses to strengthen the composition.

I have lots of artists "improvement" books. This is the most helpful and methodical book I have ever bought. Composition is the key to great painting but it can be dry to study. Not here - it is compelling to read and every page has incisive insights. You feel a great teacher standing at your shoulder. No artist, whether beginner or expert could fail to be impressed by the teaching in this book. And the DVD tucked in the back came as a very pleasant and unexpected surprise. If I could only take one book on art techniques to the studio, this would be it. Exceptional.

Lots to think about here - look up his Youtube videos too.

Written many years ago but still fresh, clear and very practical. This is not a casual read; concentration is required but an excellent supplement to the author’s training videos currently being screened on You Tube. An excellent book

Es uno de esos libros que, aunque sepas pintar, dibujar bien o tus composiciones ya sean correctas, debes tener sí o sí por sus detalladas explicaciones. En mi caso, llevo años ilustrando y pintando, pero vi que era un libro que recomendaban muchos artistas, así que me decidí a comprarlo, ya que no es caro para lo que ofrece. El libro abarca prácticamente todos los temas referentes a la realización de una obra de dibujo o pintura, desde el proceso previo siquiera a tocar un pincel o un lápiz, saber observar el entorno, saber encuadrar... pasando por cómo realizar los primeros bocetos de composición, pensar en el recorrido visual que queremos que el espectador realice, el ritmo de los elementos, los niveles, definir la iluminación, hasta el color y los acabados. Como el propio autor del libro comenta al inicio, le puso el nombre de "mastering composition" por poner un título, ya que el libro abarca muchísimo más que solo la composición. Es un libro muy muy recomendable, sobre todo si te estás iniciando en el mundo del dibujo o la pintura, te ayudará a saber mirar las escenas de otra forma, de la forma que encajen en un formato limitado... a dar a tus obras más chispa. El libro incluye un DVD, que, sinceramente, se lo podrían haber ahorrado, ya que no aporta nada más que lo que pone en el libro, y que además es bastante aburrido, no mejora lo explicado en el libro, es más, el libro es mucho más ameno de leer, que el dvd...

Dit mooi uitgevoerde boek geeft praktische informatie over compositie, dat veel verder gaat dan de algemene regels. Wat moet je doen om het oog van de toeschouwer naar het centrale motief en andere details te leiden? Hoe voorkom je dat het oog van het doek afglijdt of niet verder komt dan één aspect? Ook wordt diep ingegaan op het aanbrengen van donkere tonen en het creëren van spanning. De auteur is een vermaarde docent met heel veel praktijkervaring.

This is a wonderful book and clearly explains the process of constructing any type of art work including taking photos. It's informative, well illustrated/photographed and a must have for any artist.

I am enjoying reading this book. It came highly recommended by my online watercolor teacher. The writing is in simple language yet very specific, with clear definitions. I enjoy the art used to illustrate the concepts, and the author makes it clear how the principles enhance the art process. I am reading slowly, making sure I absorb the details fully before moving on, for me it is a deep read learning a new subject to myself.

Excellent and well planned book with fantastic advice. Wish I’d found this years ago as it would have saved me from a lot of failed paintings!