Mastering Composition: Techniques and Principles to Dramatically Improve Your Painting Hardcover – November 29, 2007

Best instructional art book I have ever bought.

This book solved a problem that I had with a painting providing instant value for me. The author understands how to write about art. His descriptions are clear and tangible. The examples clearly support the statements. This isn't woo-woo nonsense, but real advice that applies to all styles and genres of drawing or painting. Absolutely worth the purchase and time to read.

What a great teaching tool!

I bought this book for my 11th grade daughter to help her in AP Art. We both read it cover to cover and her first piece, based on what she learned from this book, won the 2011 Congressional Art Competition for the 3rd District of Texas, facing stiff competition from the affluent communities north of Dallas Texas.......[..]On Saturday night U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) announced the winners of the 2011 Congressional Art Competition, "An Artistic Discovery," during a free exhibit and awards ceremony held at the McKinney Performing Arts Center.A junior at McKinney Boyd High School, Christa Olbrey, beat out the other 48 participating artists and took home first prize for her acrylic painting Three Pots on a Bench. Olbrey's piece soon will travel to Washington, D.C., for display in the United States Capitol for one year. Olbrey also won free roundtrip airfare to the nation's capital, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, to attend the 2011 Congressional Art Competition unveiling ceremony in June........Worth it? Every penny. This painting was far outside of my daughter's comfort zone of horses and other animals, and many of the techniques learned from this book contradicted her personal beliefs and practices. But this book explained everything clearly, so that even her engineer father (a perfect vacuum of artistic talent) gained an appreciation of still life. The methods explained in this book teach the artist how to hijack the observer's eyes, lay out a path with destination, and prevent the observer from wandering off the canvas. Jedi mind control is what it is.

Outlines many of the fundamental composition principles not commonly taught in art classes in one accessible book. Highly recommended!Also check out Ian’s YouTube videos, they’re similarly packed full of helpful & compelling ideas, and he’s pushed me to improve my art greatly. Many thanks Ian!

I received the book but there was this little stain spot on the top. I guess it’s because of an old book.. Except for that, I love the book

I haven't read the whole book but just the first two chapters but I find the book extremely helpful already.

I bought Mastering Composition by Ian Roberts a number of years ago. It is the best book I have come across on composition, without a doubt. The principles of composition are covered thoroughly, in an easy to understand way. There are demonstrations on each topic throughout the book to reinforce what you are learning. The various chapter topics such as masses, color shapes and guiding your eye through the picture plane- are rich with information. There is also a chapter looking at some artists from the 19th and 20th century, applying the principles in the book. Also a chapter about finding your artistic voice. I have bookmarked several places in my book since I have found so many parts of it useful to refer back to. This book will give you the tools to take your painting to a new level.