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"Part Two - Making a Small Painting BIGGER!"
How I Start a Larger Abstract Painting and Collage...
Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!
Today's Blast is a continuation of the previous one, a demonstration about how I approach and start a larger abstract painting with collage.
I haven't touched it since then... So let's continue.
I hang the piece, study it for awhile and ponder: Does it clearly communicate the title -
Leaving the Nest, and does it suggest the story I wanted to paint.
For me, it's a new painting - first and foremost, it's an illustration of an idea using pure paint. It's so immediate and tactile, especially when I tear and collage with patterned papers and gel medium as the glue.
So again, I think BIGGER - bigger brush strokes, gestural drawing and painting with paper towels.
This is the time when I re-establish my focal point, the overall composition and color combination:
- When all my tools are out and ready, I start painting lightly over the entire surface - adding color while simultaneously wiping it - effectively staining all over.
- Then I punch up the focal point with a bold contrasting shape, using collage and paint.
- I add more collage at this time. I treat the collage shapes like paint... my collage pieces are a support to the paint, and layered - rather than just stuff I have glued on top of the painting. Paint goes on top of collage all the time!
- At the same time I'm painting, I am also drawing into the surface with a water soluble crayon, scratching with my fingers or brush end, and simplifying with large brush strokes.
All this leads to much movement in front of the canvas and a looser, playful application of color. As I get older, after standing and painting all day for 25 years... sitting feels pretty good too! But of course, contrary to all of the above, my mentor, hero and genius painter who creates huge portraits and he can only move his hand and brush... Chuck Close, of course.
If you are looking for inspiration, read the book
Chuck Close: Life.
Thanks again for watching and telling your friends! All my BobBlasts are archived on my website and my YouTube Channel. We post new studio tips weekly that offer real content, substance and useful techniques that work for me. And they're free!
We appreciate your interest, questions, comments and support!
Here's a quick reminder about some upcoming workshops and dates.
If interested, sign up now!
Featured Workshops
:
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
January 8-11, 2018
San Diego Watercolor Society
Demo: Member Meeting, Tuesday 1/9
Contact Susanne Slater, slater12@cox.net
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage in Mexico
January 20-27, 2018
Casa de Los Artistas
Boca de Tomatlan, 10 miles South of Puerto Vallarta
Contact Robert Masla, (413) 625-8383
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
February 4-8, 2018
Donna Downey Studios
Huntersville, NC 28078
Contact Bill Downey, (704) 948-4627 or
email bill@donnadowney.com
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
February 18-21, 2018
The Studios at Key West
Key West, Florida
Contact Erin Stover-Sickmen, Artistic Director
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
March 9-11, 2018
Art Box Studio
1302 Monte Vista, Unit 9, Upland, CA
Contact Sylvia Megerdichian (909) 981-4508 or
Robert Burridge 5-Day Instructional Studio Workshop
March 26-30, 2018
Bob's Arroyo Grande, CA Studio (Wednesday-Sunday)
Click
HERE for more info.
View Bob's 2018 Workshop Schedule, click here.
...Check out his 2018 Studio Workshops! click here.
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Click
HERE
to view
BobBlast Issue 180
"Part Two - Making a Small Painting BIGGER!"
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