In BobBlast Issue #462, I showed how isopropyl alcohol created a very cool effect over wet paint. Thanks for your many comments about that! There were also questions, like… what do I do next?
This Best of BobBlast is all about how I start painting a vase of flowers using two techniques:
Making a Mess
Wiping Away (+ fun with isopropyl alcohol)
First technique is way too much fun - I get to make a mess! First, I prep my watercolor paper by covering it with a mid tone of a warm orange-yellow acrylic paint. Let dry. Next, I splatter and dribble splashes of clean colors all over, keeping the start of the painting very loose and abstract. That's the mess!
Next, I decide on the overall silhouette shape of a vase holding a bouquet of loose flowers. The composition of the painting is determined by this silhouette. I load my brush with an opaque color and paint out the parts that don't look like the vase and flowers - I am basically painting the background.
Once the graphic shape has been determined, I brush in the key focal point flower, referring to my color wheel's focal point color. The next step is adding the two spice colors right next to the focal point color.
Now I continue painting some more - moving my brush all over the surface of the painting, adding and subtracting color shapes - until the painting becomes less abstract and appears to look like a very loose interpretation of my original intentions.
The second technique is "wiping away" also known as reductive, or negative shape painting. In the demo you see me brush a very dark color on top of pre-gessoed watercolor paper. You can use any type of surface for this technique.
Once the whole surface is covered with very wet, dark paint, I immediately sprinkle isopropyl alcohol all over. This creates small, white ringlets that just may look like the beginnings of flowers. This is a fun effect! Now, continuing on the overall vase shape - I wipe away the still wet dark background color to make the vase shape and body of the bouquet.
The rest of my time, I scrape lines (with my fingers!) and maybe add color where I see fit. Remember, these are simple ways to start loose.
I suggest doing many - a series - at this stage and let dry. After all have dried, go back and add color. But don't stay on these paint sketches too long or you might kill the spontaneous feeling. Don't overpaint - Stop too soon!
You are getting a Best of BobBlast this week, as I am in Greenville, New York teaching an in-person workshop for the Hudson River Vally Art Workshops! If you are interested in an in-person workshop, I will be at the Dillman's in early June! Keep reading…
In-Person Workshops at Dillman's Bay Resort
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting
• June 4-9, 2023
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
•June 11-15, 2023
Enjoying watching Bob's Demos? Join Bob Online!
• June 20, 2023
“Creating Contrast in Abstract Painting”
• July 11, 2023
“Quick Guide to Working with Neutrals”
• August 9, 2023
“Painting Pears, Pineapples and Peppers!”
• September 6, 2023
“Dramatic Landscapes: Clouds and Skies”
Join us for our NEW 1-Day Online Intensive Workshops
• May 31, 2023
"Abstract Florals from Loose Colorful Splatters"
Click here for more info and to register
• July 15, 2023
"Loose Abstract Landscapes
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•August 31, 2023
"Painting the Illusion of Glass Vessels"
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Don't Miss! - Online Figure Workshop
June 23-25, 2023
Drawing & Painting the Model Pash with Motion and Emotion
Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio
•and•
November 11-12, 2023
Paint Bob's Circus!
Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio
Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders
In-Person Workshop: July 21-23, 2023
Learn how to create a singular!
Sponsored by Burridge Studio
Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
Studio Mentor • Instructional • Figure Painting Workshops
Mentor - August 3-6, 2023
5-day Abstract Mixed Media - June 26-30, 2023
4-day Figure Drawing & Painting - July 6-9, 2023
3-day Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders - July 21-23, 2023
Studio Mentor • Instructional • Figure Painting Workshops
The Entire 2023 Studio Workshop Schedule is on our website!
Burridge Critiques Your Art
Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Suggestions
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We have Gift Certificates!
For YOU to give… or for someone to give YOU
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Burridge Available ArtWork - For sale on our website
New Available Work and Small Original Paint Sketches!
