Weekly BobBlast Issue 313
Studio Prep! My Painting Table Set Up

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!
This BobBlast is all about Loosening Up… and staying loose . I have definite studio practices that makes life easy for me in the studio. The more prepared I am, the less I have to think!

If you have read my Loosen Up Workbook and Studio Notes , you may have seen my chapter “ The Ten Steps for Loosening Up” . Here is a summary of my ten steps:
  1. Set up your painting area to serve you.
  2. Wear loose, old clothing.
  3. Write it down - sketchbooks are your friends.
  4. Keep your paper at arm’s length.
  5. Stand up and paint from all around.
  6. Use larger and longer brushes.
  7. Use larger paper.
  8. Pick a bolder color combination.
  9. Work wetter, faster and shorter.
  10. Give yourself permission - permission to paint the way you have always wanted to paint.

Before beginning or ending your painting day, put your studio back in order. Buckets of water should be filled with clean, new water. I can’t tell you how energized I am walking into my studio, excited with anticipation and having all my tools ready. The secret for me is I can concentrate on creativity while I spontaneously paint because I know where my
tools are. When reaching for a certain color or needing more water, it’s good to know where it’s supposed to be.

If you physically can, paint standing up. My painting tables are flat, level and very low. I have found that when I sit, my freedom gets locked into one small area. So naturally, if the painting table is low and you’re standing, you will need to elongate your brushes to avoid
bending over. Plus, standing will allow you to literally dance with the brushes, the color and the paper. By keeping your paper at arm’s length you can begin to feel the freedom of the brush. Hold your elongated brush as if it were a musical conductor’s baton. Ideally, you’ll be able to rotate your wrist 360 degrees, allowing you much more movement and freedom. It’ll keep you away from tickling the paper and becoming fussy. Remember – this is only one of the ways to loosen up.

When inspiration hits you, be ready.

New Virtual Exhibit - Petting Zoo - Juried Show with $1,500 in awards 
Petting Zoo - painting your pets, barnyard buddies and exotic zoo creatures!
Abstract or traditional - capture the animals’ personality. Your entries will be posted in a closed FaceBook group. Keep reading for eligibility and entry information.

•June 19, 2020 
Prospectus available 
Entries accepted

•July 31, 2020
Final day for entries

•Linda Kemp, juror

Eligibility:
•Open to artists 16 years and older
•Artist’s artwork must be original and current - created within the last year
•Paintings entered must be 2D painted surfaces and can include collage and other mixed media. No photography please
•No size requirement
•RBS reserves the right to refuse any work submitted
•$25 registration fee - Maximum of 3 pieces per entry

to view prospectus and apply!

Looking forward to seeing your work!
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!

Some of our subscribers have asked about the "behind the scenes" people who make the weekly BobBlast possible - so we want to give a shout out and thank Bo von Hohenlohe for editing the BobBlast videos. Bo also produces websites and helps authors self-publish book. Please visit his website at www.bvhprods.com .

Below is a list of featured workshops - but did you know that I also offer private sessions in my studio ? Perfect for beginners who want a crash course in watercolor or acrylic or for artists who are designing an exhibit and want to bounce ideas for content and techniques. I devote 100% of my studio time to you! Designed for 1 to 3 people - if you are interested or have questions, email [email protected]

Our Workshop Schedule is a little up in the air right now!
Please contact the Workshop Coordinator listed for the latest news.
July 13, 14, 16, 2020
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting - ONLINE WORKSHOP!
Zoom Platform
Host, Mendocino Art Center
Contact Registrar, (707) 937-5818 ext 10

July 25 - 26, 2020
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage - ONLINE WORKSHOP!
Zoom Platform
Host, Mendocino Art Center
Contact Registrar, (707) 937-5818 ext 10

August 3-7, 2020
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting
Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff
Boone, NC
Contact Edwina May, Workshop Coordinator (800) 227-2788 

August 13-16, 2020
Robert Burridge Studio Mentor Workshop
Come paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA
(includes individual mentor time, demonstrations and personal theme development)
3.5 days Workshop/Mentor Program, limited to 7 enrollees
Contact [email protected] for fees and details.
Click HERE for more info.

August 19-22, 2020
Robert Burridge Studio Figure Painting Workshop/undraped model
Come paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA
(includes individual mentor time, demonstrations and personal theme development)
4-day Workshop/Mentor Program, limited to 6 enrollees
Contact [email protected] for fees and details.
Click HERE for more info

August 24-28, 2020
Robert Burridge 5-Day Instructional Studio Workshop
5-day Workshop in Bob’s Arroyo Grande, CA Studio (Monday-Friday)
Contact [email protected] for fees and details.
Click HERE for more info

September 15-18, 2020
Robert Burridge Studio Figure Painting Workshop/undraped model
Come paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA
(includes individual mentor time, demonstrations and personal theme development)
4-day Workshop/Mentor Program, limited to 6 enrollees
Contact [email protected] for fees and details.
Click HERE for more info

October 26-30, 2020
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting
Vancouver Island Art Workshops
British Columbia, Canada
Contact Mary, (250) 714-8080 

November 12-15, 2020
Art of the Carolinas - Workshops & Art Materials Exhibition
Sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama
Raleigh, North Carolina
Contact Sharon DiGiulio (800) 827-8478 ext 156 [email protected]

November 19-22, 2020
Robert Burridge Studio Mentor Workshop
Come paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA
(includes individual mentor time, demonstrations and personal theme development)
3.5 days Workshop/Mentor Program, limited to 7 enrollees
Contact [email protected] for fees and details.
Click HERE for more info.

January 23-30, 2021
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage in Mexico
Casa de Los Artistas
Boca de Tomatlan, 10 miles South of Puerto Vallarta 
Contact Robert Masla, (413) 625-8382

March 29 - April 7, 2021
Essential Holland: Tulips in Spring River Cruise
Loose, Impressionistic Sketching & Painting Workshop
Sponsored by Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat
Contact [email protected] (715) 588-3143

April 26-30, 2021
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
Workshop Location - TBA
Montreal, Quebec
Contact Lucie Michel, 514-889-8191 or

June 15-19, 2021
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
Dillman's Arts Workshop Retreat
Lac du Flambeau, WI
Contact (715) 588-3143 or [email protected]

June 22-25, 2021
Burridge Mentor Program
Dillman's Arts Workshop Retreat
Lac du Flambeau, WI
Contact (715) 588-3143 or [email protected]

December 2-12, 2021 - RESCHEDULED!
Paint Cuba with Bob Burridge
Explore Amazing Places
Contact [email protected] or
(623) 888-1314
Click here for more info.
View Bob's Workshop Schedule, click here .
...Check out his 2020 Studio Workshops! click here .

Hope you have enjoyed these short, weekly blasts!
Sign up on my website and keep watching. There are lots of them!
Click here to view BobBlast Issue 313 video!
Studio Prep! My Painting Table Set Up
Painting Table Set Up
Love, Peace & Happiness,
BobBlast #313 - Video run time 10 minutes, 54 seconds

•To read about Bob's studio practices, intentions, and painting tips, check out his Loosen Up and Studio Notes Workbook. Click here for more info and to order.

•You can purchase Bob's Color Wheel from his website by clicking here .

•You can purchase Bob's Travel Wheel from his website by clicking here .

•We even have a special for BOTH color wheels! Click here .

•You can purchase Bob's 2 Chart Combo - Composition Chart and Rembrandt Lighting & Value Chart by clicking here ! 2 charts for the price of 1!

•For more info about Bob's Workshop Schedule click here .
Robert Burridge