Weekly BobBlast Issue 541

Tools of the Trade, Part Four - Studio Tools

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

“Tools of the Trade” has been our on-going theme for the last five weeks. So far we have featured Paper, Brushes, Paint, Gesso. In this week’s BobBlast, I show the miscellaneous tools I keep on hand in my studio. 

All these tools have a specific function—like brayers for collage making, paint and varnish stirring sticks and spoons, and a piece of red Plexiglas for viewing.

Watch the video… I go through each category of studio tools:

•Collage Making Tools—One of my favorites is a silicon product by Catalyst. You can scrape, make texture, and move around paint with it. I also use it as a squeegee to embed collage pieces and remove excess gel medium.

•Cutting Tools—Besides the obvious x-acto blades and box cutters, I recently purchased a beautiful pair of scissors… Itoya Hikigiri Slim 7” Scissors. Designed specifically for easy, precise and ergonomic cutting. They feel great in my hand! 

•Looking & Seeing Tools—I study and evaluate my paintings by getting them up on the wall and just LOOK at them. The types of tools I find the most effective are the ones that show me contrast (lights, darks and mid tone) and a bird’s-eye-view (viewing the painting from a distance). In the past, I always used a reduction glass and a piece of red Plexiglas. For a more modern approach to achieve the same results, I use my phone and tablet!

•Miscellaneous Tools—These essentials are never too far from my painting table! It is quite a list of stuff, from stirring sticks to 4 MIL plastic for my table top. I have my favorites and I am sure you have yours!

We hope you are enjoying this series of studio tools! Stay tuned for the last episode of Tools of the Trade in our next BobBlast—when we will feature Drawing Tools!

Start your own Tool Box!

Online Monthly Demos

•November 14, 2024

“Painting Stemware Glasses”

•December 11, 2024

“Using Neutrals in your Paintings”

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Online Workshops Coming Up!

•November 16-17, 2024

Small Scale Abstract Painting

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•November 21, 2024

Painting the Illusion of Glass Vessels

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And… an Online Figure Workshop!

•December 6-8, 2024

"Drawing & Painting the Figure with Motion & Emotion"

Featuring the Model Pash

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Traveling Bob – In-Person Workshops!

•January 6-10, 2025

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, AZ

Sponsored by Madeline Island School of the Arts

contact 715-747-2054 or misa@madelineschool.com

Click here for more info

•January 18-25, 2025

Tropical Paint-Cation! Loosen Up Painting Retreat in Mexico

Casa de Los Artistas

Boca de Tomatlan, 10 miles South of Puerto Vallarta 

Contact Robert Masla, (413) 335-4295

Click here to register and for more info

Bob made a cool video with a demo—Click here!

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Contact Kate@robertburridge.com for questions.

2024

•November 14, 2024

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“Painting Stemware Glasses”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•November 16-17, 2024

Small Scale Abstract Painting - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•November 21, 2024

Painting the Illusion of Glass Vessels - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•December 6-8, 2024

Drawing & Painting the Figure with Motion and Emotion -ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•December 11, 2024

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“Using Neutrals in your Paintings”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•December 14-15, 2024

Painting Figures without Painting Figures - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•December 16, 2024

Abstract Florals from Loose Colorful Splatters - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

2025

•January 6-10, 2025

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, AZ

Sponsored by Madeline Island School of the Arts

contact 715-747-2054 or misa@madelineschool.com

Click here for more info

•January 14, 2025

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“How to Paint with Acrylic Inks”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•January 18-25, 2025

Tropical Escapaint! 

Loosen Up Painting Retreat in Mexico

Casa de Los Artistas

Boca de Tomatlan, 10 miles South of Puerto Vallarta 

Contact Robert Masla, (413) 335-4295

Click here for more info

•January 30, 2025

Loose Figures in an Abstract Painting - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•February 14, 2025

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“Diptychs and other Multiples”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•February 25, 2025

Painting Light & Shadow - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•March 1-2, 2025

Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

Entire 2025 Workshop Schedule — click here!

Hope you have enjoyed these short, weekly blasts!

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Click HERE to view BobBlast Issue 541 video!

Tools of the Trade, Part Four - Studio Tools

Weekly BobBlast 541 - Video run time 8 minutes, 44 seconds

Remember!

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Loosen Up Workshop Notes

Goof-Proof Travel Color Wheel

3 Essential Art Studio and Plein Air Guides

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To read about Bob's studio practices, intentions, and painting tips, check out his 

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