Weekly BobBlast Issue 389
Why Start with Colored Gesso

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!
This BobBlast answers the question I often hear at workshops: Why do you start a painting first with a warm colored gesso? And as I always say… the short answer is this is the technique taught in art school: Tone the surface first.

If you start with a mid-tone, like orange - your painting is halfway completed!

I start by putting Holbein Acrylic Orange Gesso (they have 22 different colors of gesso) all over the surface. Holbein paints and gesso are heavily pigmented, so I can use lots of water. The gesso can spread out, without loosing its potency of color, as you can see in the video demo.

Here's a bit of basic info about gesso - I put gesso on all my surfaces first - because I expect the paint to react the same, whether it is on canvas, wooden panel or paper. Gesso makes the substrate/surface the same... levels the playing field, so to speak. A coat or two of gesso will produce the same expected results on all surfaces, whether it is your standard white gesso, or a colored gesso.

Standard play time in the studio can start this way:
  1. Apply Orange Gesso, let dry
  2. Start painting with acrylic paint, any color
  3. While top layer is still wet, scrape and scratch into the surface, revealing the colored gesso layer underneath

Painting and drawing on top of a colored gesso surface adds just enough joie de vivre!
Reminder - December 14, 2021
Artists in Action: Online Gallery? Try Pinterest
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Online Workshops Coming Up!
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• Abstract Figure - Undraped & Costumed Model
•May 6-8, 2022
•July 22-24, 2022
•October 14-16, 2022
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We are Open and Ready to Welcome You!
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2022 Schedule on our Website!

Burridge Studio Online Workshop Coming Up…
Non-Objective Abstract Paintings • January 6-7, 2022
Abstract Figure Painting • February 8-9, 2022
Click here for more information!

Enjoying watching Bob's Demos?
Monthly Demos - All on ZOOM
Inviting you into Bob’s Studio so you can watch his process at work.
•January 3, 2022
"Using Neutrals in your Paintings"
•February 7, 2022
"Hearts and Flowers"
•March 21, 2022
"Creating a Series, Using the 5Cs"

Something New for You! • Burridge Critiques Your Art
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We are hosting several ongoing Virtual Exhibits on FaceBook - Burridge Studio Groups. Join the groups and post your work! Your work must match the theme of the group.
Windows
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Join the Group - Post your Work - Add your name, title plus more info.
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!

Below is a list of featured workshops - but did you know that I also offer private sessions in my studio and online? 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 most current Workshop Schedule!
Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California!
Mentor, 5-day Instructional, Figure Painting and One-on-One Workshops
Click here for more info.
Contact [email protected] for questions.

December 14, 2021
Artists in Action: Online Gallery? Try Pinterest
Sponsored by West Business Development Center 
Tuesday, 1:00-2:00 PM PST
This is a FREE seminar

January 3, 2022
Demos in BobLand
Monthly Demos - Online Zoom Demo!

January 6-7, 2022
Zoomin' with Bob! - ONLINE WORKSHOP
Non-Objective Abstract Painting
Click here for more info

January 10, 11 & 13, 2022
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting - ONLINE WORKSHOP
Sponsored by Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff
Contact Edwina May, Workshop Coordinator (800) 227-2788
Click here for more info

January 22-29, 2022
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
Click here for more info.

February 7, 2022
Demos in BobLand
Monthly Demos - Online Zoom Demo!

February 8-9, 2022
Zoomin' with Bob! - ONLINE WORKSHOP
Abstract Figure Painting
Click here for more info

March 3-6, 2022
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)
4-day Workshop/Mentor Program, limited to 7 enrollees
Contact [email protected] for fees and details.
Click HERE for more info.

March 14-18, 2022
Robert Burridge 5-Day Instructional Studio Workshop
5-day Workshop in Bob’s Arroyo Grande, CA Studio 
Limited to 10 enrollees 
Contact [email protected] for fees and details.
Click HERE for more info

March 21, 2022
Demos in BobLand
Monthly Demos - Online Zoom Demo!

April 4, 5 & 7, 2022
Color Lesson: Making and Using Neutrals - ONLINE WORKSHOP
Sponsored by Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff
Contact Edwina May, Workshop Coordinator (800) 227-2788

April 25-29, 2022
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
Montreal, Canada
Contact Lucie Michel, 514-889-8191

For more 2022 Workshop Dates click here!
...Check out Bob's 2022 Studio Workshops in Arroyo Grande, California! click here.

Hope you have enjoyed these short, weekly blasts!
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Click HERE to view BobBlast Issue 389 video!
Why Start with Colored Gesso
Love, Peace & Happiness,
BobBlast #389 - Video run time 9 minutes, 3 seconds

• 25% discount - All Digital Products! Includes eWorkbook, Color Wheel Kit, Studio Guides and eNotes! You can always get a 10% discount with this code: BOBBLAST

• Give the Gift of Art! Bob's Available Work or his Small Original Paintings

• Private Painting Lessons - Online!
What a great gift! - Click here

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