Weekly BobBlast Issue 552

Bob's Favorite Compositions for a Landscape, Part Two

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

In this BobBlast, we are continuing with our New Year “Back to the Basics” theme… focusing on Bob’s four favorite compositions for a landscape. This is Part Two, featuring Tunnel Vision and the Golden Section.

The first featured composition this week is full of visual drama and strong contrast: Tunnel Vision Composition.

This graphic composition is exactly as it is called… everything leads your eye to one lighted point, whether you're looking out through a tunnel (light at the end of the tunnel) or you are at the bottom of the Grand Canyon with high mountainous cliffs on both sides. You are illustrating a Vanishing Point and that focal point may be the setting sun, a wedge of sky or a gap in the forest of trees. Even urban scenes have a vanishing point, using buildings and sky scrappers and the pedestrians' point of view… all the way down to the red stop light.

The end result is a simple, yet powerful graphic design with a memorable impact. This week's Tunnel Vision painting demo shows my preference for dark shapes on both sides, leading to one bright focal point.

The second composition is the Golden Section. I quickly show you how to find the eye-catching Golden Section — the sweet spot, the focal point!

Think 1/3 • 1/3 • 1/3 - Divide the painting surface into thirds, much like a tic-tac-toe. Where the lines overlap and intersect in the four places, you choose only one “crosshair” spot as your Golden Section. Whatever focal point you position in that chosen spot is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to human nature.

For a deeper and more scientific quest on this subject, do a google search for the Golden Section or the Golden Means. Get out your protractor, ratio guides and lonely nights. I prefer the BobBlast way! 

Don't forget your morning warm up exercises: 

Start small daily warm up paint sketches of landscapes. Spread all papers cut or torn to the size you want on your painting table. Use extra large brushes, paper towels and fingers. Paint all paintings at the same time, one after the other.

Think about the graphic design BEFORE you start. Consider the following:

•Color Combination

•Light Source

•Darks and Lights

•Soft and Hard Edges

It's all about your own original point of view!

Stay tuned for the next BobBlast, where we will feature another one of Bob’s favorite studio techniques… working with isopropyl alcohol to create interest and texture! 

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2025

•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

•March 10, 2025

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“Painting Heart Air Balloons”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•March 13-16, 2025

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 kate@RobertBurridge.com for fees and details.

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•March 28-30, 2025

3-Day Instructional Studio Workshop

Larger and Looser Abstract Painting 

Robert Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA

Contact Kate@RobertBurridge.com for fees and details.

Click HERE for more info

•April 6-12, 2025

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

Hudson Valley Art Workshops, Greenville, NY

Contact Kim LaPolla (518) 966-5219 or (888) 665-0044

Click here for more info

•April 6-12, 2025

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

Hudson Valley Art Workshops, Greenville, NY

Contact Kim LaPolla (518) 966-5219 or (888) 665-0044

Click here for more info

•April 17, 2025

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“Gluing a Watercolor Paper Painting onto a Wood Panel”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

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•April 22, 2025

Neutrals! How to Create and Use! - ONLINE WORKSHOP

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•April 25-27, 2025

Robert Burridge 3-Day Instructional Studio Workshop

Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders

Robert Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•May 19-23 2025

Abstract Painting & Collage Retreat & Gallery Show at GOH

Gallery of Hermosa, Hermosa Beach, CA

Contact (323) 364-6606 or info@galleryofhermosa.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 552 video!

Bob's Favorite Compositions for a Landscape, Part Two

Weekly BobBlast 552 - Video run time 13 minutes, 43 seconds

Remember!

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