Weekly BobBlast Issue 508

Hold On! How Bob Uses Brushes

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

In online and in-person workshops, I am often asked about how I hold and use my brushes. I started to think that this would make a good subject for a BobBlast. It is not only how I hold and paint with my brushes, but how I can use my brushes to keep loose.

Since keeping loose seems to be a goal for many painters–including myself, I have a short list of suggestions when it comes to brushes for getting loose and staying loose:

Paint with bigger brushes
After you choose the bigger brush, put it away and get an even BIGGER brush!
Hold your brush loosely, not clinched
Hold your brush at the end - not at the ferrule
Use longer brushes - paint at arm’s length

I make my brush handles fatter because it is easier to hold for a long period of time. I make the skinny brush handles fatter with lots of electrician’s tape wound around the end. I modify the now-fatter end with twigs, foam and aluminum foil. Refer to my previous BobBlasts on brushes. Go to the archives by clicking here and scroll to BobBlast number 184, 357 and 444.

Brushes are just one of the tools I use to paint looser. My other go-to painting tool is a paper towel! In many BobBlasts, demos and workshops, you see me painting with folded paper towels. I can apply a lot of paint quickly, I can wipe away and I can rub paint into the surface to create a patina-like effect.

Another favorite tool is a twig–used to scape into the paint and draw back into the painting. This creates and increases texture and surprises.

Painting time is not passive time for me. I enjoy the physically active time in front of a painting!

Reminder–Scroll all the way down to the end to view the video! Look for the photo of Bob with a red PLAY button! Enjoy the video!

April Monthly Demo

“What Do I Do Next? Go with the Flow”

April 10, 2024

Tuesday, 9am-10:30am PT

Click here to register for this Monthly Demo and others!

One Day Intensive Workshops Coming Up!

•April 13, 2024

Quick & Easy Drip Tree Tricks

Click here for more info

•May 29, 2024

Figures in an Abstract Landscape

Click here for more info

Free Webinar!

Painting with Luminous Acrylics

April 17, 2024 • noon-1:30pm PT

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio & Holbein

Click here for info and to register for the webinar

You can win a set of Holbein Luminous Acrylics!

In-Person Workshops - Traveling Bob!

•May 12-18, 2024

Non-Objective Mixed Media Painting

Hudson Valley Art Workshops, Greenville, NY

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

Click here for more info

•May 20-24, 2024

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, Boone, North Carolina

Contact Meghann Williams (828) 263-5451

meghann@cheapjoes.com

Click here for more info

•June 16-21, 2024

Non-Objective Mixed Media

Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat, Lac du Flambeau, WI

Contact (715) 588-3143 or art@dillmans.com

Click HERE for more info

AND

•June 22-23, 2024

Loose Florals & Landscapes

Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat, Lac du Flambeau, WI

Contact (715) 588-3143 or art@dillmans .com

Click HERE for more info

Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California

•June 10-14 - Abstract Painting & Collage - SOLD OUT

•July 11-14 - Painting the Figure

•July 26-28 - Larger & Looser Abstract Painting

•August 8-11 - Mentor Workshop

•September 9-13 - Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting

Click here for more details and see more in-person workshops!

Burridge Critiques Your Art

Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one

Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Suggestions

Click here for more information!

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 kate@robertburridge.com

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 Kate@robertburridge.com for questions.

2024

•April 6-7, 2024

Non-Objective Mixed Media Painting - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more info

•April 10, 2024

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“What Do I Do Next? Go with the Flow”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more info

•April 13, 2024

Quick & Easy Drip Tree Tricks - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more information.

•April 17, 2024

Free Webinar!

Painting with Luminous Acrylics

Noon-1:00pm PT

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio & Holbein

Click here for more info and to register.

•April 19-21, 2024

Abstract Figurative - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more info

•May 4-5, 2024

Painting Figures without Painting Figures - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more information.

•May 12-18, 2024

Non-Objective Mixed Media Painting

Hudson Valley Art Workshops, Greenville, NY

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

Click here for more info

•May 20-24, 2024

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, Boone, North Carolina

Contact Meghann Williams (828) 263-5451

meghann@cheapjoes.com

Click here for more info

•May 29, 2024

Figures in an Abstract Landscape! - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more information.

•June 1-2, 2024

Paint Bob’s Circus! - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more info

•June 5, 2024

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“Creating Contrast in Abstract Painting”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more info

•June 10-14, 2024

Robert Burridge 5-Day Instructional Studio Workshop - IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

5-day Workshop in Bob’s Arroyo Grande, CA Studio

Limited to 10 enrollees

Contact Kate@RobertBurridge.com for fees and details.

Click HERE for more info

•June 16-21, 2024

Non-Objective Mixed Media

Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat, Lac du Flambeau, WI

Contact (715) 588-3143 or art@dillmans.com

Click HERE for more info

•June 22-23, 2024

Loose Florals & Landscapes

Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat, Lac du Flambeau, WI

Contact (715) 588-3143 or art@dillmans.com

Click HERE for more info

•June 26, 2024

Abstract Florals from Loose, Colorful Splatters - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more information.

•July 11-14, 2024

Contemporary Figure Painting Workshop - IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

4-day Workshop with the undraped/costumed model, limited to 6 enrollees

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@RobertBurridge.com for fees and details.

Click HERE for more info.

For more 2024 Workshop Dates click here!

Hope you have enjoyed these short, weekly blasts!

Click HERE to view BobBlast Issue 508 video!

Hold On! How Bob Uses Brushes

Love, Peace & Happiness,

Weekly BobBlast 508 - Video run time 7 minutes, 46 seconds

Remember!

You can always get a 10% discount with this code: BOBBLAST

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

Loosen Up and Studio Notes Workbook

•Click here to order - Printed Workbook

•Click here to order - eWorkbook for iOS or PC/Android

We have Bob’s Color Wheel!

•Click here to order - Studio Wall Chart Color Wheel

•Click here to order - Portable Travel Color Wheel

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

Buy a Creativity Combo of a Workbook, Travel Color Wheel

and a set of 3 Studio Guides!

•Click here to order - Printed Creativity Combo

•Click here to order - Digital Creativity Combo

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

Robert Burridge

www.RobertBurridge.com

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