Weekly BobBlast Issue 557

Contrast, Part Two - Hard Edges & Soft Edges

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

We are continuing with Part Two of a multi-part series on Contrast—this week’s BobBlast addresses the how and why to use Hard Edges and Soft Edges.

Hard edges create a focus in your painting. They are defined shifts between colors and shapes. This contrast in shapes and sizes will get the attention as a focal point—where the two come together, every time.

Soft edges appear out of focus. Soft edges are less noticeable, blurred or gradually disappear. Another word to describe soft edges in a painting is “atmospheric”.

This information regarding in focus (hard edge) or out of focus (soft edge) is helpful while painting either abstractly or representationally. For me, defining a focal point in a painting is what gives it meaning…the reason I wanted to paint it in the first place.

Stay tuned for the next BobBlast! Join us for Part Three of Contrast—Busy Areas and Quiet Areas!

To put these principles into action, join us for an

In-Person Workshop in Bob’s Studio:

•March 28-30, 2025

3-Day Instructional Studio Workshop

Larger & Looser Abstract Painting

Robert Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA

Contact Kate@RobertBurridge.com for fees and details.

Click HERE for more info

More Upcoming Online Workshops

•April 22, 2025

Neutrals—How to Create and Use!

Click here for more info

•May 3-4, 2025

Non-Objective Mixed Media

Click here for more info

•May 27, 2025

Drip Tree Tricks!

Click here for more info

Upcoming Online Demos

•March 10, 2025

Painting Heart Air Balloons

•April 17, 2025

Gluing a Watercolor Paper Painting onto a Wood Panel

Click here for more info

Come Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA

2025 Mentor Workshops!

•March 13-16, 2025

•August 7-10, 2025

•September 25-28, 2025

•Nov 6-9, 2025

Click HERE for more 5 day and 3 day Studio Workshops

Traveling Bob – In-Person Workshops!

•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

•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

It was so successful last time, we just had to do it again!

Burridge Online Coaching

• Private one-on-one

Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Strategies

Click here for more info

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.

2025

•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.

Click HERE for more info.

•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

Click here for more info

•April 22, 2025

Neutrals! How to Create and Use! - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•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 3-4, 2025

Non-Objective Mixed Media - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•May 8, 2025

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“Painting a Wine Bottle with 3 Strokes”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•May 12-14, 2025

Small Scale Abstracts - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff

Contact Edwina May, Workshop Coordinator (800) 227-2788

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

•June 9-11, 2025

Creative Abstract Techniques - IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

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

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

Click HERE for more info

•June 13-14, 2025

Loose Florals & Landscapes - IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

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

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

Click HERE for more info

Entire 2025 Workshop Schedule — click here!

Hope you have enjoyed these short, weekly blasts!

Click HERE to view BobBlast Issue 557 video!

Contrast, Part Two - Hard Edges & Soft Edges

Love, Peace & Happiness,

Weekly BobBlast 557 - Video run time 13 minutes, 13 seconds

Remember!

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

Burridge Loosen Up Workshop Combo

Can’t make it to a Robert Burridge Workshop? This is the perfect combo for you to learn & practice Bob’s Loosen Up Painting Techniques!

Includes:

Loosen Up Workshop Notes

Goof-Proof Travel Color Wheel

3 Essential Art Studio and Plein Air Guides

•Click here to order - Printed Loosen Up Combo

•Click here to order - Digital Loosen Up Combo

Buy a Digital Creativity Combo

eWorkbook, Travel Color Wheel

and a set of 3 Studio Guides!

•Click here to order - Digital Creativity Combo

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

Loosen Up and Studio Notes eWorkbook

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

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

Robert Burridge

www.RobertBurridge.com

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