Weekly BobBlast Issue 536

What Color is Your Background?

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

Have you ever heard this? “Well… I got the flower done. What color do I make the background?” It’s no wonder this question is asked often—because the painting is often started backwards.

Tone the surface first. You’ve probably heard this expression and most likely read it in your acrylic or oil painting books… Start to paint by first brushing on a warm mid tone on the entire surface. After the mid tone is brushed on, now all that is needed is to paint the darkest darks and establish your lightest lights. These three values start the beginning of any style painting.

As you continue to sketch and paint, you should be painting all over—all at the same time. You should be able to stop anytime and still have paint everywhere, all over.

What colors to use are dependent on how colors look next to each other. Color against color… which brings up the real question! How do you know which color to choose? Look at the color against the next color.

You have seen those color examples of a singular square color placed in the center of another color. Notice how the center color shifts its intensity or its value when placed next to or on top of different colors.

To know more about this magical illusion, check out this book, The Art of Color by Johannes Itten (there is also another book, The Elements of Color by the same author). If you are interested in color, this is your book.

The point is, color is influenced by the colors surrounding it and next to it. I recommend practicing painting with short, colorful, choppy brush strokes and be mindful that color is effected by the color next to it.

So…there are no backgrounds!

Online Monthly Demos

•October 9, 2024

“Asymmetrical Composition”

•November 14, 2024

“Painting Stemware Glasses”

•December 11, 2024

“Using Neutrals in your Paintings”

Click here for more info

Online Monthly Critique Session

Limited to 10 artists - up to 3 images each

•October 10, 2024

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Cheap Joe's Online Workshop!

•October 21, 22 & 24, 2024

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

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

Click here for more info

Online Workshops Coming Up!

•November 16-17, 2024

Small Scale Abstract Painting

Click here for more info

•November 21, 2024

Painting the Illusion of Glass Vessels

Click here for more info

And… an Online Figure Workshop!

•December 6-8, 2024

"Drawing & Painting the Figure with Motion & Emotion"

Featuring the Model Pash

Click here for more info

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!

Burridge Online Coaching

• Private one-on-one

Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Strategies

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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

•October 9, 2024

Bob’s Monthly Demo - ONLINE DEMO

“Asymmetrical Composition”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info

•October 10, 2024

Monthly Critique Session - ONLINE

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click Click here for more info for more info

•October 21, 22 & 24, 2024

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage - ONLINE WORKSHOP

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

Entire 2025 Workshop Schedule — click here!

Hope you have enjoyed these short, weekly blasts!

Click HERE to view BobBlast Issue 536 video!

What Color is Your Background?

Love, Peace & Happiness,

Weekly BobBlast 536 - Video run time 12 minutes, 38 seconds

Remember!

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Burridge Loosen Up Workshop Combo

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Loosen Up Workshop Notes

Goof-Proof Travel Color Wheel

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Buy a Digital Creativity Combo

eWorkbook, Travel Color Wheel

and a set of 3 Studio 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.

Robert Burridge

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