Weekly BobBlast Issue 551

Bob's Favorite Compositions for a Landscape, Part One

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. 

Horizontal Composition: Everything relates to the horizontal band across the painting. The focal point is along the horizontal band. Note - If the horizon line is high, it’s a painting of the landscape. Low horizon, it’s a painting of the sky. If it’s in the middle—it is neither/nor. Make a decision!

Horizontal compositions read mainly left to right, or close-up to far away. The eye goes toward the point of the most contrast - the horizon line. Every color and shape leads the viewer to the horizon line, because that's where it all happens! It's a simple approach with a strong graphic design.

Off-Balance Composition: The other featured composition this week is referred to as Off-Balance, Asymmetric or Cantilever Composition.

Simply put - This composition is a whole lot of something on one side and a tiny alone thing on the other side. It may not be visually evenly balanced, but it is an esthetic design from nature that is surprisingly attention-getting. Think BIG vs small.

This strong compositional design can also convey an emotional title and message…

•Isolation

•Privacy

•Alone Time

•Away from the Crowd

Now for a fun exercise: 

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.

To start, think about the graphic design: 

•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 Bob’s two other favorite landscape compositions!

January & February Online Events!

Workshops

•January 30, 2025

Loose Figures in an Abstract Painting

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•February 25, 2025

Painting Light & Shadow

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Demos

•February 14, 2025

Diptychs and other Multiples

•March 10, 2025

Painting Heart Air Balloons

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

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•March 13-16, 2025

•August 7-10, 2025

•September 25-28, 2025

•Nov 6-9, 2025

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before 1/31/25 and receive $100 off on your balance!

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@….com

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

Burridge Online Coaching

• Private one-on-one

Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Strategies

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Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California!

Mentor, 5-day Instructional, Figure Painting and One-on-One Workshops

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Contact Kate@robertburridge.com for questions.

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.

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 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!

Sign up on my website and keep watching. There are lots of them!

Click HERE to view BobBlast Issue 551 video!

Bob's Favorite Compositions for a Landscape, Part One

Weekly BobBlast 551 - Video run time 15 minutes, 55 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

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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.