Weekly BobBlast Issue 537

Tools of the Trade, Part One - Paper

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

This week’s BobBlast is the start of a series we are calling Tools of the Trade. Over the next few weeks, we will feature the different tools that work for me in my studio. You can expect to see BobBlasts on paint, brushes, drawing materials, art-making tools and whatever else we feel like doing! This BobBlast is all about Paper.

My tools of the trade—so many choices. Some are better than others. Every artist has their own favorites and go-to’s. I am happy to share with you what works for me.

My go-to watercolor paper is Kilimanjaro (available through Cheap Joe’s). I use both 140 lb and 300 lb, cold press. I also use Fabriano Artistico and Strathmore Bristol Paper. All these papers are high quality and offer a professional presentation.

I like working on full sheets of watercolor paper, 22x30 inches. I tear the full sheets into smaller ones. However, I also work on watercolor paper pads. In the demo, I showed these three favorite pads:

•Strathmore Bristol Vellum, 400 series (It’s their best!)

•Fabriano Studio Watercolor, cold press (9x12 inches, for my warm ups)

•Fabriano Artistic Acquarello Watercolor, cold press block (works great as an on-location sketchbook)

Art Paper isn’t always white, toned paper is also available in a range of colors. My preference is toned gray. Strathmore has a beautiful toned gray, 400 series—I use their Recycled Tone Sketch Pad and their Toned Mixed Media Pad. The paper’s color becomes my mid tone.

For my life drawing workshops, I use BFK Rives Drawing Paper, in gray. BFK has an excellent surface for charcoal and pastel.

There are a few more paper choices—some made from stone, some from bamboo and other materials… they all work. However, I prefer the time-honored classic brands that have been around a long time. We already know they’re archival.

Use Good Paper! You won’t be disappointed.

Online Monthly Demos

•November 14, 2024

“Painting Stemware Glasses”

•December 11, 2024

“Using Neutrals in your Paintings”

Click here for more info and 2025 Demos!

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

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.

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 537 video!

Tools of the Trade, Part One - Paper

Love, Peace & Happiness,

Weekly BobBlast 537 - Video run time 11 minutes, 20 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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