Weekly BobBlast Issue 554

Painting Different Shapes of Vases

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

We are still exploring the basics with these next two BobBlasts! I always get questions about painting flowers… and painting the different shapes and styles of vases. This week’s BobBlast is about working with different shapes in black and white—so the shape of the vase is the focus of this exercise. The next BobBlast we will be working with color for solid, ceramic-type vases as well as transparent glass vases!

So, to begin this assignment, practice drawing beautiful vase shapes. Visit floral delivery websites, or simply google Flower Vases to get an idea for a design you want to use. Practice drawing shapes using charcoal sticks or any soft drawing pencils on a large newsprint pad or your sketchbook. Draw with your entire arm and hands—not just your little fingers. Lightly hold your drawing tool… don’t squeeze it to death.

Don’t forget to breathe! Start loose sketches of different vase shapes. You’re training your brain for the next time AND you’re building self-confidence at the same time. Your studio is like a training camp. Repeat this exercise again and again.

Practice training with a larger brush and a lot more water. Paint shapes—not vases. Watch the video to see these next steps.

Make a black and white painting:

•Select your vase shape

•Determine the direction of your light source

•Draw your vase - Is it solid or transparent?

Light source:

•Dark against light

•Anchor with a shadow

•Don’t forget the hot spot

We have a few Floral Workshops coming up—both online and in-person!

•June 13-14, 2025

Loose Florals & Landscapes - IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Click here for more info

•July 8, 2025

Abstract Florals from Loose Colorful Splatters - ONLINE WORKSHOP

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•August 16-17, 2025

Paint Loose Florals & Landscapes - ONLINE WORKSHOP

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More Upcoming Online Workshops

•February 25, 2025

Painting Light & Shadow

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•March 1-2, 2025

Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders

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•April 22, 2025

Neutrals—How to Create and Use!

Click here for more info

Upcoming Online Demos

•February 14, 2025

Diptychs and other Multiples

•March 10, 2025

Painting Heart Air Balloons

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

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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.

2025

•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