Painting the subject of flowers was not what I wanted to paint. For me, at the time, they were merely reproductions. I felt there was nothing I could learn by painting them. Boy, was I ever wrong! I found a beautiful book - The Last Flowers of Manet - the paintings in this book stopped me in my tracks. Especially, I was in awe - the painterly quality in these beauties was so yummy and clean. I was particularly taken with “Pinks and Clematis in a Crystal Vase”. Secondly, the neutral colored background next to a solid colored flower turned on the light switch for me!
I studied Manet’s neutrals for months and his joy of painting and graphic brush strokes of color kept me in the studio, practicing his flower paintings and his joy!
But wait!! We were visiting the Musée d’Orsay - second floor, French Painters’ section; and turning the corner into the room… and there it was… “Pinks and Clematis in a Crystal Vase” - I never experienced that feeling before. I burst into gloppy tears and a runny nose. I was shocked with happiness. Here was the original painting ten inches away! I never knew one painting could influence me so much - and it did.
Today I paint similar floral subjects, with a whole lot of stuff I learned by copying masters like Édouard Manet. His neutral backgrounds, strong, colorful flowers, glass vases and reflections got me back to how I want to paint.
What I learned…
•You don’t need all the flower colors and sizes in a painted bouquet
•Simple shapes - the fewer the better
•Strong graphics = bold compositions
•Flower bouquet is the focal point
Also I learned to paint glass vases. I look at my glass vases differently - light, darks and reflections. What a great lesson!
Want to Learn about Neutrals?
We have an Online Workshop!
Making & Using Neutral Colors in your Paintings
July 15-16, 2022
2022Announcing MIRROR IMAGE - our new Virtual Juried Exhibition
$2,000 in Awards • Sharon DiGiulio, Juror
Click here for the prospectus and apply on the spot!
Final day for entries is May 3, 2022
Online Workshops - Broadcast from Burridge Studio!
•Paint the Effects of Light - April 21, 2022
•Making & Using Neutral Colors in your Paintings - July 15-16, 2022
Online Abstract Figure Workshops
Sponsored by the Sedona Art Center
•May 6-8, 2022
•July 22-24, 2022
•October 14-16, 2022
Click here for more info!
Something New - ASK BOB!
Special Q&A Session plus a Demo
June 1 • 1:00-2:00pm PT
"Bob's Favorite Brushes & Other Tools"
We are Open and Ready to Welcome You!
Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
Studio Mentor • 5 Day Instructional • 4 Day Figure Painting Workshops
2022 Schedule on our Website!
Enjoying watching Bob's Demos?
Monthly Demos - All on ZOOM
Inviting you into Bob’s Studio so you can watch his process at work.
•April 19, 2022
“Painting the Illusion of Glassware”
•May 10, 2022
“Quick, Easy Landscape Painting”
•June 21, 2022
"Making your own Collage Papers"
•July 19, 2022
"Gluing a Watercolor Paper Painting onto a Wood Panel"
Want to play with paint, paper and glue?
Take an Abstract Painting & Collage Workshop with Bob!
sponsored by Cheap Joe's Art Stuff
August 15-16 and 18, 2022
Something New for You! • Burridge Critiques Your Art
Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one
Critiques • Comments • Suggestions
Click here for more information!
Burridge Available ArtWork - For sale on our website!
Bob's been busy! Lots of new work! And the SOPs are back!
