This is a demo from my Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting Workshop - How I paint the great outdoors… indoors.
You probably know by now I keep painting until the painting has some resemblance to the predetermined title, or theme. That’s right, I name my paintings first and write the title on the back before I start. This helps me envision the journey I’m about to take in my studio. I make it all up, but with a solid graphic design composition for landscapes. There are many different compositions - I rely on the following four favorites and begin with bold, black shapes.
Landscape Composition #1
Mostly Horizontal - The focus is mainly along the horizon line.
Landscape Composition #2
Off-Balance - Heavy on one side, with a lot going on. Over on the other side is a stand alone “something” - this smaller shape is by itself, but is related to the other half, such as a bunch of trees in the background with one larger tree in the foreground.
Landscape Composition #3
Tunnel Vision - From the painter’s point of view, this would be a long view into one specific point. For example, You are in a rubber raft in the Grand Canyon - sheer walls and stones both sides of the river. Your focal point is, simply put, where your eye goes first… the same part with the most contrast or focal point.
Landscape Composition #4
Our good, reliable friend, the Golden Section. Real quick - you draw a tic, tack, toe over your painting surface. Where the lines intersect are the four focal points of interest. Choose just ONE of the intersections to create your focal point, and the entire painting seems to hold together. This is my “quick layman way” to find the focal point in the golden section.
These are my favorite landscape compositions. The next step - working with color on top of these black shapes. Don’t forget to look at the demo!
I select one composition and a color combination from my color wheel. I tend to paint with a variation of the dominant color over the entire surface. Then, the focal point color splashed in one spot only. Add two small touches of spice color around the focal point and this painting’s done! After I practice six of these small warm-ups of the same composition, I am ready to go larger.
That’s how I paint outside - without leaving the building!
Want More? Watch Bob Demo!
“Quick, Easy Landscape Painting”
May 10, 2022
Tuesday - 9-10:30am PT
Online Workshops - Broadcast from Burridge Studio!
•Making & Using Neutral Colors in your Paintings - July 15-16, 2022
•Paint the Effects of Light - August 6, 2022
Non-Objective Abstract Painting & Collage - October 1-2, 2022
Bob is returning to Dillman's - His Studio in the North Woods!
June 6-9, 2022
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
June 13-16, 2022
Burridge Studio Mentor Workshop @Dillman’s!
Online Abstract Figure Workshops
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•July 22-24, 2022
•October 14-16, 2022
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Something New - ASK BOB!
Special Q&A Session plus a Demo
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"Bob's Favorite Brushes & Other Tools"
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Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
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Monthly Demos - All on ZOOM
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•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"
•August 17, 2022
"Easy Way to Paint the Figure"
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Critiques • Comments • Suggestions
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Burridge Available ArtWork - For sale on our website!
Bob's been busy! Lots of new work! And the SOPs are back!
MIRROR IMAGE - Virtual Juried Exhibition
Award Winners Announced!
Join us on Saturday, May 16 for the Opening Reception!
