I have been on the road this past week and a half, teaching two 3-day Abstract Painting workshops at the Mendocino Art Center! I started off with three days of Large & Loose Abstracts - and this week's BobBlast features a second 3-day workshop, Small Scale Abstract Painting. We are working with collage too, as you can see in the photo.
This BobBlast and workshop is all about how to create more meaningful abstract paintings in a small scale format! Not exactly a miniature, but artwork created for small spaces, based on graphic design, color and a strong concept. I have called these small studies, sketches and paintings my “little gems” since 1996.
That said, sometimes my small works are simply warmups for larger paintings. Most of time though, I challenge myself to create the smaller format with the same freedom and looseness as my larger paintings. It is too easy to look at a small surface and start too focused - too tight - and too small!
I have found there are many ways to keep my "loose focus" while working small. I make sure I have my small watercolor paper, torn and gessoed - ready to go. My choice for small paintings is still 300 lb Kilimanjaro or Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper. I also have small cradled panels or Ampersand Artist Panels. When I work small, I prefer the panels that are 1.5-2" deep. Gives the small work some more importance!
When I am planning my day working on small pieces, I consider these points - are they:
•Stand alone artworks
•Part of related artworks - such as a series that hangs together
•Microcosm of something larger - like a section taken out of a larger painting
•Consider the 5 Cs: Concept • Composition • Color Combination • Commit to the Series
There is a lot to consider! But, no matter what size you are working on… never limit your creativity!
I am starting to travel a bit more and the next in-person workshop
will be at Casa de Los Artistas in Boca de Tomatlán, Mexico!
Join Bob in Mexico! • January 21-28, 2023
Casa de Los Artistas - Boca de Tomatlán
Contact Robert Masla, (413) 625-8382
Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
Studio Mentor - November 10-13, 2022
Studio Mentor • 5 Day Instructional • 4 Day Figure Painting Workshops
2023 Studio Workshop Schedule coming soon!
Online Workshops - Paint with BOB!!!
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting - September 24-25, 2022
Sponsored by the Mendocino Art Center
Click here for more info!
and…
Non-Objective Abstract Painting & Collage - October 1-2, 2022
•Making & Using Neutral Colors in your Paintings - December 2-3, 2022
Enjoying watching Bob's Demos?
Monthly Demos - All on ZOOM
Inviting you into Bob’s Studio so you can watch his process at work.
•September 13, 2022
"How to Use Burridge’s Goof-Proof Color Wheel"
You will be sent a Color Wheel Kit for this demo!
•October 12, 2022
“Where, Why & How to Put the WOW in your Paintings”
•November 14, 2022
“Varnishes & Mediums”
Online Abstract Figure Workshop
Sponsored by the Sedona Art Center
•October 14-16, 2022
Click here for more info!
Something New for You! • Burridge Critiques Your Art
Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • 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!
