Weekly BobBlast Issue 492

Best of BobBlast - Why Sketchbooks are Your Best Friend


Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

I am often asked “How do you get your ideas?” I get most of my ideas by journaling. I begin my studio day by writing in my sketchbook about things I think about; things I see; music and sounds; childhood memories… whatever comes to my mind!


These ideas can become my next new series. I take the time to revisit my sketchbooks to see what interested me. I have found that my sketchbooks are important tools to collect my ideas, thoughts, sketches, writings, journaling, scraps of paper, photos and dreams... Your sketchbooks are for your eyes only. Show no one!


Sketchbooks help me develop my own voice and direction for making my paintings. They are full of random thoughts, silly sketches and pages from magazines I couldn't part with! I pick up a new sketchbook every time I go into an art store. 


My must haves for a sketchbook include:

•Spiral binding - folds back on itself

•Good paper, "Water worthy" in case I feel like doing light washes on my sketches

•Sturdy covers


My favorite brands:

•Cheap Joe's American Journey

•Fabriano Studio Watercolor Hot Press Pad 90 lb

•Holbein Multi-Drawing Book, 3F

•Strathmore Toned Grey Mixed Media Paper


I like to collage or paint on the covers. That way, I claim ownership. Have different sizes. Have many sketchbooks, not just one. 


I journal a lot in my sketchbooks, along with sketching, gluing things that catch my eye, etc. Journaling helps me focus on my goals for the day. I can make notes of concepts I want to try–so when it is time to paint, I am clear in my direction because I have already practiced sketching the design and eliminated any indecision.


Your sketchbook is very important step in developing your own painting voice. Now, get out your sketchbook and start a new series!


Enjoying Watching Bob's Monthly Demos? Join Bob Online!

•December 6, 2023

“Choosing Color Combinations that Work”

Click here for more info + more Monthly Demos in 2024!


Want to know more about how to paint Bob's Colors,

plus Neutrals and Black? We have a Workshop for that!

•Neutrals - How to Create & Use

January 25, 2024

Click here for more info


Check out more ONLINE WORKSHOPS we offer!

•Larger Looser Abstract Painting - December 9-10, 2023

Click here for more info

•Abstract Painting & Collage - April 6-7, 2024

Click here for more info

•Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks and Powders - April 27-28, 2024

Click here for more info


Don't Miss!

Drawing and Painting the Figure with Motion & Emotion

January 5-7, 2024

Online Figure Workshop with the Model Pash

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Click here for more info


Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California

The 2024 Studio Workshop Schedule is on our website!

Click here for more details


Burridge Critiques Your Art

Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one

Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Suggestions

Click here for more information!


We have Gift Certificates!

For YOU to give… or for someone to give YOU

Click here for more info!


New Burridge ArtWork - For sale on our website

Available Work and Small Original Paint Sketches!

Check it out!

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.


•December 6, 2023

Bob’s Monthly Online Demo

“Choosing Color Combinations that Work”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•December 9-10, 2023

Larger, Looser Abstract Painting - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•December 12, 2023

Figures in an Abstract Landscape! - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more information.


2024


•January 3, 2024

Bob’s Monthly Online Demo

“Shadows!”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•January 5-7, 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


•January 13-20, 2024

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 25, 2024

Neutrals! How to Create and Use - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more information.


•January 29-February 2, 2024

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


•February 6, 2024

Bob’s Monthly Online Demo

“Using the Golden Section Composition”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•February 12-16, 2024

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

Palette Productions, Pensacola, FL

Contact Pat Page, call or text (850) 293-5414

or pat@paletteproductions.net

Click here for more info


•February 29, 2024

Painting Light & Shadows - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more information.


•March 5, 2024

Bob’s Monthly Online Demo

“Painting with Luminous Colors”

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•March 14-17, 2024

Robert Burridge Studio Mentor Workshop

Come paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA

(includes individual mentor time, demonstrations and personal theme development)

4-day Workshop/Mentor Program, limited to 7 enrollees

Contact kate@RobertBurridge.com for fees and details.

Click here for more info.


•March 20, 2024

Abstract Florals from Loose, Colorful Splatters - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•March 22-24, 2024

Robert Burridge 3-Day Instructional Studio Workshop

Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders - IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•April 6-7, 2024

Non-Objective Mixed Media Painting - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•April 19-21, 2024

Abstract Figurative - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by the Sedona Arts Center

Contact (888) 954-4442 or (928) 282-3809

Click here for more info


•April 27-28, 2024

Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders - ONLINE WORKSHOP

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•May 4-5, 2024

Painting Figures without Painting Figures - Online Workshop

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more information.


•May 12-18, 2024

Non-Objective Mixed Media Painting

Hudson Valley Art Workshops, Greenville, NY

Contact Kim LaPolla (518) 966-5219 or (888) 665-0044

Click here for more info


•May 20-24, 2024

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff

Boone, North Carolina


•June 1-2, 2024

Paint Bob’s Circus! - Online Workshop

Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio

Contact kate@robertburridge.com

Click here for more info


•June 10-14, 2024

Robert Burridge 5-Day Instructional Studio Workshop

Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

5-day Workshop in Bob’s Arroyo Grande, CA Studio 

Limited to 10 enrollees 

Contact Kate@RobertBurridge.com for fees and details.

Click HERE for more info


•June 17-20, 2024

Non-Objective Mixed Media

Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat, Lac du Flambeau, WI

Contact (715) 588-3143 or art@dillmans.com


•June 22-23, 2024

Loose Florals & Landscapes

Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat, Lac du Flambeau, WI

Contact (715) 588-3143 or art@dillmans.com



For more 2024 Workshop Dates click here!

Hope you have enjoyed these short, weekly blasts!

Sign up on my website and keep watching. There are lots of them!

Click HERE to view BobBlast Issue 492 video!



Best of BobBlast - Why Sketchbooks are Your Best Friend

Love, Peace & Happiness,

Weekly BobBlast 492 - Video run time 7 minutes, 7 seconds


BLACK FRIDAY SALE

50% Discount - ALL PRODUCTS

Last Day - December 31!

Enter Discount Code

BLACKFRIDAY2023 at Checkout


(excludes Vimeo and Color Wheel app)



For more info about Bob's Workshop Schedule click here.

Robert Burridge
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