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ArtsyFartsy News
Our shameless, irreverent self-promotion newsletter...
June/July, 2011


It’s Summer!

Bob and his Workshop Painting Table
Bob and his Workshop Painting Table

Do you like chocolate? Do you like epicurean dinners? Do you paint? The Hudson River Valley Art Workshops, hosted by Mark and Kim LaPolla was truly a memorable weeklong painting experience at their B&B facility, the Greenville Arms. Imagine staying at one location where you are wined and dined (and chocolated everyday!) and you get to create paintings 24 hours a day...

Greenville Arms B&B, Hudson River Valley Art Workshops
Greenville Arms B&B, Hudson River Valley Art Workshops

This Loosen Up Workshop is beginning to fill up again for next May. If interested, sign up now - not later! This workshop had a waiting list of 18. Here is info for next year:

May 20-26, 2012
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage

5-day Workshop (Monday-Friday)
Hudson River Valley Art Workshop, NY
Contact Kim LaPolla (518) 966-5219 or (888) 665-0044
PO Box 659, Greenville, NY 12083
www.artworkshops.com

Art in the Mountains, Bend, Oregon Workshop
Art in the Mountains, Bend, Oregon Workshop

Art in the Mountains in Bend, Oregon.... described by a student as “FUN-TASTIC,” hosted by Tracy Culbertson and her super-helpful assistants. It was again, a worry-free week of making new paintings. This full class of 20 professional and new painters collaged and painted so many works of art, the room actually glowed with color, texture and images never seen before! Most painters created up to ten paintings - a day! Wow.

Harold and his Painting
Harold and his Painting

Pegret Painting
Pegret Painting

This group of eclectic artists (not a whiner in the bunch) filled this lively room with paintings that made my head spin. All ages, all styles and all original works of art, all in one creative environment.

Judi and her Long, Loose Brush
Judi and her Long, Loose Brush

Hazel and her Painting
Hazel and her Painting

Tracy and her support team provide a friendly and encouraging atmosphere for workshops. I even had time to make new pieces that started my next series.

New Circus Girl Series
New Circus Girl Series

More Great Trips! International Workshops - Please Join Us!

Painting in Tuscany!
September 1-8, 2012

Villa Fattoria Bacio
Villa Fattoria Bacio

Villa Fattoria Bacio, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Between Sienna, Florence and San Gimignano sits the beautiful Villa Fattoria Bacio. The villa is the perfect blend of old world ‘rustica’ and catered comfort, surrounded on all sides by spectacular views of the meandering hills of Tuscany.

Seven nights lodging at the villa, nightly genuine Tuscan meals and fine wine are included. The five day workshop will take place Monday through Friday.

Afternoon Critique in Tuscany
Afternoon Critique in Tuscany

We did this trip to Tuscany in 2009 - went to Florence for a few days before the workshop started - I highly recommend going to Florence at least once! Click HERE to view our Italy Trip photo album on Facebook.

Contact Sedona Art Center (888) 954-4442 or (928) 282-3809 www.sedonaartscenter.com

Hope Town Lighthouse
Hope Town Lighthouse

Paint with Bob in the Bahamas!
January 19-26, 2013
Contact Dillman’s Creative Arts Foundation
(715) 588-3143 or vacations@dillmans.com
www.dillmans.com Check out our Bahamas Trip photo album on Facebook. Click HERE for the public link.

Workshops in the Spotlight

September 25-30, 2011
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting

5-day Workshop (Monday-Friday) Dillman’s Bay Resort
Dillman's Creative Arts Foundation, Lac du Flambeau, WI
Contact (715) 588-3143 or vacations@dillmans.com
www.dillmans.com

October 2-7, 2011
Contemporary Artist Retreat - 5-day Workshop

Includes
•Abstract Prep (Monday)
•Contemporary Abstract Figure Painting (Tues-Wed)
•Post Modern Painting & Collage (Thurs-Fri) Dillman’s Bay Resort
Dillman's Creative Arts Foundation, Lac du Flambeau, WI
Contact (715) 588-3143 or vacations@dillmans.com
www.dillmans.com


And... Trade Shows are coming up!
There are many trade shows and conventions for workshops and art materials all over the country! Why should you go? Here’s a few reasons:
1. Half day and full day workshops with top notch instructors.
2. You get to try out new materials in a workshop setting.
3. Deep discounts for Art Materials!

Learning & Product Expo: Art!
October 27-30, 2011

Pasadena Conference Center, Pasadena, California.
Sponsored by Graphaids Art & Digital Supplies, The Artist's Magazine, Watercolor Magic, and The Pastel Journal.
Please Note: Due to the scheduling conflicts, Bob will be at the Learning Product Expo only on Thursday, October 27th for an all-day Loose Abstract Painting & Collage Workshop. Sign up EARLY!
For a schedule of this year’s workshops, www.LearningProductExpo.com

Art of the Carolinas, Raleigh, North Carolina
November 10-13, 2011

(919) 876-6610 for a schedule of this year’s workshops
www.jerrysartevents.com

For more of my workshops all over the county, click HERE check out my workshop schedule.

Product Spotlight - Summer Special!

All 3 Studio Charts Combo Set!
All 3 Studio Charts Combo Set!

Robert Burridge's 3 Studio Charts plus the Creative Painter poster
•Burridge Goof-Proof Color Wheel
•Colorful Composition Chart
•Rembrant-Style Lighting Technique
Plus Creative Painter Poster at no extra charge!
Combo Only $39.95 + shipping & handling + sales tax (CA residents)
Click HERE for additional product info.

We Want to Hear From You!

Keep those Studio Tips and your questions coming! If we use yours in an ArtsyFartsy Newsletter, we will send you a Burridge Permission Mug.

Permission Mug

Keri from Illinois asks:
My acrylic painting was finished with the usual acrylic varnish. Later, I wanted to change some areas. Can I continue to paint on top of the painting?

Dear Keri, Thanks for your question! Yes, as long as the varnish is water-based acrylic polymer. Acrylic adheres to acrylic. Do not use oil varnish, as the finish eventually turns amber. It’s oil! During the process of painting, I stop and let it dry. Then I apply a clear coat of gloss acrylic varnish (not medium). This not only brings out the color and depth I want - it really “seals in” the multiple layers of paint underneath. Adding an intermittent coat of varnish gives me a hard, slick surface to continue to paint on. When the painting is finished and signed I brush on a final coat of the same varnish and seal the entire painting.

Bob Applies the Final Coat of Varnish
Bob Applies the Final Coat of Varnish

Ann from Washington asks:
I have used the “glue paper on canvas” technique to great success. However, my latest attempt resulted in some bubbles under the paper. Is there some way I can flatten them? Or do I just have to say “that’s part of the texture.”

Dear Ann, Great question - this is a popular question. I use regular gel gloss medium as my glue. It’s thick enough to trowel on heavily. I trowel a layer of glue over the entire canvas and also on the back of the paper to be adhered to the canvas. This assures me that I don’t miss any areas or pockets with no glue.

Squeegee on Gel Medium
Squeegee on Gel Medium

Bubbles, they are actually “air pockets” are caused from either not enough glue or not enough pressure squeezing the paper into the canvas. Air pockets are particularly noticeable if you use 140 lb or less paper. I use 300 lb for this reason. Refer to the January 2011 issue of the ArtsyFartsy news for my step-by-step technique for gluing watercolor paper onto a canvas.

Incidentally, I just read in a recent issue Modern Painters that de Kooning adhered his paper paintings onto Belgium linen.

Related to this subject is this question that came up in a workshop about collaging: I watched you demo how Citra Solv dissolves the ink in the pages of National Geographic magazine. You used these torn pages in your collage without getting little air bubbles. How can I prevent them?

Collage Showing Air Pockets
Collage Showing Air Pockets

I crinkle up the dried paper a bit to beak up the surface. A regular gel medium is my adhesive - lots of it all over. After my pieces are in place, I gently squeegee the excess gel medium off and let dry. Since it’s all acrylic-based, I continue to paint and collage until I’m finished.

In my opinion, a hard wood panel substrate such as Cheap Joe’s Cradled Painting Panel is easier to work on than gluing collage material onto a standard canvas. These panels take a beating and handle aggressive gluing techniques well.

Hard Surface for Collaging
Hard Surface for Collaging

Thanks for your questions! We’ll be sending both of you a Permission Mug!

Bob’s Studio Tip for Loosening Up

Frequently I’m asked for my opinion on making a painting from a photo, either from a magazine or from one I’ve taken. I don’t do it. I make it all up! It’s more fun that way. I totally enjoy goofing around with paint for awhile before the paining begins to develop.

Wild in the Studio
Wild in the Studio

I start abstractly first - and pay attention to what’s happening all over the painting. I’m more interested in the process of painting - and all of its surprises. I’m not interested in duplicating an image or still life that’s in front of me. Even though I was classically trained that way in college and learned the rudiments of painting, I’m now more interested in the process, including the physicality, the spirituality, the emotional awe and the story I need to tell.

My Idea Books
My Idea Books

But then again, a photo file of ideas with lots of my notes are throughout my sketchbook. My sketchbooks are my memory file and my Idea Books, used for daily journaling, goal setting, painting in, collecting reference images and - oh - sketching! Several sketchbooks are scattered about wherever I am. I have a short attention span so, whenever I get an idea, or feel the need to draw, I reach for a sketchbook and wri....

Trust yourself and paint your own paintings!

I have more tips for loosening up! Check out my Loosen Up Studio Workbook for more techniques to help you stay loose, relaxed and creative!

Robert Burridge’s Workbook & Studio Notes
Robert Burridge’s Workbook & Studio Notes

Click here for product information.

Painting of the Month Club

Bob with Painting of the Month Club Paintings
Bob with Painting of the Month Club Paintings

Bob was out the other week picking up wine from our local winery. We’re members of their “Club” which means we receive a case of their favorite handpicked wine every month. This gave Bob a new idea! How about “The Burridge Painting of the Month Club.” You get an original painting every month!

Pineapples in Progress
Pineapples in Progress

The paintings are all originals - acrylic on paper or acrylic & combined media on paper. Each painting is completely painted and hand-selected by Robert Burridge, signed and dated. Each month will be a different subject matter, including still lifes, abstract, landscapes, figures, etc. and represents what he is currently working on in his studio. 

Each month you can expect high quality 6x9 inch painting on professional quality watercolor paper, matted to a 12x16 inch presentation. Bob works in a series for the Painting of the Month Club, so pieces will not be copies - but all similar.

$75 + $12.50 shipping/handling monthly. If you live in California, sales tax will be charged.

When you sign up, your credit card info will be kept on file and you will automatically be charged, usually around end of month. We also accept PayPal and personal checks. An email reminder/alert notice will be sent notifying you that the painting of the month will be sent in about a week.

By purchasing the Burridge “Painting of the Month Club” product via our shop cart system, you agree that your credit card information will be kept on file and automatically charged a total of $87.50 monthly for 12 months.

Sorry, no returns or special requests. All images are solely owned by Robert Burridge Studio.

To signup and purchase Burridge's Painting of the Month Club click HERE to visit the product page.

Ask Kate about Art Marketing

ASK KATE! With every newsletter, Kate will post your questions and her responses on the subject of marketing, sales, and promotion. If your question is selected for the newsletter, you will receive a Burridge Permission Mug. If you have a burning question that you would like to have answered -- for your benefit and everyone else's -- email Kate at kate@robertburridge.com

Barbara from Virginia asks: When the time comes, the body of work is assembled, is it advisable to put my work in the hands of an agent?  What's your opinion on all of that?  

Hi Barbara,
I think agents are good...if.... and this is a BIG IF.... you trust them to put your best interests first. What I would do first before agent-shopping is write down everything you want an agent to do, such as...
•Sell Work
•PR
•Social Media
•Gallery Placement
•Mailing List together
•Inventory Creation & Control
•Painting subject/theme help

After you get a good, comprehensive list - then edit that list. Think what you can do, or what other people in your close circle can do for you... then, prioritize the list. Write out your reasons and purpose for hiring an agent. 

Look at the artwork you have that is "ready to go" - either ready to sell or ready to hang in a gallery. I always tell artists to have a body of work, at least 10-20 pieces ready to go, before approaching a gallery or an agent. You must be ready if they say, “Yes, we want to sell your work.”

Be honest with yourself - if you aren't ready for an agent - maybe it's an "artist advisor" you need to get your act together first? Like your inventory, mailing list, photography, resume, bio, statement, etc.

However you approach it - it's a good journey! And a great start!

More info on self-promotion, sales receipts, and copyright info is in our Hot Art Marketing Workbook!

Hot Art Marketing Workbook
Hot Art Marketing Workbook

Click HERE for details for Hot Art Marketing Workbook. Don’t forget to use your subscriber discount! Click HERE.

Kate your Art Marketing Girl
Kate your Art Marketing Girl

Click HERE for top of page.
 
Color Wheel
Another Way to Explain It!

Goof Proof Color Wheel
Goof Proof Color Wheel

My own Goof Proof Color Wheel is a loose interpretation of Munsell Color Theory. By loose, I mean I take “the easy-to-understand” part and make only ten colors that work for me. Then I make hundreds of very small practice paint sketches. That’s H-U-N-D-R-E-D-S! Does the word “Automatism” sound familiar?

Small Practice Paintings using my Color Wheel
Small Practice Paintings using my Color Wheel

Ooh La La - Color Wheel Explained
Ooh La La - Color Wheel Explained

The painting shown above is one of my latest 20x20 inch paper series called “Ooh La La” (don’t ask...).

Color Combo - Many Reds
Color Combo - Many Reds

The dominant and overall color tone is RED. But it’s not just one flame red color, but other “reds” as well. This point is important. I start with one dominant color all over. I goof around with a bunch of reds, plus black and white.

Blue is the Focal Point Color
Blue is the Focal Point Color

Early on however I established a point of interest with my focal point color. And by now I’ve detemined my compositional design. The result is pure “playin’ in the tub.” I splash, drip, scrape, glue things and draw into the painting until it shows my theme - my intentions.

Spice Colors near Focal Point
Spice Colors near Focal Point

Then the final two pure spice colors are placed near the focal color - sparingly. As any spice color moves away from the focal point - and hence, away from its most saturated color, it is grayed down or blended until it disappears.

The spice colors should not draw too much attention to themselves. They are supposed to show off the focal point. Their “foot print” size should not visually compete with the focal point - the Star of the Show!

What “Painterly” Means to Me

Brush Loaded with Swirling Paint
Brush Loaded with Swirling Paint

The word “painterly” is often used to describe a painting or even a painter. But what does it mean? Again, a much anticipated and enjoyable debate amongst painters and art critics. For me, it means when the painter reveals a part of himself. Showing the passion with decisive brush marks, not fidgety, and a sense of story telling with telling marks.

New Circus Girl Series
Willem De Kooning

Some artists do all this with just paint, while others apply paint like thick spackle, sculpting the texture and painting into this concoction of material with a swirling technique. What Fun! For example: Think Willem de Kooning, Joan Mitchell, Jay DeFeo and Jackson Pollock.

Lucian Freud
Lucian Freud

Painterly doesn’t always imply a loose, interpretive dash with the brush. Some photo realism can also be comfortably described as painterly. Think Chuck Close, Odd Nerdrum, Lucien Freud and other great painter storytellers, whose paintings, when viewed up close are executed with a confident, deft hand. Beautiful work.

Painterly is also showing your passion with having a point of view, a theme, a concept. And when you figure THAT out, it’s painting a series over and over.

John Singer Sargent
John Singer Sargent

So, for me - briefly said, “Painterly is a painting that exposes the soul and confidence of the painter.” Think John Singer Sargent, Robert Motherwell and Franz Kline. ‘Nuf said.

What's Up With Texture?
Book Review

Surface Treatment Workshop

There are many “How-To” books on the subject of textures. Many are excellent. Here’s the latest, greatest book that pulls together all of them with clear photos and understandable text. There are forty-five techniques, ideas and usable applications to get you started on your next series.

The photos alone made me want to try everything!

Surface Treatment Workshop: Explore 45 Mixed-Media Techniques by Darlene Olivia McElroy and Sandra Duran-Wilson
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: North Light Books (May 3, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1440308241
ISBN-13: 978-1440308246
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
(buy at Amazon)

And speaking of texture, here’s another visually fun book to look at - the very informative book, 300 Papermaking Recipes!

300 Papermaking Recipes
300 Papermaking Recipes

Learn to make your own handmade papers using creative recipes with extraordinary results. This book will keep you busy and inspired!

300 Papermaking Recipes
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Martingale and Company (November 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 156477533X
ISBN-13: 978-1564775337
Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.3 x 0.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
(buy at Amazon)

Product Review

Marvelous Marianne’s SkinSafer Barrier Cream
Marvelous Marianne’s SkinSafer Barrier Cream

A light non-greasy cream rubbed into my hands before I paint forms a protection from harsh chemicals or paint. Marvelous Marianne’s soap and SkinSafer are produced from eco and bio-based farm products, such as corn oil - instead of petroleum. I buy several large 16 oz tubs and place around the studio. Her soap, Savvy Soap is a hand and brush cleaner! It works. Available though many stores, including Dick Blick, Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff and Daniel Smith.

Adhesive Edge Temporary Painting Tape

Adhesive Edge Temporary Painting Tape
Adhesive Edge Temporary Painting Tape

I discovered a “must have” painting tape found in larger Home Depot type stores. Kleenedge Painting Tape does what it says it does! On a white sheet of charcoal paper I “taped” off a border all the way around, making certain the tacky edge is the inside edge. It makes a clean edge and is easily removed later on. Once down and the borders “protected” I go to work drawing on the exposed surface and having the time of my life playing.

Charcoal Sketch with a Clean Edge
Charcoal Sketch with a Clean Edge

When done, I spray a fixative on it. Four thin coats, let dry in between coats. And finally, I gently peel back the temporarily frisked tape, exposing the white of the paper. It looks like a print - but really is a charcoal drawing with an automatic clean border. Made in the USA.

Recommended DVD

v Cover

In the late 1940s, Mark Rothko explained, “The people who weep before my pictures are having the same religious experience as I had when I painted them.”

Of course, he’s well known for creating wall-scale abstract paintings that filled the viewer’s field of vision and became a form of environment.

With penetrating interviews from his daughter Kate and his son Christopher, this documentary is the best and most clear explanation on the famous Seagram's murals, and his now dedicated room at London’s Tate Modern.

Rothko was with the period of Abstract Expressionists who wanted to be unique. Existentialism was a popular influence on the painters’ intellectual search.

Imagine sitting in the center of a private room at The Tate, literally surrounded by huge Rothkos and listening to Mozart’s Don Giovanni or Brahm’s 3rd Symphony. You’ll see and hear it all on this well produced DVD.

Rothko’s Rooms - The Life and Works of an American Artist
Actors: Kate Rothko, Christopher Rothko
Directors: David Thompson
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 1
Studio: KULTUR VIDEO
DVD Release Date: September 30, 2008
Run Time: 60 minutes
ASIN: B001CK7OM4
(buy at Amazon)

Music to Paint By!

Download time! Music I’ve added to my stuff. Great painting time music with a dance beat. Gotta get’em - Enjoy!

Love and Rockets
Love and Rockets

Love and Rockets
Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
Number of Discs: 1
Label: RCA
ASIN: B000002WD9
(buy at Amazon)

Alf by Alison Moyet
Alf by Alison Moyet

Alf by Alison Moyet
Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Columbia/ CBS
ASIN: B00000263K
(buy at Amazon)

Inspiration -  Children are Natural Born Artists!

Painting Class
Painting Class

All children make the most amazing art! Picasso has often confessed that he borrowed freely from the creations of children and always had their artwork hanging in his studios! While I was a child, my parents had set up an “art table” for me and for each of my four brothers. My “creative arena” was always setup and ready for me to play, build things, break things, make things and create endlessly.

Art Making Table includes:
1) Large white paper pads suitable for paint (will not curl)
2) Large wide mouthed jars of primary colors, plus white and black
3) Large brushes - never small brushes
4) Large 1 gallon buckets of water
5) Use real artists’ materials - shows our confidence that their work matters

Aiden Painting
Aiden Painting

Emphasize “Express Yourself”:
•Young artists tend to paint what they feel is beautiful... often mandelas, saints in sacred places and shapes that have a center, such as a sun or the planet.
•This is the time to encourage to paint wild and wacky colors, such as green sky, yellow grass and pink water, etc.
•Stress that this painting time is not an art lesson. Rather, emphasize they are here to be and act as artists (remember, children are already artists)

Signing their Masterpiece
Signing their Masterpiece

Studio Painting Time
•Introduce a subject such as a bird. Have the children discuss and give their impression of what a bird does and is; Not how to draw a bird… but instead, your interpretation of a bird for me! Make it silly!
•Show painting reproductions of Miró, Klee, Kandinski, late-period Picasso and late-period Matisse (the Jazz series).
...To be continued in the next issue of the Artsyfartsy News!

Bob and Granddaughter Kylan
Bob and Granddaughter Kylan

June is my birthday month - thanks for all my emails and Facebook posts! My daughter asked for a present suggestion and I told her I would like to have a Birthday poem written by my granddaughter Kylan. Well... it is perfect! And I just had to share it with you!

My Birthday Poem from Kylan
My Birthday Poem from Kylan

Yes Happens!

Robert Burridge
Burridge Workshop for Artists

Copyright ©2011 Robert Burridge. All rights reserved.
If you wish to copy this material to other publications or mail lists, please ask for permission by contacting:
Robert Burridge Studio
Arroyo Grande, California
805-459-1503
rburridge@robertburridge.com
www.robertburridge.com

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