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April 2011

Welcome Back!

Bob at his Painting Table
Bob at his Painting Table

Three Week Tour...

Teaching three week-long workshops back-to-back was an exhilarating experience. First, I felt grateful to be doing my Loosen Up Workshops, which were booked two years in advance. I was healthy and showed up!

First workshop was in Sarasota, Florida at the Art Center Sarasota. A full house, plus a Sunday afternoon demo for an audience of 150. The Abstract Painting & Collage workshop was filled with 24 painters. I was very energized being surrounded by “my people.”

Betty Telling her Joke of the Day
Betty Telling her Joke of the Day

Of course, on Saturday after the workshop was over, I took a day off to visit the always inspirational Ringling Brothers Museum, which gave me even more inspiration for my continuing series of circus painting.

Circus Figures - Painting of the Month for February
Circus Figures - Painting of the Month for February

Next - off to Dallas, Texas to another full house of eager painters at The Artist Showplace. Art gallery and workshop space on two floors. I loved their Texas hospitality, accommodations and professionalism. They have raised the bar for artist-owned galleries - an excellent venue for the latest wave of future galleries. On Saturday I visited galleries in Dallas (I did my homework first).

Bird Demo at Collage Workshop in Dallas
Bird Demo at Collage Workshop in Dallas

Nancy and her Collage, Dallas Workshop
Nancy and her Collage, Dallas Workshop

Then - immediately flew to Pensacola, Florida for the last leg of my "tour". Twenty painters, organized by Joyce Bennink and Diane Goeller. This five day Abstract Painting workshop was well organized and very supportive to individuals’ needs. This was my third visit to Pensacola and understand they have already scheduled me for 2014. Wow, what a ride I’m on!

Jerry’s Amazing Painting!
Jerry’s Amazing Painting!

Patricia Working in a Series
Patricia Working in a Series

Workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
We Had a Great Time!

Bob and Johanna Morrell
Bob and Johanna Morrell

San Miguel de Allende - very picturesque and inspiring to paint! Johanna Morrell of Flying Colors put together a great experience for us. We stayed at the Posada de la Aldea Hotel, very close to the heart of the city. Our painting studio was a glassed-in room with amazing views of the colorful houses and church spires. We painted on location, ate wonderful meals at 5-star restaurants, visited artists’ studios and had our own art show at the end of the workshop.

View from the Workshop Room
View from the Workshop Room

Group Shot - on Location
Group Shot - on Location

Yes - we are going again! This is too good of a trip to pass up. Check out our San Miguel Trip photo album on Facebook. Click HERE for the public link.

Historic Center
Historic Center

Paint with Bob in San Miguel de Allende!
March 17-23, 2013
www.FlyingColorsArt.com
FlyingColorsArt@mac.com
(858) 518-0949

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.

Afternoon Critique in Tuscany
Afternoon Critique in 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.

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

Bend, Oregon
June 6-10, 2011
Post Modern Painter Meets the
Contemporary Collage Artist
5-day Workshop (Monday-Friday)
Art in the Mountains
Contact Tracy Culbertson (503) 930-4572
info@artinthemountains.com
www.artinthemountains.com

Cloudcroft, New Mexico
July 5-9, 2011
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
5-Day Workshop (Tuesday-Saturday)
Contact Barbara Carter (888) 682-3601
Registrar@CloudcroftArt.com
www.CloudcroftArt.com

and... two 3-day workshops in
Traverse City, Michigan!

July 17-19, 2011
Create Today with Wild Abandon - No Brushes!
3-day Workshop (Sunday-Tuesday)

July 20-22, 2011
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
3-day Workshop (Wednesday-Friday)
Art Center Traverse City
Contact Kathryn (231) 941-9488 or (866) 242-0120
info@artcentertraversecity.com
www.artcentertraversecity.com

Featured Product Special

New Online Special!

New Online Special!
Buy one DVD at $49.95
& get the other DVD at 50% off
2 Burridge DVDs for $74.95
+ shipping & handling + sales tax (CA residents)

Offer good only on DVDs shown above.
This is an online special only.
Click HERE to order.

Product Review

Black Horse Fine Art Supply - Many of my Workshop Students purchase their workshop materials from Black Horse. John E. Bates bends over backwards to make sure you get your order on time!

John E. Bates, Black Horse Fine Art Supply
John E. Bates, Black Horse Fine Art Supply

“Black Horse Fine Art Supply specializes in Mail Order and Retail Art Supplies, Art Marketing, Material Consultation and Art Material Kits for Professional Studios, Institutional Classrooms and Private Instruction. We offer Holbein Artist Materials, Golden Art Colors, Stratford & York Brushes, Strathmore Paper, Apollon Canvas and much more…

What's news and exciting for Black Horse is that we are MOVING! Yes that's right! Moving back to Burlington and down near the waterfront in the heart of the Art District where there are 100s of artists’ studios. Other exciting news is that we are in the middle for building a brand new web site that we hope to have launched by spring that will continue to serve our national and international clients, and serve as a resource for all our customers everywhere. We are very excited to say the least!”

Contact John for great deals! www.black-horse.com or (800) 790-2552.

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
Permission Mug

Susan from Georgia asks:
My question is in reference to the article, Inspiration-Starting My Day in the Studio, February/March newsletter.
On the first photo, Bob In His Studio, I noticed the paintings hanging on the wall behind Bob. I was wondering if you use a hanging system if so which one?  I have paintings all over my studio and I keep making holes in my wall and wondered how you went about this?

Bob Looking at No Full Disclosure
Bob Looking at No Full Disclosure

Dear Susan,
Thanks for your question! When Bob designed his new studio - he decided to put the wood strips along the wall - to save the drywall! So when he hangs the work to take his long looks, the nails/screws go into the wood strips. We have four strips - at 7' - 6' - 4' and 3'. Entire wall was painted white - even the strips of wood. Gives it a gallery feeling too! 

Studio Hanging System - Overall
Studio Hanging System - Overall

Studio Hanging System - Nail detail
Studio Hanging System - Nail detail

We also upgraded the studio while Bob was on his three week “tour” - we added new insulation material to the studio ceiling.

New Shiny Studio Ceiling
New Shiny Studio Ceiling

Very cool and high-tech looking! The material we used is “Enerflex” and is a highly reflective, double-sided, multilayered material. Really easy to install - reduces solar heat in the studio. And in cool weather, they say Enerflex helps prevent radiant energy from leaving the studio and reduces heat loss.

Thanks for your question, Susan! We’ll send you a Permission Mug!

Bob’s Studio Tip for Loosening Up

Bob Holding Red Gel
Bob Holding Red Gel

Helpful Red Viewers!
Look at your painting. Does it need more punch? Your eye may see lots of colorful areas but the painting seems... flat. Your brain and your eye are playing tricks on you! You don’t need MORE COLOR, instead your painting may need MORE CONTRAST.

Solution: Look at your painting through red (or green) colored Plexiglas. The painting colors disappear and instead you see only the contrast and shapes. This will help you know if you need more contrast and where.

Soft Values
Soft Values

Dramatic Values
Dramatic Values

If you prefer a soft, gentle look, the painting will have little contrast and close values. If you want a dramatic painting, you will have strong contracts and distant values (think checkerboard). Refer to my Rembrandt-Style Lighting & Gray Scale Chart for understanding and explanation.

Rembrandt-Style Lighting Technique Chart

Rembrandt-Style Lighting Chart
Click HERE for ordering information

You can also buy colored Plexiglas viewers in art stores or quilting supply stores (Quilters use them for the same reason). You can even make your own viewer using red acetate - comes in thin plastic sheets you can cut with scissors, generally found in art or hobby stores. Do not use rubylith - it’s not optically clear.

In the old days, smokey colored glass helped in the same way - popular during the Renaissance. Also, today a nice trick is switching your digital camera over to black & white mode. Look for directions in your camera’s manual.

Painting on Location in Mexico - note Red Gel!
Painting on Location in Mexico - note Red Gel!

Just letting you know what all those little red things are sitting around my studio!

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.

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

Shari from California asks:
There seems to be a lot of information out there about how to get into a gallery, but very little about what to expect once you're there.  I was wondering if you could expound on what the "normal" parameters are for gallery interaction?  More specifically...

1.  Are discounts customary and is it usual to split the discount with the artist?
2.  Is the artist typically responsible for shipping the work to and from the gallery (assuming the gallery is not local)? 
3.  When large-scale paintings are involved, how does the shipping cost make the arrangement at all profitable, considering a 50/50 split plus discounts on top of that?
4.  How often does communication with your gallery typically occur? 
5.  Do you ask the gallery to share the names and addresses of your collectors (for your records) or do you just let that go?

Hi Shari,
Thanks for your questions on Artist-Gallery relationship.
It can be confusing whenever you start working with a new gallery. My first advice is to write down ALL of your agreements in a contract. Never assume anything and don’t rely on your memory (yours or theirs) to settle disputes. Remember that contracts are there to refer to when there are questions.

Gallery View
Gallery View

Okay-answers to your questions!

1. Discounts are customary - galleries like having a little bit of leverage with their customers. Generally the discount comes off of their end, unless you agree to split it - in writing of course. We normally have a 10% discount split agreement with our galleries.

2-3. Artist is responsible for shipping to the gallery. Gallery is responsible for shipping sold work to the customer or unsold work back to the artist. Again - put it in writing.

4. Ideally, I like to check in with our galleries every two weeks. Just to check in. It’s good to stay in touch to see if they need new work, tell them what new work is coming, talk about sales strategies, planning a solo show... it’s just good business and marketing on the part of the artist to keep the lines of communication open!

Show Opening
Show Opening

5. We always ask - and as a matter of fact, it is a law in California that the artists are entitled this info. Most galleries will not willingly part with this information. Put it in your contract.

Click HERE for a great resource to Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

Kate your Art Marketing Girl... taking a break!
Kate your Art Marketing Girl... taking a break!

Click HERE for top of page.
 
Color Wheel - Here are my Thoughts

Goof-Proof Color Wheel
Goof-Proof Color Wheel

The Reasoning Behind my Goof Proof Color Wheel

The standard color wheel has twelve colors. I have followed its use, its color combinations for my work for many years. The standard color wheel helps painters decide which combinations to use - such as Monochromatic (one color plus black and white), Analogous (any three colors all touching each other, i.e. red, orange and yellow), Complementary (two colors directly opposite to each other such as red-green or violet-orange, etc., and Triadic (three colors - every fourth color on the color wheel - red, yellow, blue). There are more combinations but these are the basic ones.

Complementary, Triadic, Analogous

When properly used, these combinations appear to have a visually pleasing effect. The painting will be bright, clean and crisp. If the combinations are mixed up, the painting will appear dull or muddy. That's how the standard color wheel works.

I personally prefer bright paintings so I've stuck to the color "rules" since art school days.

Color - Tubes and Tubs
Color - Tubes and Tubs

My Goof-Proof Color Wheel was inspired and developed after reading up on the Munsell Color Theory. I wanted to paint with less colors and still have a visually powerful impact. I chose ten colors I happened to feel good about. Ten tubes of color were sitting on my painting table one morning - I must have been intuitively painting with those colors that week. Next, I arranged them in a circle and thought it almost looked like a wheel, but not exactly. Then, wanting to cut down my standard colors, I wanted to see for myself if I could discipline myself with the diamond-shaped spinner that only pointed to 4 colors to be used in each painting.

A Finished Bright Painting Next to my Color Wheel
A Finished Bright Painting Next to my Color Wheel

What I found surprising was an original combination I had never used before. Next, I had the idea of choosing one dominant color overall. In fact, I refer to my paintings as the "red one" or the "blue one", etc. Next, the color opposite the dominant color is what I call my focal point color. And the two remaining colors I call my "spice" colors when placed near the focal point color. They add an extra "spice" and highlight the focal point color. With this new thinking, I set out to paint loose sketches trying every spinner-pointed combination. I loved the results because I never knowingly or decidedly painted this way before. It was a different look for me. This discovery invigorated me and propelled my work to a fresher level. 

Blue Flowers in Yellow Room
Blue Flowers in Yellow Room

Orange Flowers in Blue Room
Orange Flowers in Blue Room

Orange Flowers in Blue Room
Pink Flowers in Green Room

For me, the color combinations project and communicate a feeling I want to convey. I prefer light-hearted themes in my work so I choose "happy" colors. I am not a morose person, so therefore I don't do work that is dark or depressing. If I did, I would choose a combination of black, violet and dark green for instance. Primaries tend to be happy and cheerful. So, in conclusion, yes - color affects intended emotion.

What's Up with Texture?

Texture using Glued 3D Stuff
Texture using Glued 3D Stuff

Let’s keep this simple. I like to touch. Texture is something that happens when I finger paint my large acrylics. It’s a visceral thing. However, there are other times I gouge a purposeful textured pattern in the substrate. I trowel on a thick amount of Utrecht Professional gesso. Other famous brand names have their own similarly thick gesso. Try them all!

Completed Artwork with Sculpted Texture
Completed Artwork with Sculpted Texture

While the gesso is still fresh, I draw in it with a stick or smush the gesso around. Remember - it’s playtime! I’m going for texture that doesn’t draw too much attention, but lets everyone know she’s around. Texture is not my primary medium. For me, texture is an added surprise, fun dimension. It adds visual appeal when appropriate. Texture, just for textures’ sake does not speak to me. I still look for what the artist is saying. Here are just a few texture techniques that work for me:

Texture using Gesso Step #1
Texture using Gesso Step #1

Texture using Gesso Step #2
Texture using Gesso Step #2

•Thick gesso squeegeed over a rubber kitchen sink mat. Lift the mat and you have a checkerboard pattern of 1/8 inch squares. Let dry. Or spray water to reshape and then let dry.

Texture using Aluminum
Texture using Aluminum

•Press plastic wrap, wax paper, aluminum foil, etc. into wet or damp paint to create random wrinkles and patterns. Remove after completely dried.

Texture using Paper
Texture using Paper

Texture using Tissue Paper
Texture using Tissue Paper

•Collage tissue paper, rice paper, etc., with gel medium.

Texture using Alcohol
Texture using Alcohol

•Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) 71% or higher from drugstores. Splash on very wet painted surfaces. Does not work on think paint or dried surfaces. DO NOT use a mister.

Texture! Now go paint!

Recommended Book

Before teaching in San Miguel de Allende last month, I read these books about the area. I appreciate more of what I’m looking at when I know a little history. Tony Cohan’s On Mexican Time is more than just a travelogue - but for those of us wanting a simpler, yet different way of life. After reading, you may start packing your bags! What Peter Mayle has done for Provence Cohan’s expatriate observations may lure you to another paradise.

Texture using Alcohol

On Mexican Time: A New Life in San Miguel by Tony Cohan
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Broadway (January 9, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0767903196
ISBN-13: 978-0767903196
Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
(buy at Amazon)

Behind the Doors of San Miguel de Allende by photographer Robert de Gast is a small but stunning visual book of ninety-six superb photographs. The images are what most visitors seldom see. It’s a “house & garden tour” of patios, inner courtyards and private spaces. You may not want to knock on those huge doors (with knockers) but this guy did it for you!

Behind the Doors of San Miguel de Allende

Behind the Doors of San Miguel de Allende by Robert de Gast
Paperback: 95 pages
Publisher: Pomegranate Communications (July, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764913417
ISBN-13: 978-0764913419
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
(buy at Amazon)

Mexicolor, the spirit of Mexican Design is a collaboration of Tony Cohan, Masako Takahashi and photographer Melba Levick. This 12x12 inch book will stay on your coffee table. It is a visual feast of Mexican culture and all that is brilliantly beautiful. Picturesque colonial towns, villages, beaches artisan homes to bold, contemporary interiors, open markets, textiles, ceramics and folk art explode within these pages. This book continues to nudge me toward Mexico and the people... I love this book - especially the color!

Mexicolor

Mexicolor: the Spirit of Mexican Design by Tony Cohan, Masako Takahashi and Melba Levick
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 1, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780811818933
ISBN-13: 978-0811818933
ASIN: 0811818934
Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.6 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
(buy at Amazon)

Music to Paint By! - All Latin... all the time!

Luz del Ritma by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs

Luz del Ritma by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
Audio CD (March 10, 2009)
Original Release Date: 2009
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Nacional Records
ASIN: B001Q8FS7U
(buy at Amazon)

Putumayo Presents Cuba

Putumayo Presents Cuba
Audio CD (May 25, 1999)
Original Release Date: May 25, 1999
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Putumayo World Music
ASIN: B00000IWNK
(buy at Amazon)

An Alternative to Gesso

Great Results But....

In one of my most recent workshops I noticed a painter priming her paper not with acrylic gesso, which I use, but instead smearing on a coat of Venetian Plaster. Huh? That was her ground before painting with her acrylics. The results were stunning. I was stopped in my tracks when I saw her landscapes. Got back to my studio, went online to research it. This is what I found.

I checked Amien.org (Art Materials and Education Network) - the staff is the ICA Art Conservation - America’s oldest regional art conservation center. Here is what they said: Don’t. It is considered “house paint category” and might last only ten years. Who knows about your artwork after that?

This group is fabulous. They explain the facts and answer questions extremely well. They know what they’re talking about! Use them next time you have a technical paint situation.

www.amien.org Register for their forums then you will have access to tons of information.

Inspiration

My Studio
My Studio

You lost that lovin’ feeling…? That connection with that wave of creative painting that you were once into? You feel empty? I have found myself in a similar place several times during my twenty-plus years of painting everyday.

There are many books on this exact subject. One of which, I highly recommend, “Art & Fear.” Sections of this book deal with the artist’s downtime. Info for the book Art & Fear will be at the end of this article.

Initially, when I was “painted out,” and there was nothing more inside of me, I panicked. Searching and reading the bios of other painters’ lives, I was slightly relieved that others managed to move past these moments. Here is what I’ve learned.

Walk on the Beach (a good idea!)
Walk on the Beach (a good idea!)

First, recognize that the feeling of “no fire in the belly.” Then - breathe. You haven’t lost the drive and desire. you just need some down time away from your creative studio. I do non-painting stuff like beach walks, farm chores or drum.

Drumming!
Drumming!

I have noticed I feel burnt out exactly the day after a solo show, or an art festival or my museum exhibition. I’ve since have learned I was “painted out” - I gave it my all! Nothing left. Technically, I needed to recharge my batteries. I began first by taking extra good care of myself. You know - haircuts, massages, reorganizing my clothes, cleaning up the studio, drumming. While I am doing something different from my art, I justify to myself that I’m not procrastinating… I’m percolating! And it feels true!

Paint with Children!
Paint with Children!

A few days after, I’m a different, more energized person. Ready to go and continue painting where I left off or begin a new body of work I’ve been wanting to do. I’m fresher, refocused and I have a new goal.

My Sketchbooks
My Sketchbooks

I should tell you, I’m very goal oriented. During my down time I journal like crazy. (therapy?) In my daily journals I empty my head of “mind chatter,” yesterday stuff, tomorrow stuff and I focus on today’s goals. I get great satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment crossing them off. I don’t delete my “things to do,” I need to see and measure what I’ve done by the end of the day.

It has been pointed out to me the similarities of a body of work for several months, having the exhibition, then followed by depression resembles being pregnant and giving birth, followed by postpartum depression. Well, I’m a guy so I’ll never know the excellent fortune and joy of giving birth, but thank you for the thought.

And I think they’re right! You work for months on a BODY of work and them BAM! an exhibition opens with your new body of work. Next day, depression. It’s over. You gave it your all. There’s no more left. This is exhaustion and fear all mixed up.

Rest. Breathe. Do Something Different. No Art. Time Off. Down Time. Me Time. Plant Anything.

Groovy
Groovy

In a few days (or months) you’ll be new again. Stay focused on your goals and your groove comes on. Groovy!

Don’t Forget - This is a Great Book!

Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils

Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland
Paperback: 122 pages
Publisher: Image Continuum Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780961454739
ISBN-13: 978-0961454739
ASIN: 0961454733
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
(buy at Amazon)

Bob is Energized!
Bob is Energized!


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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