BobBlast 483 - "Constructing a Painting"

Weekly BobBlast Issue 483
Constructing a Painting
Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!
I am working on some new interiors, figures and still life paintings for Open Studio, coming up in a couple of weeks! I am often asked how do I get started on a painting that has a lot going on? In this BobBlast, I talk about how I plan and paint, plus how I sketch out my composition so you can better understand my process of constructing a painting.
Here are some key elements I use and their explanations:
•What do you want to communicate?
•What do you want the painting to say?
•What is the story?
With this in mind, I journal in my sketchbook - my ideas, themes, concepts and reasons why I want to paint a particular image. I title the painting first to lock in the concept, using Roget’s Thesaurus for more title ideas - it’s a great tool! This new body of work focuses on “places where I want to be” so, I paint them!
Watch the video to see me paint-sketch these initial elements to construct the painting:
•Select the composition - there are sixteen design compositions I normally using. Select one of the compositions.
•Decide on the focal point - where do you want the eye to go?
•Your light is coming from what direction? Place your shadows accordingly.
•Establish and re-establish your lights and darks. I am constantly re-establishing all of the above until I settle into the painting.
Placement of different “shapes” - such as wine bottles, floral vases, glasses, bowls of fruit… takes thought and planning. Where you put them in your painting will be determined by your mood, message, focal point and light source.
This is how I start to construct a painting, regardless of whether it is objective or non-objective. I keep it simple like this - then let my imagination and creativity take over.
Save the date! Open Studio Tour - 2 weekends!
October 14-15 and October 21-22
Burridge ArtWork
For sale on our website and at Open Studio
New Available Work and Small Original Paint Sketches!
robertburridge.com/available-...

Studio Mentor Workshop - October 5-8, 2023
Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
2 Spaces Available! Email [e-mail]
The 2024 Studio Workshop Schedule is on our website!
robertburridge.com/burridge-s...
Enjoying watching Bob's Demos? Join Bob Online!
• October 3, 2023
“3 Easy Ways to Draw & Paint the Figure”
•November 8, 2023
"Reductive Painting: Negative Shapes"
•December 6, 2023
“Choosing Color Combinations that Work”
robertburridge.com/monthly-de...
1-Day Intensive Workshops Coming Up!
•October 18, 2023
"Paint the Effect of Light"
robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
•November 14, 2023
"Abstract Florals from Loose, Colorful Splatters"
robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
Don't Miss! - Online Figure Workshops with the Model Pash
November 11-12, 2023
Paint Bob's Circus!
Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio
robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
• and •
January 5-7, 2024
Drawing and Painting the Figure with Motion and Emotion
Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio
obertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-january-5-7-2024/
Check out the other ONLINE WORKSHOPS we Offer!
•Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting - October 28-29, 2023
robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
•Painting Figures without Painting Figures - December 2-3, 2023
robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
•Larger Looser Abstract Painting - December 9-10, 2023
robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
Burridge Critiques Your Art
Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Suggestions
robertburridge.com/burridge-c...
We have Gift Certificates!
For YOU to give… or for someone to give YOU
robertburridge.com/burridge-g...

[@angelamccoll9786]

Thank you Bob, you are great at explaining everything. I love that you journal..." ...put it all in here...theres nothing up here its all in there!...." Haha...i am so glad you shared that gem because i felt bad that i had to jot all my ideas down before i forgot them but you have made it ok .....👍👍👍💫💫💫💜

[@luln5122]

I feel i am in art class all over again learning art for the first time. You are a wonderful teacher Bob. Thank you.

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you for the very kind words!

[@brucelawson642]

You are terrific Bob and a wonderful teacher😊

[@jeannecavanaugh7789]

I like the idea that you journal.

[@NYtalk60]

Thanks, Bob. You give a senior lots of motivation. Thank you!😅

[@bobburridge4696]

Thank you!

[@kambrose1549]

Love your colours and the drama of your compositions. A joy to watch. Thanks

[@karenlavigne1108]

I love your style of painting & the colors!

[@luistavales2868]

Thanks for sharing your incredible gifts with us. The three paintings on the wall are gorgeous!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you! I had a great time painting them.

[@angeliquew2131]

Hello from France, dear Bob I'm experiencing art block lately and after I watched your video this evening, i feel inspired again, so thank you very much for your great content. Happy Painting 😊

[@Biju2223]

Good morning. Inspiring in its simplicity!

[@bobburridge4696]

Thank you!

[@JoshOBryan]

great teacher! painting looks so much fun when you're teaching it.

[@bobburridge4696]

I have fun! It's got to be fun, or why do it?

[@TartNsweet2255]

You always give me such good guidance, thanks, Bob!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thanks!

[@susanasilva2737]

I just love to watch your videos with all those tips and the joy you pass. Thanks ❤

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you!

[@jorgequinteroprojectsongwr6908]

Thank you, Mr Robert.

[@RobertBurridge]

My pleasure!

[@patricia753]

Oh, it is such a joy to watch you create, and your way of explaining and teaching are very encouraging and light hearted!! You make painting more fun and approachable! 😊🎨🖼

[@bobburridge4696]

Thank you Patricia! Really appreciate your comments!

[@pattyadamcak7521]

Love your demonstrations

[@conniedecarolis3173]

The paintings on the wall are so fabulous. I LOVE them. The lacy details...wow. Your the Best Bob!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you! The lacy details are collage. I love them too!

[@jennbutterfly4448]

I really enjoying learning composition with you. I love the way you can map out a painting in minutes. My big takeaway today is know where the focal point is, then let the test of the painting lead you there. Thank you!

[@RobertBurridgeBobBlast]

Exactly! Thank you!

[@sduncan2323]

I love your teaching style and your sense of humor, Bob. I have learned so much from you and still do. I use so many of the products you have recommended.

[@RobertBurridge]

Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the BobBlasts!

[@jaijones8305]

I know. He is great, right!

[@RobertBurridge]

@@jaijones8305 🙂

[@jaijones8305]

Thanks, Bob. You make painting so fun! I love your painting style as well. Thanks for helping me learn to paint and enjoy it so much.

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you!

[@lovdolls]

You're good Bob always enjoy your videos in your light hearted manner and I learn a lot too.

[@helendownie7062]

Thank you Bob .Very inspirational..I just love your art .oozes character.

[@RequiemofaMadman]

Wonderful BobBlast!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thanks!

[@creativedifferencesart]

Another great lesson. Just want to paint after watching these.

[@natalynnbeard5060]

Thank youMr. Barringer!! Youre videos are a blessing 😊

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you very much.

[@andreaharley4047]

Thankyou Bob. in my opinion yr the best with a fun element. Love your videos on Monday mornings here in England.❤❤❤

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you Andrea! You are very kind!

[@MrsPatJones]

Love watching your videos. I always learn so much Thank you Bob.

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you!

[@FrankLambert-um9lq]

👍👍👍

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you Frank!

[@fabiancurto6484]

Good one Bob ! Thanks for the inspiration and your enthusiasm! 🙏🏻

[@RobertBurridge]

Thanks! Appreciate it!

[@deniselini1366]

This was beyond informative Bob!! Loved watching your thought process!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you Denise!

[@frankfolino3118]

Yyyyaaaayyyy!!!

[@patriciaatkinson2435]

Thank you, excellent tutorial. Your paintings are such fun. 😊

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you Patricia!

[@carolandrews8952]

this is a super helpful lesson❤❤❤

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you Carol! We miss you!

[@RobertMonk-ex4fr]

Bob, your the best at what you do!!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thanks Robert!

[@user-yg3pi8xt6d]

Thank you so much bob. Very good and helpful one❤😊

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you!

[@Adraganic]

You are just brilliant

[@RobertBurridge]

You are very kind! Thank you.

[@greenstrokesart]

Thank you, very nice. New subscriber here.

[@teresajordao6634]

Thank you for this useful advices!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you!

[@robertbattye4215]

That's awesome bob 👍👍👍👍🎨🎨🎨🎨

[@RobertBurridge]

Thanks!

[@pcs1120]

❤❤❤❤

[@lcomfort8683]

You're so wonderfully passionate! :)

[@RobertBurridge]

Awww! Thank you very much.

[@foltz-art]

Super groovy cool 😎 🤟🍸🍸🎨 I think you have paint running through your veins 🤣🖌🩸🎭🖼 ❤U Bob♡

[@RobertBurridge]

LOL! Thank you!

[@howlingwind1937]

I thought all things brought your eyes to the focal point, which I thought was the flowers, but is the window the focal point, I'm a tad confused. Thanks Bob for the demo's. Cheers!

[@RobertBurridge]

The Flowers are the focal point. After the eyes land on the focal... I lead the viewer around to the window.

[@howlingwind1937]

@@RobertBurridge Thank you Bob for replying, I got myself all confused, but I get it now thank you! Cheers! And once again thank you for the demo's I really enjoy watching you having fun! Cheers!

[@RobertBurridge]

@@howlingwind1937 Thank you!

[@tonyrogers4555]

Always enjoy you videos. Can you tell me the brand and type large brushes you use? Brand, size and whether synthetic or natural bristles? Thanks a bunch.

[@bobburridge4696]

Hi Tony, Because there were so many questions about my brushes, we filmed a BobBlast just about the brushes I use: BobBlast #494 - "Brush Up on Brushes" - Look at it - hopefully the BobBlast will answer your questions. Thanks! Bob

[@christinegalysh7433]

Great video and very helpful. The second painting with the flowers and window , is the window the focal point or the flowers in the vase the focal point? Thank you and all the best.

[@RobertBurridge]

The Flowers are the focal point. After the viewer lands there... I want them to keep moving around the painting - so next, the attention goes to the window.

[@christinegalysh7433]

Thank you. @@RobertBurridge

[@bonniegarson80]

Hi. Do u think these principles apply to an abstract?

[@RobertBurridge]

Absolutely! It's all shapes...

[@taketimetoseait396]

Maybe just maybe after watching today ...understanding that journaling has a reason... that will help keep the focus on the topic. Seems like when I go off in different directions, the only way out is with more gesso ???😅 More sketching plz ...even if only a few minutes each week. The memory making effect. Ann, Florida fan.

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you Ann... so much of it is a thought process. I start my day writing in my sketchbook. The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is a great resource. She talks about writing your "daily pages"

[@ryanmargiehorseryan1843]

Putting my name down for prize