Overcoming Challenges: My Attempt to Paint Like Bill Alexander

[@julesvis]

Lovely ! What a difference a touch of your yellow ochre made !

[@PaulRansonArt]

Yes, its surprising what a small change will have on a scene. Sometimes its a very positive outcome, but it can all go wrong too. I keep proving that to myself 😃😎

[@wellerfanuk]

Very informative and well presented. Thanks. I am about to start my painting journey as I have just found out about Bob Ross (Where have I been all these years). I have watched hours and hours of his "The Joy Of Painting" and knew that's what I would love to achieve in my paintings. Then I came across Bill Alexander (Where have I been all these years), and it baffled me a bit as they are so similar but with a different approach to the "Wet On Wet". Bobs stuff is inspiring and really makes me feel I can do it but, I feel Bills stuff is simply awesome and maybe not the best place for a novice to start 🤔

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi and welcome on board the journey into the world of art. We'll yes where have you been! Ha haha no just kidding. I only came across Bob when we got cable TV here in the UK way back in the late 1980's The fact is, it dosen't matter when you start. As long as you have fun and get creative. I hope you'll find my tutorials and those of other wonderful KZbinrs a help. Happy future painting - Paul 😃😎

[@pearldogsurf]

Perfect! Im definitely going to give this a go. Ive learnt alot in only 25 minutes.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Great to hear! Its a fun technique and one I really enjoy demonstrating even as a newbie (well I have had a little practice ☺)😎

[@robinruby3156]

We saw mountains similar to the ones in your beautiful painting during our little trip. The real world is such a great place for inspiration!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thats so cool Robin. As you drive about stop and take a moment to really study the scene. Look for all the darks and shadows too. My be get into the habit of carrying a small sketchbook and a pencil. Nothing fancy. Just take a moment to capture an element like a single tree. Or an old building. What eve catches your eye. This will help train your artistic brain to see the world in 3D and translate it into a 2D image. p.s. I have my Bill Alexander mountain propped up behind my monitor. Its looking more photographic every day. 😃😎

[@salvadorbarragan514]

What a mountain. Your mountains are always good but this one was spectacular

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thats the funny thing about painting. What I do know is the more I practice the luckier I get🤔🤗😍😎

[@elizabethreems187]

A beautiful job

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you so much 😀 Elizabeth😃😎

[@AnnieTroe]

Beautiful Paul! Loaded with great tips - the arrow pointing to what you are talking about is wonderful. Your scratchy twigs and sticks are delightful! Always enjoy your channel 👋😍

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Annie - ah yes the ponty arrows - my favourite tool for editing. Bill used to have a ton of twigs and sticks in his work too. I think mine came out quite well. - Loving yur channel @annietroe - 😃😍😎

[@graememackay4266]

Fantastic work. I’ve been watching lots of your videos and trying them out myself. Really appreciate your guidance in these videos

[@PaulRansonArt]

Glad you like them! I've lots more to come so hope to see you soon - Paul 😃😎

[@robinruby3156]

Ahhh so that’s how it goes! My wife and I are on a micro holiday to celebrate valentines 💘. And the hotel has quite the collection of horrendous “art” meant to blend into the rest of the decor which is abysmal. Now I feel better about my stuff. LOL But Paul and friends, we drove across the Mojave Desert yesterday and my wife said she now looks at almost everything as a painting. The Mojave & Death Valley are truly stunning at sunset!! As a painting, well that’s just an end game project, isn’t it?

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi there you two - hope you had a great trip. Your both getting 'artist eyes' - a phenomenon resulting from wanting to paint and draw. It also makes us a little more discerning about what art makes us happy and what dosn't. Hopefully you'll be inspired to paint some of the desert scenes in future😃😎

[@robinruby3156]

I’ve taken your sage advice and visited other talented artists. There’s so much out there it’s difficult to keep track! But before I come unhinged soaking in all of these amazing artists, I always come back to you Paul. That voice and mischievous smile can really make my day!!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thats great Robin. Its always a good idea to look at other artsist work and techniques even if it feel like it might be too difficult right now. Somehow bits of information soak in and in time you'll see their work and say ' I can do that too ' Look forward to another video soon. 😃😎

[@robinruby3156]

@@PaulRansonArt Paul, I used your link to purchase another BR 1-incher but Amazon cancelled the order yet again. Can you suggest another company who might carry the BR line? I really love the first one I bought. So I think it would be prudent to have 2-3 around. Thank you!!

[@robinruby3156]

@@PaulRansonArt one more thing. I have a new BR fan brush. And I was wondering if it is supposed to be a stiffer bristle brush than some of the other fan brushes? The one I bought is fairly stiff. Certainly usable for grass, tree leaves, sticks and twigs. But quite stiff nonetheless.

[@PaulRansonArt]

A you guessed they arrive very stiff - coated with a gelatine for transport. But they soften up with use. Break them in gently with a wash in some thinners. I don't use a conditioner on mine . They're never out of paint long enough to need it. Same applies to my own pate. I don't tjnk the finest tonsorial would help there 😃😃😍😍😎😎@@robinruby3156

[@PaulRansonArt]

Just checked and the links are working. How odd? If you use the link to get the brush on screen on Amazon then look for another stockist from that link. Being in the US I'm not sure who else carries Bob Ross. I Know Hobby Lobby and Micheals were the biggest stockists so maybe have a look at their sites. I'm not affiliated and access to their sites is blocked from the UK so I can't even give you a link to follow - sorry I'm not much use to you 🤔🤔😎😎 @@robinruby3156

[@sloanIrrigation]

I'm so glad you're here! You're an amazing teacher. Your meek and mild way is evidence of a humble heart and that's a rare breed in man these days. Thank you for sharing your skill and your art.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Wow, thank you! I try and paint in a nice calm atmosphere. I have to do voice overs because you coudn't hear me over the thrash heavy metal music 🤘🤘🤘🤘😃😎

[@robinruby3156]

It’s always a joy to hear from you Paul. I did try to follow along paint this amazing painting. But despite looking like this tutorial at least 7 times, alas I formed a lovely caramel brown color on just about everything! ACK! Did someone say black gesso? LMAO!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Ah the dreaded mud mixing! Yes Robin, its a right of passage I'm afraid. You have to mix a little before you progress. Just keep you brushes well dry cleaned and work steadily. A second 1" brush for either dark or light really helps. If your using one for everything then its a challenge. Same with fans. I have one dark one light on the go for each painting. Leave it to dry or scrape it off and leave it to dry and use it as a practice canvas. You'll end up with a few - its what I stick my paper DIY canvases too.😃😎

[@SRTW67]

“Happy days are here again”🎶🎵 -Bill Alexander Looking forward to seeing another Bill Alexander inspired painting by you!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Stephanie - My little coffee cup has run over with your kind donation to my channel. You are a Super Star as always - big art hugs coming your way - Thank you from us here in the UK 😃🥰🥰

[@SRTW67]

@@PaulRansonArt you’re welcome, and thank you for the art hugs! Sending art hugs back to you all too!!

[@Metalgods74]

The mountains look majestic and mighty. Bill would be proud.

[@PaulRansonArt]

I hope so MG. He was a real charicter and his 'fire it in' brush work was great fun. His love of nature and painting really came across in his videos 😃😎

[@ProdigyAstronaut]

The lederhosen joke cracked me up 😂well done on the painting by the way! 😃

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you! Well my humour(?) makes an apperance in my tutorials now and again. Hope to see you again - Paul 😃😎

[@robinruby3156]

How beautiful!!! Thank you Paul.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it Robin. Give Bills mountain style a try. Its got some advantages over Bob's 😃😎

[@corinnedanel9899]

This is one of the most original inventions in artistic painting... the result is magical. Nowadays, at least in my personal opinion, more and more artists and painting enthusiasts are experimenting with this technique, thank you Paul for sharing

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Corinne - I think seeing Bob on mainstream TV here in the UK has given this technique a new lease of life. Its definitly beginner friendly - even I can do it! 😃😎 ok so I've had a little practice but thats the joy of painting. If it was too easy no one would bother. 🤗🥰

[@KevinRoberts-qi3br]

Way to "fire it in there", Paul. It is nice to see a tip of the cap to the original wet-on-wet TV master. You did Bill proud on this one!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thanks 👍They were the modern day path finders for the likes of me. 😍😎

[@kennethmurphy8585]

I just love your approach and I love this piece - your passion for painting and personal touch always comes through, regardless if you’re trying new styles and techniques. The gentle and inspired ways you create your paintings is one of the major reasons it’s so enjoyable to watch videos, and hear your thoughts.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you so much Kenneth. I try and impart a little bit of me in what ever I paint. I guess I don't want to be just a copy cat. That would be too easy. As for my thoughts ...Well maybe I'll air a recent interview I did where I just talked about painting. Now there's a can of worms! 😃😎

[@kennethmurphy8585]

@@PaulRansonArt Ha! Perfect!

[@hughtempleton8640]

Absolutely beautiful painting, Paul. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@PaulRansonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it Hugh. I like the Bill Alexander mountain technique a lot. It gets good results most of the time 😃😎

[@williamatkinson7495]

Lovely painting Paul I'll definitely give it a go👍

[@PaulRansonArt]

Yes, please do. Its fun and very fixable 😃😎 just in case of a happy accident 🤔🤗🙂

[@patricetorrillo9116]

Very nice and easy to follow!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you Patrice - lots more videos to come too 😃😍😎

[@williammichael2156]

I'm glad i found your channel, beautiful work sir, ive subscribed , blessings from Glasgow.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Awesome, thank you William - welcome on board my little art channel - hope to see you soon for regular tutorials. My next one is (fingers crossed) tomorrow at 6.00pm 😃😎

[@acaccholi]

Nice painting Paul, thank you!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Many thanks Andy. Lots of fun trying a few tweeks to my usual style. 😄😍😎

[@edwghe]

Great video mate, happy to see some other technics

[@PaulRansonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it. I'll explore some more in future videos 😃😎

[@WilliamHedison]

Nice painting..glad you didnt attack the canvas as Bill has done on some of his video,s...wont treat my brush,s like that unless the are on their last legs...thank you Paul

[@PaulRansonArt]

Yes, Bill loves to 'fire it in' with gusto! Hes pretty fierce with the palette knife too. 😃😎

[@RichardM1366]

You did very well! Bill would be very proud of you.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thanks Richard. I've watched many artists over the years. Bills explosive enthusiasm sticks out in my mind as one of the most fun. I hopw he had a chuckle at my choice of dress sense😃😎

[@antoniomiraglia2065]

​hello paul, thanks for your videos.. In particular this is the most realistic paint with the mountains as subject.. thank you again and to the next video.. bye

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you so much 😀. Its great fun playing with paint and seeing some nice results. Hope to see you soon - Paul😃😎

[@robinruby3156]

Thanks!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you Robin and Mrs Angel for keeping the paint flowing. Big hugs for one of you! A firm hand shake for the other 🤔😃🥰😎

[@jasonking5560]

Well done!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thanks Jason 😃😎

[@lrb3989]

I have watched Bob Ross and bill Alexander paint awesome painters

[@PaulRansonArt]

I agree. They made art fun and accesable to folk - even me! 😃😍😎

[@Angel-kc1cr]

Hi Paul. Wonderful video, mountain and colors and everything is so beautiful. I really appreciate it when you release a video once a week. We help in stressful moments to relax. Unfortunately, there was too much this week, I caught some kind of virus and it took a week to recover. I'm also sad because my pet cat died this Wednesday. That makes me a little depressed. But your videos help me to move on even in such difficult times. Thank you for that. As always, enjoy your week and happy painting.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Oh so sorry to read of your loss Angel. They're special little souls that we miss so much. But think of the good times and try and life the cloud a little too. Take care and hope your world is brighter soon - best wishes - Paul ☺☺☺😎

[@srm8866]

I currently don't know much of anything about painting, but it fascinates me. Always has! Can't wait until I retire at years-end, because I'm going to invest in the necessary materials to get started and give it a whirl. Meanwhile, I'm watching and learning. Thank you, sir, for doing what you do and for sharing your work. You're not only providing us beginners with some great ideas and skill technique, but your videos are truly fun to watch. Cheers,

[@PaulRansonArt]

So pleased your enjoying the videos. Just watching someone (even me) painting will imprint itself on your memory. Now one word of caution. If you click with painting your world will never be the same again! You'll be issues with artists eyes that mean everything you look at becomes a potential painting. Trees become multicoloured and the sky takes on a life of its own. In short. Its the most wonderful transformation. Now, check out my 'Getting Started with Oils' videos. These will help you get started without spending a fortune on materials and maybe the wrong kit too. BTW - why wait to retire? 😃😍😎

[@srm8866]

@@PaulRansonArt - Honestly, what you have said sounds like a wonderful, wonderful thing. It's the part of my life that has been missing, and the part that I've (unknowingly) been searching for many years to find. Can't wait to get started! That said, I'm holding off mainly because of time restraints. I'm currently in the process of selling out; both my business and home, which are both located in Houston, Texas. Afterwards, I'll be moving (1,100 miles) east over to my retirement property, that is located (high in the mountains) in Tallassee, Tennessee. It is the perfect environment and landscape for many different ideas, and with nothing but uninterrupted time, it will allow me to be able to focus on and really enjoy painting. Again, thank you for all of your great videos and advice. You're an inspiration, and I'm heading over right now to watch the video that you recommended. Thanks again, Paul, you're the absolute best, Sir! Cheers,

[@PaulRansonArt]

Sounds like a plan. I can see why you don't want to cart a ton of painting supplies across the country! @@srm8866

[@kerriangle0214]

Another beautiful piece Paul, and the lederhosen suit you well! 😂

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you kindly Kerri I definitly have the legs for it! Thanks for watching and see you soon 😃😎

[@SRTW67]

Hi Paul 😊 your tutorials are so encouraging! To see how other artists inspire you helps us grow in confidence with our creativity too! I love the way your mountains turned out. The two Bill Alexander inspired paintings of yours are amazing. I love specifically the color and texture of these mountains! I love the technique for making trees here too.. free and “doable”! Another take away here is how you added an extra stand out color. I’m definitely going for that as my current canvas needs a little extra oomph. I didn’t know what exactly it needed, so I’m going to try it out! It’s a combo of pthalo blue, green, ultramarine and white on a black gesso canvas of a winter night. I’m thinking of what could work.. we’ll see! Any suggestions? Yellow comes to mind but.. no not with blue. It would turn into a green, and I don’t think it would look good with the gorgeous jade of pthalo green. 🖌️😍🎨 Enjoy your week!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Stephanie 🥰 With experience I've developed a bit of an eye for colour. I have some old paintings from years ago that could definitly do with an accent colour. As for the right choice of colour. I use a color wheel for complimentary colours. The opposite of blue/green is yellow/orange. The challenge is as you mention it might go green. But as you have green in the composition that might not be so bad. What this experience does highlight is the need to plan a little ahead. I would often paint to a point and then stand back and ask my self "now what?'' These paintings often didn't get finished. Or didn't work out so well. Now I plan a little more and look for themes of colours that do work and plan how to make them fit. Painting is really more of a jigsaw sometimes🥰🥰😎

[@SRTW67]

@@PaulRansonArt thank you Paul!😍😍🖌️🎨

[@kipp1231]

I got the good Tbags out for this one Paul 🙏👍

[@PaulRansonArt]

Red label or Yorkshire 🤔🤗😃

[@patriciozazzini3182]

Hi, Paul. What is the canvas made of? is it paper?

[@PaulRansonArt]

Yes Patricio - I did some settup videos all about getting started with oils. Check out my playlist where I show you how I use decorators lining paper to prepare a cheap DIY 'canvas' thats a cost effective practice surface for painting. Best wishes - Paul 😃😎

[@jaemontano1063]

Love to watch your tutorial. Thank you. Is that possible you can paint bob ross "camp fire" sometime? Anyway I'll try paint this one today and what's the name of this painting. ?

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Jae - Campfire painting ? Like this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYatqZprfdF1itU 😃 Thats right I did it already a while ago so your in luck. Now, I've looked for this Bill Alexander painting online for a title and can't find it. The only reference to it is the word Spring so thats what I'm calling it 😃😎

[@mariecolteau880]

Waouh !!! Quelle démonstration magistrale !!! Toutes vos suggestions sont criantes de vérité et votre tableau est si lumineux. J'ai déjà vu Bill Alexander sur youtube mais sa volubilité me gênait. Mais avec vous, si calme et pondéré.... Bref, je préfère votre démonstration. Merci pour ce moment de partage.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Merci beaucoup pour vos gentils commentaires. Je suis généralement une personne plutôt calme, ce qui transparaît dans mes vidéos. Je tiens ça de mon père. L'humour vient d'ailleurs... Happy Painting Marie 😍😍😎

[@theadoresmith2777]

Wonderful series of vids. Its very much Alexander like. Mind, I love the effects you get using a filbert brush doing mountains rather than a knife. I've looked at every Bob Ross vid on the streaming service Tubi. They have the whole series tho now in Oz they are starting to take them off, the 1st series has gone ... Still the other 30 odd are still there. After seeing all the vids of Ross v Alexander, I must say I prefer Alexander. He seems to be the better painter. You make the Ross paintings look good tho. You improve them no end. Then again, Ross made his painting supply business the core of the whole thing. No doubt Ross produced some Masterworks, without a doubt but too many of them were alas awful. Some of Alexander's were awful but then I've been to Monet exhibitions where some of his stinikers were on show alongside his Masterworks. The stinkers were still worth millions as they were signed however. I still watch several episodes of Ross or Alexanders before bed to see if I have missed any technique that I can use in my painting studies. Yours are much better than Ross's ... Wonderful work. I am trying out that filbert brush technique in doing the mountains / hills. Very few mountains in Oz and snow is thin on the ground as well but plenty of hills in oz's signature "bulldust" colour.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Theadore - thanks for stopping by and for the kind comments. A few years ago I used to sell my art at craft shows. I displayed my 'best work' and a selection of scenes that weren't quite as appealing to my eye. I routinely out-sold my best paintings with the others. In fact, I tried to talk some folks out of buying a painting but they loved it and purchased it anyway. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Happy painting - Paul 😃

[@gosiajacaszek2410]

Witam Czarodzieju, próbuję naśladować Cię akrylami, pozdrawiam serdecznie ❤

[@PaulRansonArt]

To będzie wyzwanie. Mnóstwo środków malarskich spowalniających czas schnięcia! Powodzenia i udanego malowania 😍😎

[@decwright3181]

BOB ROSS... End of 🎉❤

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you so much for watching 😃😎

[@Curtislow2]

It's been said that Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery .Bob copied Bill,etc. Bill in my mind was an Artist and Bob was painter. Bob or should I say Kowalski's where brutal marketers. Since the expose' video by Steve their image is tarnish.IMO!

[@hereisyourmusic30]

Copied? So you're saying that you are copying your teachers when you do the things that they've taught you??? Teachers teach people so they will learn. And then, they apply what they've learned, and that's the case with Bob Ross and Bill. But Bob was a great student and became a better artist & painter than Bill. Both of them were artists & painters. Overall, Bob>Bill.

[@PaulRansonArt]

I've had the greatest pleasure experiencing the joy of painting and sharing it with other folk. I'll just keep on painting and having fun. 😃😎