BobBlast 214 "Quick and Simple Figures - Part One."

BB#214
Welcome back to another BobBlast.
In this BobBlast I show you some fun exercises I will do as part of a short Landscape Workshop at the upcoming Trade Shows - Artisan Expo and Art of the Carolinas. The links are below.
This BobBlast is all about how to quickly suggest the figure in your landscape painting. The addition of figures is a simple way to help heighten interest. It helps to suggest the narrative and may also explain the title of the painting.
As you can see in this week’s video, I practice a whole row of sketchy “figures” that may have started out as “carrots” - I practice in black and white. I start off with a small, round dot (the head) then move the brush down to the bottom of the carrot, giving yourself creative freedom to wiggle the brush a little to suggest shoulders or hips. The last stroke anchors the carrot figure to the ground and gives it a shadow.
Use a large brush - no skinny handled two-hair brushes - ever! Besides, you’ll poke your eye out with that thing. Practice these carrot figures for several rows. The full sheet (22x30 inches) looks like a crowd of people. Don’t spend a long time on each, or make them perfect - they are sketches at this point.
Next - add clothes to these figures! Use color to give them different combinations - top of the carrot may appear as a colorful shirt, the bottom could be pants… you might even have a row of golfers!
You can also use Rembrandt-style lighting technique for your carrot exercises - remember with this style of lighting the top of the background is gradated dark at the top, to light at the bottom. The figure is light at the top, at the head and dark towards the bottom, at the feet. The mantra you hear me saying constantly is "Dark against Light... Dark against Light…"
These carrot people are ready to make an appearance in your landscapes! Pretty soon you’ll start seeing figures in all your loose abstracts!
Add a Figure. It adds life to your work!

[@georgekirazian5591]

"This is not the time to start making sense...." Incredibly helpful statement. Thanks, Bob.

[@BLESSINGS-11777]

Yeah 😃👍🏾

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

Talking Heads advice. Brilliant.

[@gregputz1735]

Bob Is Just Awesome!!!

[@brucelawson642]

Bob, you are an inspiration, a talented artist, and a wonderful, caring teacher. 😊

[@pamhouseholder2761]

I cannot believe how this short, fun and painless video changed my technique and helped me add figures to my work--THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!

[@roslyncoward3222]

This is genius! I think that most inexperienced painters find painting figures scarey. Thanks Bob for showing us your approach and taking the "mystery" out of it. You are so right about practicing vs masterpieces, providing the freedom to experiment and be creative.

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you Roslyn - I experiment a lot! Therefore, I always have practice pieces I can go back to. Have fun!

[@gagaullalla1256]

It's amazing how with just two brush strokes you can create a work like this. Thanks great teacher.

[@stephenpenwolf]

Bob - I absolutely love your attitude and approach to your work - thanks for sharing.

[@littlebirdling238]

You are one of the best teachers of all time!

[@mrmcanus]

"you start tickling it to death" That is soo true Bob!!!

[@megaddams2374]

I love your attitute and your work! 🖤

[@davelester1985]

i took a few workshops with you in N. California. You encouraged everyone, even people struggling. Your kindness was so nice. Now I paint in N. Italy, , living near Venice. Keep these videos coming. Thanks.

[@marialuis3101]

Wish I could give you more likes! Such fun and gratifying to watch. I don't know how to paint but this makes me try.... "I just keep painting till I see myself doing something I've never done before..." So encouraging. Thank you 😊

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you!

[@jasonpieters]

Thank you for sharing this. Not just the technique but your views on how painting should be fun and loose and not just a pursuit of the next great piece. Thank you.

[@cricketbat09]

The most beneficial painting tip of all time. imho. 👍

[@brendawhaley7094]

You crack me up about little brushes and tickling to death, , needed a good laugh want to tell you, I’m so excited because I’m a new beginner, and I wanted to paint figures and my goodness there you are and you explain it so well step by step, you are a doll thank you and bless you

[@RobertBurridgeBobBlast]

Thank you Brenda!

[@jonathanjaeger4242]

Brilliantly done

[@judybraden1553]

WOW! That is so cool! Keep up the good work!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you!

[@SarthakDasgupta]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! No words for my gratitude!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you!

[@TheArtyMummy]

A great friend showed me carrot people years ago. Took the fear right out of streetscape painting 😁💖

[@LonitaFraser]

This was one of the most satisfying things I've seen in ages. Thank you. :)

[@higherandhigher5848]

Having fun is the secret. Thanks.

[@ingridacosta911]

I love your style to teach is funny and easy.

[@myhappylittlethings2382]

I love thisssss. 💛 💛 💛 💛 the most helpful tutorialll

[@kellyadams6543]

Thank you for taking the fear out of painting. You are such a great teacher. Big heart, big brush!

[@cliffordadams8353]

Goofing around I love it .Takes all the pretentious crap out of art

[@elsagrace3893]

Why are we all so scared?

[@rebekahcrossman4690]

Beautiful! How fun. Color and light everywhere, then begins to take form. 😆“…painting upside down” and even finger painting! Your work has so much energy. Thank you for inspiring me!👏🏻👏🏻

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you Rebekah!

[@DjHeavyB]

thank you...really informative and explained very easily

[@RobertBurridge]

Thanks!

[@ezfitchick]

Fabulous --- Thank you - loose, painterly, way more interesting than detail - and love, love the color....

[@nasrinkiarostami880]

I love the way of your teaching . So fun and beautiful ❤

[@RobertBurridgeBobBlast]

Thank you!

[@howardhill3395]

Thank you Bob. Love how you build up the painting and our knowledge in a fun way.I take your advice to heart. "Have more fun creating and don't worry about painting a masterpiece"

[@yozza0121]

Love your enthusiasm!

[@lynnekohler8299]

Thank you, Bob, for this fun and informative video! I am going to try this loose hand technique. Great encouragement to keep it loose.

[@RobertBurridge]

Thanks Lynne! Yes - keep it loose!

[@Armafly]

You are the best art teacher around. Thank you for sharing with us your tips.

[@sonikaschroeder3885]

Not only are your "Carrot People " awesome, but YOU are such a character yourself!

[@user-wr1oc4yt3r]

Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your talent and gifts. I have no talent (or gifts) in this area, but I am trying to fake it and this helps a lot.!

[@jcdunne]

Your videos are just excellent! I have leaned so much. Thank you Bob 😊

[@Argyll9846]

Love your video Bob!

[@marclalevee4838]

superbe bob je découvre une peinture enfin sympathique ludique et intuitive alliant le geste à la couleur

[@todc.steele6783]

Bob, you and your wife do such a terrific job - thank you for all your kindness and the sharing of your experience. You guys are the best!

[@Stacey-barnbrushart]

Im going to try this technique. Live the carrot ppl. Thanks for sharing!

[@RobertBurridgeBobBlast]

Thank you!

[@ghadahalrabee]

You are so creative artist love it so much breliant

[@user-pf3ob8vn1l]

Я рада,что увидела Ваши работы ,мастер-классы для меня это очень важно ,теперь я знаю как это делать . Благодарю Вас за видео.

[@CyndiDuncanArts]

It takes amazing talent to be able to paint upside down.

[@maryciantarciantar9309]

Love it ! thanks alot for sharing.

[@slickdukem]

Hello sir. You saved my life. Thank you. 😭

[@leonormartinez6378]

I need more play time! I’m amazed how you paint these upside down. I’m goi g to practice painting carrots. Thank you!

[@RobertBurridge]

We all need more play time! Thank you Leonor!

[@marilyndupreez-s8p]

Robert you are really cool ,the way you tell it like a story..such good tips and Fun .. one can get soo serious about ze painting ze ultimate Piece😁 im going to take up the big brush and try it too . Thanks, and go well

[@gemini4109]

You're so much fun!

[@shastingrace3760]

Love this! Great video!

[@TheColorofLight]

Just what I needed to get my creative juices flowing. thanks Bob!

[@annland781]

Love your videos. They help me to expand my subject matter so much.

[@lisadever2254]

You rock! Thank you for taking the stress out of painting.

[@anthonyciriglo3677]

Simple but Brilliant 👍🏻👍🏻

[@karlasolomon8128]

Simple but effective! Also love how you emphasize practice as being so important.

[@aliciagraysonstanley2449]

I love you...you make me smile every day I watch and listen to your videos. I also learn!

[@joellehedo7706]

From Reunion Island thank a lot Bob!!!

[@rebekahcrossman4690]

Your videos are so much fun to watch as well as informative and inspiring. So much so I had to watch this one again!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@sarahloffler1872]

Thank for sharing this demonstration! You’re delightful!

[@tempo9198]

I ❤️ carrots! And I love your carrots …

[@carolyndaughton3373]

I just found your channel today. I'm a fan! I've liked and subscribed. I love your technique on making carrot people :) Thank you.

[@casperthegm741]

Whoa, I just tried this and made my very first carrot people; I love it! I am moving away from my graphite (realism) drawing and into the world of painting. Moving from realism to this style is daunting to say the least, but your tutorial is fantastic in helping me make the adjustment. Thank you so much.

[@miiiji]

You’re speaking out of my soul, it’s the same with me. One time I saw it, i never want to let go of it again!

[@teresajordao6634]

Thank you for showing us this! I love the ideas, so much potential!

[@RobertBurridgeBobBlast]

And so much fun! Thank you Teresa!

[@kayblendzmmj6256]

It came out nice!!!!

[@lanirka]

You are incredible! You are as a huge fontane of inspiration! Thank you so much! Looks so easy and so beautiful... so much life in you and yr paintings!

[@joycejoy7651]

I've always known my onions, now I shall get in touch with Carrots...a sand box being a great place to "Discovery".. great and fun video..love the coloured carrots and looking forward to seeing how you incorporate into the abstract...thank you both for sharing..my time is all the better for this. I'm off to "PLAY" with a BIG brush of course..xx

[@judydickson2704]

I love your technique and your art! You make it such fun😀thank you so much!

[@kalvinmauve2763]

very refreshing and inspiring . Thank you.

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you!

[@alancast46]

You are so awesome!!!!!! You just gave me confidence.

[@Irisphotojournal]

When I first tried to paint watercolour I gave up and began drawing and it helped a lot but It wasn't until I found painters like yourself that I began to understand that detail doesn't matter much, it's all about atmosphere and suggestion. You paint the way I always wanted to but couldn't figure out how; I guess I wasn't brave enough to believe I could be an artist. Thank you.!

[@RobertBurridge]

Glad to help! You did all the work! Thank you.

[@robbielu22]

Perfect just what i was looking for ... Yes i shall practice a whole bunch!!!

[@saswatighosh1606]

Thanks a lot. I just tried along with you for the first time and it was so easy.

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you! Glad it worked!

[@zenahrb8316]

Oh my god this is so good! I'm happy I found this channel.

[@josephtermeer4595]

I love this! I use card board that I prime with my homemade gesso for practicing. I can get cardboard for free wherever! My gesso is effective and cheaper than brand names. I save the good stuff for final products. Thanks Bob! You really help make painting fun!

[@bamboocake]

I just love you Bob for showing me how easy it is painting figures. THANK YOU!!!

[@rosanneridler3812]

Thanks for your enthusiasm, loaded with nuggets of good info. Fun and educational.

[@ellesbelles9816]

Love all of your videos. Thank you for sharing your talent!!!

[@myhappylittlethings2382]

im using the technique on my Watercolor art. 💛 💛 💛 thanks for this

[@artcottage806]

You are one magnificent person

[@justinkeefe3456]

Great video. It’s funny how a small quote can change your life. I feel like I heard a couple of those in just one video. Needed reminding to just play a bit more and enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about only creating that masterpiece. Don’t forget to stay loose and just put down some paint every now and again. Some of my favorite pieces are ones that I intended to just be a doodle or sketch to warm up. When I get stuck I just pretend I’m going to throw the next painting away. No matter what it’s going on the trash so who cares what it looks like. Sure enough 30ins later all the sudden I do care because it looks amazing! Lol. Cheers everyone Thanks for the inspiring painting. You seem like a great guy.

[@HMaxTube11]

Love your spontaneity, looseness, daring to experiment. You’re a good teacher, as well.

[@robertomedeiros7661]

Cool... Fantasticccccccccc.

[@TeethCollect]

One of the best personalities for an instructor I've ever seen, thank you so much for the insight and wisdom!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@TonySwaby]

Brilliant Bob! absolutely blooming BRILLIANT! CARROTS!!! Love it!

[@irinamitrea6013]

You are the combination between a genius and an angel. Thank you!

[@stefanogiuliani3395]

Thanks so much ! You are so inspiring and a fantastic artist !

[@user-nl7zr1jv6g]

Thank you for crating such a nice video about drawing the figures in an easy and creative way!

[@Sugarsheila.]

This is great! Love your personality and enthusiasm as well. Useful info. Thanks 👍

[@trinesandns4947]

Wow! Love the figures! They have so much life and personality!

[@nganeoengstrom5760]

Thanks Bob! Love yr videos....

[@justiceB85]

You are wonderful! Everything looks easy. The personality and way of teaching encourages you to paint

[@bobburridge4696]

Thank you!

[@patricia8889]

I love you Bob . your painting techniques and videos are SOOOOOO Awesome , SO excited to try your techniques and I LOVE your teaching skills. So appreciate what you do and THANK YOU so much. Please keep making more videos.

[@hardtobelieveit2170]

Love it...so much fun. What a exciting teacher.

[@Daniel-yq7rd]

Honestly fantastic, thanks

[@Pamela-gx7sx]

Love your teaching style. Thank you for the great tips

[@ricainternational]

Thank you for the lesson Mr. Burridge! That was fantastic!!!

[@josephtermeer4595]

One of my most favorite videos. I always come back to this one when I need to loosen up. Great video Bob!

[@RobertBurridge]

Thank you Joseph!

[@stormy439]

WOW!!!! That was so cool to see the carrots turn into people! Thankyou, I needed this class big time!

[@j.featherdesign5030]

Bob, you are a joy to watch! I was hoping to find inspiration this morning. You have definitely inspired me and made me smile. Thank you so much for sharing your techniques and your positive vibes. Stay well.

[@stellamk_jff]

Thank you so much for sharing your vision and style. After your lessons I looked at abstract painting from the other side and I like it

[@guillerminaayrolo2929]

I have never seen your art before. you are an amazing artist!!!!! Great tutorial!! Fabulous art!!!

[@wisewomanmassage612]

Fantastic! 🎉

[@vijaykumarthorat4450]

many thnx Bob for helpful study ....