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ArtsyFartsy News
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August, 2011


Last Days of Summer

Bob & Clown at Circus Vargas
Bob & Clown at Circus Vargas

Welcome to the August issue! Our jam-packed schedule has been a very rewarding series of teaching workshops, studio time, an art show opening and commission for Santa Maria’s Autumn Arts, Grapes & Grains festival poster. I even squeezed in an evening at a real tented circus!

Lisa at Cheap Joe’s Workshop
Lisa at Cheap Joe’s Workshop

Bob & Robert Dickson, Entertainer & Chef Extraordinaire
Bob & Robert Dickson, Entertainer & Chef Extraordinaire

At Cheap Joe’s in Boone, North Carolina our Loosen Up Workshop was packed with twenty students. Joe’s hospitality and very accommodating staff are one of the many reasons I love teaching there. The workshop space and the mountain views are all the more reason to go there.

Happy Painter
Happy Painter

Then off to Cloudcroft, New Mexico! Not only is this location the home of the top rated workshop in New Mexico, it also is home to one of my favorite spots, the National Solar Observatory. Kate and I made time to visit it twice! Cloudcroft Art Workshops - located 9,000 feet above White Sands.

Cloudcroft Workshop
Cloudcroft Workshop

Next, I went to Traverse City, Michigan during their famous cherry festival to teach my “No Brushes” workshop. Traverse City is a beautiful place, located right on Lake Michigan, teaming with sailboats, schooners and marina restaurants. I’m usually rejuvenated and inspired when I’m near boats and water - Art Center Traverse City made it very nice for me!

Stephanie Showing Off her Landscapes
Stephanie Showing Off her Landscapes

Stephanie Showing Off her Landscapes
Traverse City Workshop Group Hug

This month I made my first trip to the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio - to teach Larger & Looser! Large canvases everywhere made this event an exhilarating and visually creative painting experience. Just look at these photos! What a great place - I’m going back for another week in 2013.

Wyn Paints Larger & Looser!
Wyn Paints Larger & Looser!

Working Studio at the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Working Studio at the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center

My last August workshop was at Wenmohs Ranch, outside of Austin, Texas. This was my 4th time teaching there - and yes, I’m going back for more! Dena Wenmohs hosted another full week and a half of two workshops on her ranch. Wide open spaces, ranch dogs (Christine & Roscoe), the donkey girls (yes, real donkeys) and an insulated studio space that kept out the unprecedented 104 degree heat!

Bob at Mark Thomas Studio
Bob at Mark Thomas Studio

And if that wasn’t enough, in between the two workshops, I was honored with an art reception on August 20th at Mark Thomas Studio in Austin. I am particularly proud that a percentage of sales benefited several Austin non profits: Project Transitions, The Care Communities and Zach Theatre. The evening was sponsored by Hotel Allandale, Starbucks Coffee and Mark Thomas Studio.

Reception at Mark Thomas Studio, Austin, Texas
Reception at Mark Thomas Studio, Austin, Texas

Reception at Mark Thomas Studio, Austin, Texas
Reception at Mark Thomas Studio, Austin, Texas

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.

And... rumor has it, we’re going to Cuba in November, 2014. For details, contact Dillman’s Creative Arts Foundation
(715) 588-3143 or vacations@dillmans.com www.dillmans.com

Workshops in the Spotlight

The 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
A New Studio Chart

Burridge Studio Chart
Burridge Studio Chart

Introducing the latest Burridge Studio Chart: Painting the Illusion of Glass Vessels. Imagine having all on one page, every reference you’ll need to help or remind you how to convincingly paint wine glasses, cocktails, tumblers, flower vases and wine bottles.
$14.95 + shipping & handling + sales tax (CA residents) Don’t forget to use your discount code!
Click HERE for additional product info. Click HERE to view video.

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

Terri from North Dakota asks:
When I paint on watercolor paper (usually 140 lb.), the paper buckles and becomes un-flat.  No matter what I do, it just will not flatten out.
I've read about stretching watercolor paper and tried it without a whole lot of success, perhaps I did something wrong.  I'm wondering if you can offer any advice on what I should try or is this just how it is and I shouldn't worry about it.  Do I need to use a different paper? I'm painting with acrylics.

Hi Terri,
Thanks for your email. You did not mention the brand of paper you are using. My recommendation for paper that stays flat, no matter what, is Fabriano or Cheap Joe's Kilimanjaro. Either 140 or 300 lb stay flat. I have found that Arches and Strathmore tend to buckle.

My Fabriano Paper Takes a Beating
My Fabriano Paper Takes a Beating

I have a quick fix for your current problem: Believe it or not, put your paper under a weighted surface (such as a rug) for a few days. Don't wet it. Cover your paper with a plastic sheet so it stays clean.

When I paint with acrylic on watercolor paper, I always prime the surface with acrylic gesso. Let it dry.

Hope this helps - We’ll send you a Permission Mug!

Kilimanjaro Watercolor Paper
Kilimanjaro Watercolor Paper

Okay, I’m a believer. Cheap Joe’s Kilimanjaro Watercolor paper... I recently purchased 50 sheets of 300 lb CP. The price per sheet is the best deal! And of course, I took advantage of Joe’s discount sale price. Stock up on this paper - it’s better than the more expensive watercolor papers.

Spreading Gesso with a Discarded Foam Board
Spreading Gesso with a Discarded Foam Board

When I paint on watercolor paper I usually trowel acrylic gesso all over the paper. I prime my watercolor paper with one coat of good gesso. When the gesso is dry, I paint with my acrylics. This technique offers me more “play time” with the paint because the paint doesn’t get absorbed into unprimed paper. The acrylic paint slides around on the top surface and allows me to be more free and goof around on the painting.

Bob’s Studio Tip for Loosening Up

Preparing to Paint - My Typical Table Layout

Clean & Organized Studio Overview
Clean & Organized Studio Overview

In my studio, I have found I am more productive and creative when everything is placed where it belongs. I prefer an organized surrounding, so I don’t waste time hunting for my stuff... Even down to my painting table!

Close-up of Table Set-up
Close-up of Table Set-up

On my eight foot painting tables I place only what will serve me. My tables are not used for storing cans of brushes, all my tubes of paint or anything else... just the painting, the paint for my pre-selected color combination and sketchbook with my written goals for this painting. My water bucket sits on a stand next to the painting table, and is the same height as the table top. I don’t have to reach up, over and into a gallon bucket sitting on the table. Also, I am right-handed, so therefore I place everything I need on the right hand side, so I don’t have to constantly reach across the table.

Squeezing Out my Color
Squeezing Out my Color

The four pre-selected colors are squeezed out on the polyethylene covered table. This is my palette. The cover is a 4ml polyethylene roll of plastic, found in most hardware stores. Paint does not adhere to the plastic. When dried, I peel off the “skins” of color and use in my collage paintings later on.

Peeling Paint off my Palette
Peeling Paint off my Palette

This studio tip of organizing my painting area before hand is my way to help me remain clear-minded, efficient and light.

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

Painting of the Month for August
Painting of the Month for August

Want a new Burridge original painting every month? Join the Club!

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, abstracts, 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.

Adding the WOW to the Paintings of the Month
Adding the WOW to the Paintings of the Month

Interested? Click Here for more information and to order!

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

Dusanka from Oregon asks:
What would you recommend is a good policy for returns or exchanges? If art sells from a gallery that's one thing; they have their policies but what if we sell directly from our studio. What should be our return or exchange policy? If the customer, after they get a piece in their home find they are not happy with it or whatever, and want to exchange or return it?

Hi Dusanka,
I do not have an "official" return policy that I publish, simply because I don't want my customers to think that they CAN return anything. When the situation comes up, I offer "store credit" - I do not offer any kind of refund. If someone wants to take a piece home "on approval," I give them a window of 24 hours to have the artwork. I take their credit card number.

Hangs on Approval for 24 Hours
Hangs on Approval for 24 Hours

If they want the piece for longer than 24 hours (like a weekend) - I automatically think they are using the artwork for a party or something like that. So - I rent the work for 15% of the retail price per day, payable in advance by credit card only. If they wish to purchase the painting after the on-approval time period is up, I deduct that amount from the retail price and charge them the balance. It goes without saying that you need a rental contract and the artwork must be returned to you in PERFECT CONDITION.

Hope this helps!

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 with Bob and Nancy Standlee
Kate your Art Marketing Girl with Bob & Nancy Standlee

Click HERE for top of page.
 
Color Wheel
Abstract Color Combinations

Goof Proof Color Wheel
Goof Proof Color Wheel

This issue begins another series illustrating ten color combinations that I use. Each month will feature one of my four-color combos from my abstract painting series. Here’s how it works for me - give it a try!

It Works for Me!
It Works for Me!

After I write my painting goals and intentions, I choose my color combination and put on my table ONLY those four colors, plus black and white. For this month’s color combo, I have selected Red as the dominant color.

Red Dominant Overall
Red Dominant Overall

First, paint the dominant color all over the surface. Paint this first step with a variety of the dominant color.

Dominant Color is Red
Dominant Color is Red

Here, red is dominant, along with other red colors. I’m not beholden to just one red color, so I will also include other reds such as Magenta, Rose Red, Crimson, etc. Let dry.

Red with Focal Color Blue
Red with Focal Color Blue

Next I see that my color wheel spinner points to the Focal Color - Blue Green. In a red field painting, the blue-green color stands out. It’s the focal point. Put the cleanest color at the focal point. If I want to continue to use the blue-green elsewhere on the painting, I mute it down with a small drop of its complementary color.

Add Spice Colors
Add Spice Colors

The two remaining colors are Spice Colors, placed near and around the pure Focal color. Used sparingly around the Focal point, they help to emphasize the blue-green focal color.

At this point I continue either abstractly or realistically. “Under all great paintings are first great abstract paintings.”

Mark Your Calendars!

I greatly admire the painter Willem de Kooning. In the October/November 2007 issue of the ArtsyFartsy News, I reviewed his biography “de Kooning: An American Master” by Mark Stevens & Annalyn Swan. And, for me, I’m thrilled to see that his first major museum exhibition devoted to the full scope of his career is at MoMA in New York City from September 18, 2011 to January 9, 2012. Click HERE to get more info.

This exhibition is shown exclusively at MoMA in New York. My dream is to experience this once in a lifetime event. See you there? And if you can’t get to MoMA, at least get the catalog!

de Kooning: A Retrospective
de Kooning: A Retrospective

de Kooning: A Retrospective
by John Elderfield. With Jennifer Field, Delphine Huisinga, Lauren Mahony, Jim Coddington and Susan Lake
Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: MoMA Publications (2011)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0870707988
Product Dimensions: 12 inches h x 9.5 inches w x 1.25 inches deep

Try This...
Techniques to Get you Started


Floating Sphere Illusion & Gold Box Illusion
Floating Sphere Illusion & Gold Box Illusion

Use symbols or images to convey your story and theme. I have been interested in contemporary Abstract Icons, mythology and metaphors. I read myths from all cultures of the world but I found the Native American tales and narratives to be rich, very well developed, the themes are timeless.

Detail of Line Judges & Overall of Line Judges
Detail of Line Judges & Overall of Line Judges

And with my Roadside Attractions Circus Series, I find I am using circles and other geometric symbols that abstractly represent floating balls, juggling, rigging and the trapeze.

It Works for Me!
Detail of Juggler’s Assistant & Overall of Juggler’s Assistant

The book below has been visually influential when I am developing my intentions for new work.

The Complete Encyclopedia of Signs & Symbols by Mark O’Connell and Raje Airey

The Complete Encyclopedia of Signs & Symbols by Mark O’Connell and Raje Airey
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Hermes House; 1ST edition (2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0681185821
ISBN-13: 978-0681185821
Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds

It Works for Me!

Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures by Robert K. Wittman and John Shiffman

The “most famous art detective in the world” is a living legend. Robert Wittman, the founder of the FBI’s Art Crime Team, reveals for the first time, his thrilling career as a real-life undercover agent catching art thieves, exposing scams and nabbing black market traders. The breadth of his exploits is unmatched and rivals “The Thomas Crown Affair.”

These are his true stories - recovering priceless art including Rodin sculpture, Geranimo’s headdress, the original copy of the Bill of Rights, and artworks by Rembrandt, Pissaro, Monet and Picasso. And, as you may know, he cracked the scam that rocked the PBS series “Antiques Roadshow.”

With the current news of a stolen Picasso from a recent Swiss exhibition, this book is not only priceless, it’s timely. It’s comforting to know that while we painters are busy making art, this guy’s out there recovering our collective older artwork from the bad guys! By the FBI’s accounting Wittman has saved hundreds of millions of dollars worth of art and antiquities.

Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures by Robert K. Wittman and John Shiffman
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Broadway (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307461483
ISBN-13: 978-0307461483
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces

Music to Paint By!

The World Groove music scene started years ago and one of the pioneers was Claude Challe, the owner and creator of Buddha Bar restaurant/clubs and music compilations. Buddha-Bar 1 is the original 2-CD set that started the whole thing! Buddha’s Dinner and Buddha’s Party. Fourteen songs on each CD. This is “dreamworld stuff for your studio.” One just has to sit back and enjoy the ride… through this magical universe. The sounds are eclectic, timeless and atmospheric. It’s a feel good journey between dreams and reality. This is one of the many Buddha Bar types I listen to while painting. The CD set is one of the originals so it may be a challenge to dig up, is pricey, but a real “find” to add to your collection.

Buddha Bar by Claude Challe

Buddha Bar by Claude Challe
Audio CD (June 27, 2003)
Number of Discs: 2
Format: Import
Label: Challo Music
ASIN: B00009XBYK

Another series of cool music in the World Groove tradition....

It Works for Me!
test

Hotel Costes 14 mixed by Stephane Pompougnac
Audio CD (October 5, 2010)
Original Release Date: 2010
Number of Discs: 1
Format: Import
Label: ALLIANCE ENT SPECIAL
ASIN: B003VE4UUI

Inspiration - Children are Natural Born Artists!

I received this letter and photos from Kathleen Miller, a 5th grade teacher - her wonderful letter seemed just the right intro to the second half of this article! If you missed the first half, it’s in the previous issue of the ArtsyFartsy News. Here is Kathleen’s letter and two photos about her “Brave Art Bunch”…

“I have taken classes with you a few times at the Holbein workshops in Vermont. I teach art in an elementary school in CT grades K-5. Your workshops have always given me so much to pass on to my students, you are an extraordinary teacher. Each year I have a group of 5th grade students, my "Brave Art Bunch", that are willing to come to school an hour early to learn more about art and just have a great time with art. Each year I try to give them an acrylic on canvas experience with easels. This year we were running short on time, many missed days due to so much amazing snow. I wasn't sure what we could pull off in just a couple classes (we try to get this work into the region wide art show at the end of April). I finally thought let's try "Bob Burridge" Florals. I told them we were going to paint powerful still life paintings that would grab everyone's eyes! Well Bob, twenty-two 10 year old students and I did what we could with the paints, the time and and the energy we had. I also have an autistic student in this bunch. I took a few pictures to share with you of some of our results. I am putting all of the paintings in our show, they all are so joyful and full of life.”

Brave Art Bunch #1
Brave Art Bunch #1

All children make the most amazing art!
Teaching Points and Additional Ideas:

1) Have the children talk about their creations, not explain their creations. Never ask, "What is it?" Never correct or assign a grade for their paintings. The child is the authority; the art teacher would be advised to refrain from judging or comparing.
2) Keep your negative opinions about a particular art style to yourself. They may shut down the children's open-minded curiosity.
3) Call the children "artists."
4) Encourage risk-taking, not imitation.
5) Keep adult expectations out of the children's time for creating.
6) Wild and wacky and unreal should be the norm.
7) Teenagers will want to conform and add detail. This is a good time to begin teaching and demonstrating proper academic drawing techniques; stressing however, individuality and nonconformity.
8) Never expect a "pretty picture" and never suggest it.
9) Focus on the process and not the end result.
10) Play more with intentions and have the children write down their goals before painting.
11) If possible, do not "reward" or give grades for doing "correct" art; rather encourage individuality.
12) Have a Dress-Like-an-Artist Day (not good clothes) with painting aprons, etc.
13) Near the end of the class calendar, have all students carry their own materials, easels, etc. outside and paint landscapes on location after a talk about Van Gogh.
14) Always do a demonstration (visual learning) and explain what you are doing (audible learning) and a written handout explaining what you are doing... more papers for the inquisitive parents who need to know.
15) Music is essential! A small FM radio near the art table is ideal. "My mother listened to opera on Saturday mornings while baking. I didn't understand the stories then and I still don't, but the same music is a comforting ritual I listen to when painting today. I feel safe creating in unknown territories and paint with no fear."

Brave Art Bunch #2
Brave Art Bunch #2

When You Are Teaching Your Children...

•Discard everything that is unnecessary.
•Aim to be simple.
•Relax, abandon yourself. Fear nothing.
•Compress time. Aim at succeeding, don't waste an instant.
•Don't take yourself seriously.
•Don't hurry, don't rest.
•Use self-humor.
•Don't be afraid to be a little foolish.
•Have endless patience.
•If faced with overwhelming odds, occupy time with something else.
•Have endless capacity to improvise.
•Bring abstract ideas to concrete form.
•Assume that students enjoy learning.
•Believe that children are perfect, and we're just building on their strengths.
•Support everything with a visual aid.
•Insure no possible way to fail.
•A teacher must be upbeat and positive.
•If the goal is only to learn facts, then we lose the chance to know that learning is very exciting.

Art Time in the Studio
Art Time in the Studio

In Closing...

Bob & Dena
Bob & Dena

It was Dena Wenmoh’s birthday during my second week there at her ranch. The whole class hired a troubadour, Ryan DeSiato to sing Happy Birthday to her... he ended up singing for two hours, much to the delight for everyone there! Dena and all the girls fell in love. He sang one of my favorite songs that evening... very beautiful and very timely.

Dena Wenmohs and Ryan DeSaito
Dena Wenmohs and Ryan DeSaito

Imagine there’s no Heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Wenmohs Ranch Workshop
Wenmohs Ranch Workshop

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace

Dena & Jo Relaxing After Lunch
Dena & Jo Relaxing After Lunch

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Nancy & Jean Working
Nancy & Jean Working

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

Cindy Working on her Figure Series
Cindy Working on her Figure Series

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine by John Lennon
Imagine by John Lennon

Imagine by John Lennon
Audio CD (October 5, 2010)
Original Release Date: 1971
Number of Discs: 1
Format: Original recording remastered
Label: Capitol
ASIN: B003Y8YXFS

Bob with New Work
Bob with New Work

Sausalito Art Festival
Booth #143
Labor Day Weekend
Click here for link to my Facebook album - see what I'm taking to Sausalito!


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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