BobBlast Issue #259
“4 Easy Ways to Begin Figure Drawings.”
June 2019
Welcome back to another BobBlast!
I’m getting ready to teach several undraped model workshops in the next few weeks. These workshops use a number of materials, including charcoal, pastel, colored pencil and even drawing with paint! They are great fun and can push you right out of your comfort zone!
Often I hear some students’ lamenting… “I can’t even draw a stick figure!” Well, neither can I, and besides I don’t want to draw a stick figure – I want my human form drawings to express the thrill of interpreting what I see and maybe even a story!
But… how do I start? I found four ways to begin practicing and sketching – I practice with soft willow charcoal sticks. They are extra rich and soft. Sketching with charcoal is very forgiving and you will even feel like an artist while drawing.
Four Ways… Watch the video as I demo each of the 4 ways.
One – Stick Figures – drawings of the human form with straight lines. Think drawing with straws.
Two – Toy Balloons – Drawings that look like toy balloons, like Jeff Koons mylar rabbit sculpture. Simply draw lots of ovals.
Three – Square Blocks – Just like the toy balloon example, but with square blocks. No ovals. Start with a square torso, continue with the arms and legs and you got it!
Four – Continuous Expressive Line – This is my favorite way to express the freedom of continuous line sketching. Don’t lift your charcoal off the paper – keep it moving and don’t stop. Draw quickly and under 2 minutes. It is what it is! The French painter Honoré Daumier drew like this and it excited me to see this way my very first time.
Well, that’s it! Four simple and easy ways to get started, especially for beginners!
It’s never too late to start drawing.
Below is a list of featured workshops – but did you know that I also offer private sessions in my studio? Perfect for beginners who want a crash course in watercolor or acrylic or for artists who are designing an exhibit and want to bounce ideas for content and techniques. I devote 100% of my studio time to you! Designed for 1 to 3 people – if you are interested or have questions, email kate@robertburridge.com
Some of our subscribers have asked about the “behind the scenes” people who make the weekly BobBlast possible – so we want to give a shout out and thank Bo von Hohenlohe for editing the BobBlast videos. Bo also produces websites and helps authors self-publish books. Please visit his website at www.bvhprods.com
Thanks again for watching and telling your friends! All my BobBlasts are archived on my website and my YouTube Channel. We post new studio tips weekly that offer real content, substance and useful techniques that work for me. And they’re free! We appreciate your interest, questions, comments and support!
Here’s a quick reminder and some upcoming workshops and dates.
If interested, sign up now!
Love, Peace & Happiness,
Robert Burridge
www.RobertBurridge.com
Click here for BobBlast Archive.
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Featured Workshops
June 22-24, 2019
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting
Sedona Arts Center
Sedona, AZ
Contact (888) 954-4442 or (928) 282-3809
Click here for more info.
June 26-28, 2019
Contemporary Abstract Figure Painting & Collage
Sedona Arts Center
Sedona, AZ
Contact (888) 954-4442 or (928) 282-3809
Click here for more info.
July 15-19, 2019
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
Mendocino Art Center
Mendocino, CA
Contact Gina Hurst-Roach, registrar (707) 937-5818
or register@mendocinoartcenter.org
Click here for info.
July 22-26, 2019
Contemporary Abstract Figure Painting & Collage
Mendocino Art Center
Mendocino, CA
Contact Gina Hurst-Roach, registrar (707) 937-5818
or register@mendocinoartcenter.org
Click here for info.
July 29-August 2, 2019
Vermont Art Event
Sponsored by Holbein Artist Materials
South Burlington, Vermont
(800) 682-6686
Click here for more info.
August 5-9, 2019
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, Boone, NC
Contact Edwina May, Workshop Coordinator (800) 227-2788
Click here for info.
August 14-17, 2019
Robert Burridge Studio Figure Painting Workshop/undraped Model
Come paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA
(includes individual mentor time, demonstrations and personal theme development)
4-day Workshop/Mentor Program, limited to 6 enrollees
Contact Kate@RobertBurridge.com for fees and details.
Click here for more info.
September 30-October 4, 2019
Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting
Vancouver Island Art Workshops
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Contact Mary, (250) 714-8080
or info@vancouverislandartworkshops.com
Click here for more info.
October 17-20, 2019
Robert Burridge Studio Mentor Workshop
Come paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA
(includes individual mentor time, demonstrations and personal theme development)
3.5 days Workshop/Mentor Program, limited to 7 enrollees
Contact Kate@RobertBurridge.com for fees and details.
Click here for more info.
January 25 – February 1, 2020
February 1-8, 2020
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage in Mexico!
Casa de Los Artistas
Boca de Tomatlan, 10 miles South of Puerto Vallarta
Contact Robert Masla, (413) 625-8383
Click here for more info
March 28 – April 7, 2020
Holland Riverboat Cruise!
Sponsored by Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat
Contact stephanie@dillmans.com (715) 588-3143
Click here for more info.
View Bob’s Workshop Schedule, click here.
Check out his 2019 Studio Workshops! click here.
Hope you have enjoyed these short, Weekly BobBlasts?
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There are lots of them!
BobBlast #259 – video run time 7 minutes, 19 seconds
If the video doesn’t load in a timely manner click here to view on the BobBlast YouTube Channel!!!
More information from Robert Burridge Studio!
•To read about Bob’s studio practices, intentions, and painting tips, check out his “Loosen Up and Studio Notes” Workbook. Click here for more info and to order.
•You can purchase Bob’s Color Wheel from his website by clicking here.
•You can purchase Bob’s Travel Wheel from his website by clicking here.
•We even have a special for BOTH color wheels! Click here.
•You can purchase Bob’s 2 Chart Combo – Composition Chart and Rembrandt Lighting & Value Chart by clicking here! 2 charts for the price of 1!
•For more info about Bob’s Workshop Schedule click here.
Want a 10% discount on your next purchase of any Burridge Product? Just enter the discount code BobBlast when placing your order. (not including shipping and handling)
