Wednesday, October 20, 2010

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL

As some of you are already aware, I am currently working on producing my own Signature Line of oil painting products. Several months ago, I was approached by a major art materials manufacturer, who expressed an interest in creating and promoting these products.
This company said they were inspired by viewing my DVD’s and YouTube video lessons and wanted to pursue my style further.
It was mentioned that nothing new has been introduced in the wet-on-wet style in a very long time and that NOW would be an opportune time to do so. I could not find a viable argument for this observation, as I do feel this genre has become stale.
So, my line of painting materials will be available in a few months, probably sometime during the first quarter of 2011.
We are currently testing, adjusting and finalizing the products and now starting to work on the labeling and packaging. It will be a full line; paints, brushes/knives, canvas, custom palette, mediums, etc. All products will have been tested and approved by me and will meet the specifications which suit my particular style.
I have chosen colors and made design changes which I feel are a definite upgrade and improvement. I use many differing approaches in my work, not just “wet” styles and my products will bridge the gap between all these methods, whether it’s using a tonal underpainting, or solely using painting knives.
It is without question that there will obviously be correlations drawn between myself and other well-known and much loved artists/teachers who have come before me.
I have been affiliated with Bill Alexander for nearly two decades and I am deeply grateful for the knowledge he passed on to me and the inspiration he instilled within me. Likewise, I further honed my techniques by watching Bob Ross, too.
But, the truth is that I have learned much from many artists ( as we all have, I’m sure ) and I have taken that knowledge and molded it into my own style.
I do not look at this endeavor as “turning my back” on Bill, or Bob, but rather a continuation of what they started. Bill’s dream was to “teach the world to paint” and essentially that’s what I plan to continue doing. I can only try to pick up where he left off.
I am not afraid to tip my cap to those who have influenced me so much and I owe many thanks to Bill (especially) and Bob.
But, I also feel it’s time to carry on and move forward.
I will be filming new Dvd lessons in the not-too-distant future, as well as more free lessons on YouTube, so keep watch for those.
My product line will be available through my website store at http://www.wilsonbickford.com/ and at
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/
http://www.aswexpress.com/
and other art supply retailers across the country, which will be disclosed once the details are finalized.
I hope to see you in a future workshop, so we can become friends and have the opportunity to paint together!

Sincerely,
Wilson Bickford

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you!!! It's so great that you are doing this, everyone can use something new. I think it's the coolest thing that you are coming up with your own line :)) When I see them in our stores I'll support your products lol. They will be my first oils that I purchase. Good luck with everything Wilson, I'll keep checking in on your blog.

Dawn

Wilson said...

Thanks, Dawn. Did you get your line of cards rolling yet? It's almost Xmas again and I could use them.
Willie

Anonymous said...

*Sigh* no, I'm a failure with keeping on top of having them published. Guess I better try again! LOL, there is a printing place downtown that will duplicate images for cards/calendars and such. I might drop in to see what it would cost me to do so. That's another option. I can't believe it's almost Christmas time again, scary!

Wilson said...

Yeah, another year already. How did THAT happen?

Anonymous said...

I have NO idea my friend lol.

Cindy Makowski said...

How very exciting for you!!! I recently discovered you and have already purchased a couple of your DVD's and your wildlife book. I almost gave up on oil painting, just couldn't seem to master it as compared to acrylics. I am happy to say with your hints and the different brand of paint that you were using at the time, I am in full swing with oils. I can't wait to see what you have out, I will be ready for a resupply by then I am sure !!

Wilson said...

That's great, Cindymak32084. Painting doesn't HAVE to be difficult. Certain techniques yield certain effects and it's all in knowing what those are. You can do a lot with a few simple tools and the right techniques. I'm glad that you've discovered painting again and I hope it brings you as much pleasure as it does me. Thank you for obtaining my book and Dvd's.

Paula said...

Thank You Thank You :} for continuing on in the wet on wet technique and bringing into the future for those who just can't seem to get the traditional methods. I have gained much from you already. I stumbled into you at Utube. It has always been a hearts desire to paint and you are helping me achieve this dream. I wish you continued blessings and much favor. Thank you again.
Paula