Artist life

My Review of Wilson Bickford Canvas Panels

2011-08-10T12:06:00.001-04:00

Originally submitted at Jerry's Artarama Art Supplies

Archival, warp-resistant canvas panels ideal for students and professionals alike! All too often, both amateur and experienced artists are forced to throw away artwork because it was painted on a poor substrate. Whether that substrate was chosen for economic or practical reasons, it is still a sham...

Best canvas panel ever, in my opinion!

By Wilson Bickford from Gouverneur, New York on 8/10/2011

Pros: Archival warp-resistant

Cons: Professional quality

Best Uses: Great for brush AND knife

Describe Yourself: Artist

Primary use: Personal

Was this a gift?: No

I feel my Signature panels are the best on the market. They're warp-resistant, archival and have just the right amount of "tooth" for any style. Great for Oils, Acrylics and Alkyds! I use these in my workshops and my students LOVE them!

"Chickadee" on my Signature Canvas Panel ( oils )

Tags: Made with Product

"MOUNTAIN STREAM"-Bickford Canvas Panel

Tags: Made with Product

(legalese)

My Signature Brush Line

2011-03-23T15:05:00.003-04:00

My Signature Brush Line is now on order and is currently being manufactured. Shown above is the packaging for the Complete Set. All items will be sold individually, as well.
These items should be available within the next 90 days, give or take. You'll be able to purchase them at all Jerry's Artarama stores, their catalogs and at www.jerrysartarama.com and www.aswexpress.com
Eventually, I will also set up a "store" on my website, once ALL of the product line is in. My Signature line will be a complete array; Paints, Mediums, Brushes, Palette, Canvas, Frames, Easel, etc.
My Canvas Panels and Bickford Bevel Edge Canvases are already available at the aforementioned sources ( see above )
I'm very pleased to offer my Signature Line.

Albany, NY Oil Painting Class-Saturday, April 2nd, 2011

2011-01-27T15:21:00.002-05:00

This is a new project I worked up for the Albany, NY workshop on SATURDAY, APRIL 2nd, 10am - 4pm. It will be held at First Church In Albany, located at 110 North Pearl Street.

"DUSKY FALLS" will be on 16" x 20" canvas and will utilize a partial Acrylic underpainting, over which Oils will be applied.

Please contact me to register, or if you'd like more information. (315) 287-4514 or wilson@wilsonbickford.com

New Instructional Packets

2011-01-01T20:22:00.002-05:00

I've been busy creating some new Oil Painting Packets over the past week, or so. Since I've had a break from my class schedule over the Holidays, it gave me a chance to put together a few more lessons.

These are all suitable for beginner / intermediate skill levels, with the "Classic Still Life" being the most challenging. ( at least in my opinion )

You'll find more info and details for purchasing at my website; http://www.wilsonbickford.com/

Workshop at Landgrove Inn, Vermont - May, 2011

2010-12-16T10:37:00.002-05:00

If you're interested in attending my VT workshop on May 13th - 15th, you can still save 10% off the package price , if you register by Dec. 31st. That's only $540 for 3 nights accommodations, ALL meals and class instruction. Registrations after that date are still welcome, but will be at the normal rate.

You'll find more info and project photos on the "Workshops" page of my website; www.wilsonbickford.com

Great rooms, excellent meals ( prepared by certified chefs ) and fun class projects guarantee a memorable experience!

Give Tom Checcia a call at 1 (800) 669-8466.

New Paintings

2010-11-26T16:10:00.002-05:00

I've managed to temporarily break out of my "winter mode" and work on some other subjects.

These are all from the past few days. They are all familiar subjects to me, as I love painting birds and sunsets. I truly never tire of these themes because each and every one is unique. You'll never see the same exact sunset twice, so you never have to paint it twice. It can be rendered differently every time you sit at your easel.

The same with the birds. Different backgrounds and poses. So many compositions,.... so little time.......

Winter Mode

2010-11-19T11:37:00.005-05:00

This one was created solely with painting knives.

Ol' Man Winter is sneaking into northern New York and although we've had a couple of very small flurries already, there's been nothing substantial. No ground cover yet!

However, it has gotten me into "Winter Mode" and I've been tackling snow scenes at the easel, as of late. Though I'm not really a big fan of snow, I DO love to paint it!

And I DO really enjoy hiking on my snowshoes behind my home, taking in all the sights of the snow-laden trees, the birds flitting about and the cool blue snow shadows draped across the land. It looks like it'll be a while yet though, before we have enough of an accumulation for that.

These are some paintings I've done over the past couple of weeks, in anticipation of Ol' Man Winter's impending arrival.

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL

2010-10-20T21:39:00.001-04:00

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

New Work for my Open House

2010-09-27T19:35:00.002-04:00

Glenda and I are hosting an Open House at our studio near the end of October. I working daily to get some new paintings ready for it.

Here are 3 that I've done this week. ( within the past 2 or 3 days, actually )

"OCEAN VIEW"

"SUNDOWN MALLARDS"

"RED CARDINAL"

Bald Eagle

2010-09-24T15:56:00.002-04:00

What can I say? I'm in my "wildlife mode"!!

"EAGLE EYE" Oil 9" x 12"

New Wildlife Works

2010-09-24T00:11:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple of paintings I've done in the past 2 days. I'm in one of my "wildlife moods", so that's what comes out when I sit down at the easel.

I'll hang on to these to display them at our Open House next month.

"BENGAL TIGER" 11" x 14" - Oils

"GREAT BLUE HERON" 9" x 12" - Oils

Landgrove, VT Workshop-May, 2011

2010-08-26T20:55:00.002-04:00

I'll be teaching in Vermont in a couple of weeks, so it was time I started thinking about my next session at the Landgrove Inn. If you're looking for a great getaway, you can't beat it. Great accomodations, fantastic food and 3 days of painting! And it's very reasonably priced.

You can call the Landgrove Inn at 1 (800) 669-8466 for availability and prices ( which vary by room )

This year's event is sold out with 20+ painters and several accompanying spouses. Glenda and I are very much looking forward to it, since we had such a wonderful time there last year!

I've been busy getting some new projects prepared for next May's workshop. ( May 13th, 14th & 15th, 2011 )

These are the 3 paintings that will be offered.

"ON GOLDEN POND"

"AUTUMN PATH"

"RED ROSES"

These are in Oils, but if Watercolor is more your style, check out some of the other instructors who'll be there, too. Visit http://www.landgroveinn.com/

We'd love to see you there!

A Unique Format

2010-08-13T13:36:00.002-04:00

I recently ordered some "odd" sized canvases to try out. Not that they're necessarily odd, but just a different format than what I'm used to. Sometimes, it's nice to bust out of the "same-old, same-old" rut by trying something you haven't before.

Working on a different surface, whether it's long and panoramic such as this one, or oval, round, or with wrapped "paintable" edges, will make you see things with a new eye and allow you to explore a little.

This one made me think a lot more about the basic composition due to it's long, narrow design.

The trick was to make it full enough, so there were no empty gaps. In the end, I think it works.

Untitled - Oils -12" x 36" Gallery-Wrap Canvas

Mixed Media

2010-07-21T11:37:00.002-04:00

I thought I'd share one my painting approaches, since people often ask HOW I do certain effects and techniques. I don't always use strictly Oils, but sometimes will underpaint with Acrylics and glaze and layer Oils onto that. The first photo shows my Acrylic base, which took about 40 minutes. The second photo shows the... house "blocked-out" with masking tape. ( trimmed around with an X-Acto knife ) This allows freedom to liberally paint the Oil background without having to paint "around" the house. Photo three shows the completed piece. Once the tape was removed, the house was glazed and further highlighted. This approach allows me to get a lot of detail in one session. It's my favorite way to work, as it gives me the benefits of both mediums and the best of both worlds.

Another Sunset???

2010-07-19T13:18:00.002-04:00

I know, I know,............you're beginning to think that all I ever paint is sunsets. The truth is that I wouldn't really have a problem with that. I LOVE to paint them. There are so many different colors and moods you can put into them. I never get bored with them.

Sunsets are Mother Nature's artwork and I'm always observing and trying to at least get "in the ballpark" of capturing her handiwork on canvas. I'll never match her beauty and creativeness, but that doesn't stop me from attempting to and enjoying the journey.

New Paintings

2010-07-16T16:20:00.003-04:00

Here are three new works from the past few days. The sunset/water scene ( 8" x 10" ) is a very simple composition, but I liked the colors in the actual reference photo and had to re-create it. It's a scene from a friend's vacation in Greece. Wish I'd been there myself!

The windmill ( 12" x 12" ) was put together from various images and my imagination. I did all the background first, then had to let it dry before rendering the mill. However, I used Liquin with my Oils, so it was dry over-night.

The winter barn ( 10" x 20" ) was all done with my imagination. I haven't done a snow scene for several months, so I was hoping this would be some sort of "good luck charm" and it would help to turn the tide from our current heat wave. Hey, I can DREAM, can't I?

Fresh Off The Easel

2010-07-06T22:35:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure what brought it on, but I've been in a painting frenzy these past couple days. The weather here is extremely humid and in the 90's, so there's nothing else to do but paint, I guess.

All I know is that when inspiration does hit, I have a one-track mind. Nothing gets in my way until my vision is ( visions are ) realized on canvas.

I did these 3 paintings starting yesterday morning and finishing this afternoon. These all contain some Acrylic underpainting with Oils on top, so I guess they'd be considered "mixed media".

As I've stated on this site previously, this approach is my favorite way to work and speeds the whole process, yet allows me to get the degree of detail I'm looking for.

These are all on Gallery Wrap canvas.

"Monarch Butterfly" - 8"x10"

"Soaring High" - 12"x12"

"Yellow Roses" - 12"x12"

New DVD Release - "SHALLOW FALLS"

2010-06-03T11:35:00.002-04:00

I’m happy to announce that Jerry’s Artarama has just released my newest Oil Painting Dvd, entitled “SHALLOW FALLS”.
This project utilizes an Acrylic basecoat, over which Oils are applied. The key to this approach is in letting the dark background show through, which yields a great deal of depth to the rocks and water areas. Tips for rendering foliage are also highlighted.
Also, for you budding Watercolorists, be on the look-out for my next instructional Dvd , “NEW ENGLAND WINTER”, which will be available in the very near future.
This lesson will focus on many common Watercolor techniques, such as using “paper white”, masking fluid, wet washes and dry-brush texture.
Both videos are presented in a straightforward, step-by-step approach, which is suitable for all skill levels.
Visit http://www.wilsonbickford.com/ or http://www.jerrysartarama.com/ for more information.

"Chickadee On Cattail" 10" x 20" Oil on panel

2010-05-28T14:21:00.003-04:00

I've had this design in my head for a few days now, after seeing a photo of another bird on a cattail stalk. It wasn't a chickadee and this painting looks nothing like the photo, but it definitely planted the seed of the idea.

Also, I wanted to do something different with it, in terms of the format. Therefore, the "mat" is actually a border which I painted with Acrylics. By doing this, I was able to "extend" the bird's tail, leaf and stalk forward, giving it a very pronounced 3-dimensional feel.

I've done this type of theme many times over the years and there's no doubt that it is popular with my customers.

Recent Commission

2010-05-19T21:59:00.002-04:00

This was painted from a client's photo, which was taken from the veranda of their Florida home.

It was an absolutely wonderful photo and when I was asked to recreate it on canvas, I could hardly wait to get started. The sway of the grasses actually made me feel the slight breeze on my face.

Sometimes a photo or painting can "send" the viewer there, right to the location of the scene and this photo did that for me.

This is Oils on a 24" x 30" Gallery Wrap canvas ( 1-1/2" thick ) with painted edges, so it's rather impressive in person, just due to the bigger size.

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent on this!

Knife Paintings

2010-05-12T17:51:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple of smaller paintings I did today, using only painting knives. Sometimes, I like to approach things with a looser style and forgo some of the finer details.

The knives always yield a more impressionistic result.

I also tend to use brighter colors when I paint this way, since I'm trying to achieve something not quite so "literal". It's fun to push the envelope a little.

If you're in a painting rut, or itching to do something different, give this knife approach a try.

Just have fun with it and see what develops!

Adirondack Chair Donation

2010-04-22T12:41:00.002-04:00

The local library recently asked me ( as well as other area artists, too ) to "decorate" some Adirondack chairs which they will raffle for their cause. The chairs were bare pine wood and we were given free reign as to how we chose to embellish them.

I looked at this one for a few weeks before deciding on the loon theme. I had some landscape ideas in mind, too, but eventually the loon won out.

I started with a coat of the blue-green base, which I had mixed at the hardware store, then used oils over that. I also added alkyd medium to the oils to speed the drying, so that I can seal the whole thing and not have to wait the recommended 6 months.

I hope their auction is a success!

Pet Portrait Commission

2010-03-28T21:58:00.003-04:00

This is a very recent commission for a good friend of mine, who lost a beloved pet friend not too long ago. I have done many of these paintings over the years and I currently have more of them scheduled, which will be fit into my schedule when time permits.

These commissions have to be handled with attention to detail, respect and sensitivity, as they are a record meant to immortalize a dear friend and companion. Those of us who are true animal lovers and pet owners can relate to the deep bond we share with our "furry friends".

They are affectionate and loyal to a fault and only desire the same from us in return.

"Man's best friend is his dog" ( or cat, ferret, bird, whatever ) is one of the truest statements ever written.

"Along the Beach" 8" x 10"

2010-03-25T13:56:00.003-04:00

I felt like doing a seascape this morning, so this is the result. Actually, I had recently seen a backlit image somewhat similar to this, either in a magazine or somewhere ( I can't really remember, for sure ) and just worked by my memory of it. I really liked the contrast of the dark water against the light sky and it was stuck in my head 'til I finally laid it down here.

It's funny how some subjects will haunt you! lol Landscape today, still life tomorrow, floral the next day. It's ALL good and it's what keeps art interesting. Don't let yourself get into rut of creating the same thing.

I underpainted the water area with Purple and Black Acrylic, before laying Oils over the top. The underpainting really aids in the illusion of the water's depth.

First "Plein Air" of 2010

2010-03-18T10:34:00.003-04:00

It has been "unseasonably" warm here in northern New York the past several days. Temperatures in the 60's, which is practically unheard of for March. The forecast says we can plan on this break not lasting and we'll be back to reality next week.
Yesterday was a beautiful day, so I hauled out my travel easel and paints and headed out for something scenic to paint.
Pictured here is the result of my little field trip. This is a spot located just a very few miles down the road from me. With the snow melting and all the run-off, this spot was "percolating". Just rushing water! This is the view from the bridge, which is where I set up shop. It's a secondary road, so traffic is minimal and I managed to squeeze into a safer perch behind a guard rail.
Though most of the "ground snow" is gone now, there is still a lot of snow and ice around the river and nearby banks. This particular view is hemmed in with lots of evergreens and cedars and the sunlight that was bathing them resulted in some vivid greens. It was eye-catching and I couldn't have found a nicer spot to try and capture.
I got most of this down and recorded on the spot and finished the closer bark trees when I returned home.
I've been waiting all Winter to get out and do some painting, so this was a great opportunity for it. I hope the good weather holds on a little longer.

Newest Dvd Release

2010-03-09T21:16:00.002-05:00

Jerry's Artarama has just released the second of several Oil Painting Dvd's, which I filmed for them last Spring.
"LAKESIDE BIRCHES" is now available through the Jerry's website ( www.jerrysartarama.com ), as well as my own site, www.wilsonbickford.com
More video lessons will be forthcoming, so check these sites for updates.

"EVENING PARADISE"

2010-03-04T22:55:00.003-05:00

One of the art instructor sites that I'm affiliated with has a monthly project, which is meant to be fun and to see the different interpretations that each of us submit. The theme for March is a tropical sunset scene.
It's no secret that sunsets are a favorite subject of mine, so I had to jump on this one!
This was done in about 3 hours on an 11"x14" panel. I used Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Cadmium Red Light Hue, Cobalt Violet, Ivory Black and Titanium White.
It'll be interesting to see the other unique variations of all the other participants.
That is the most wonderful aspect of art. Each and everyone of us is an individual and that fact will show through in our work, whether it's painting, music, writing, whatever.
Art literally knows no bounds. It can only be stifled by our lack of imagination, so it's important to keep those creative juices flowing!

"SUNLIT STREAM" ( 12" x 12" Gallery Wrap canvas )

2010-02-15T20:13:00.002-05:00

I love to paint the deep woods. There is mystery in the dark depth of the shadows. And the way the light filters through the trees is absolutely majestic! ( at least to me ) What appeals to me above all, is the strong light and dark contrast, which is the entire basis of a good painting.
So many times, I see beginning painters who possess good intentions, but also ignorance of the importance of a strong light/dark balance in their work. It's been said that, "without the dark, there is no light". That is absolutely true!! The darks are what make the lights "pop" and without enough contrast, the end result will be bland.
This principle does not pertain only to wooded landscapes, but EVERY artistic theme and subject. Still life, florals, portraits, whatever the subject,.......all will benefit from a good balance of contrasts.
When thinking about the lights and darks in your next painting, also consider the color "temperatures". Although it's certainly not always the case, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is to use cooler colors in the shadows, warmer tones in the highlight areas. This will add a huge "kick" to your painting and yield a more refined, professional result.

"Moonlit Sea"

2010-02-03T09:56:00.003-05:00

Since most landscapes tend to be "daytime" scenes, I like to throw in a "nightscape" once in a while. This is one I did in a class very recently. Because night scenes are rather monochromatic in the colors, the values are the important factor. The key is in getting the overall mid-tones established so that the lights and darks can be balanced with them. Although there are still strong light and dark contrasts in this piece, the majority of of it is mid-values and the subtle increments between those.

This was a simple color palette comprised of Ultramarine Blue, Dioxazine Purple, Ivory Black, Titanium White and just a touch of Cadmium Yellow Pale ( which yielded the green for the eye of the wave when mixed with the blue )

If you want to try something different and give yourself a challenge at the same time, try a night scene!

Some Recent Work

2010-01-20T13:43:00.005-05:00

Here are a couple of paintings that I've done over the past couple of days. Both utilized some Acrylic underpainting, but are essentially "Oil paintings".

The sunflowers were started yesterday and finished today. I had added Alkyd medium to the Oils to speed the drying, so that it was virtually dry over-night. That made it easy to glaze and brighten the final highlights this morning.

The barn was tackled in the same way, Acrylics underneath with Oils over the top. The difference is that I was able to get the amount of detail I desired without having to wait for it to dry, so it was all done in one sitting.

I use this approach quite often, (more and more, it seems ) and it is one of my favorite ways to work. It eliminates a lot of the drying time associated with Oils and literally cuts the "working time" in half.

Acrylics, Alkyds and Oils,....................... is that mixed-media? And does that matter? Not to me. It's still predominantly 90+% Oils, so I still call it an Oil painting.

All I know is that it works great for my style and work pace.

My New Blog at Jerry's Artarama

2010-01-13T20:00:00.003-05:00

Jerry's Artarama has asked me to post a weekly topic on their new blogazine, "SPLATTER".
For the most part, it will be different entries than what I post here on my personal blog, but there may be a few times when there'll be a "re-run", if it seems like a deserving topic to both sites.
There are a few other artists sharing their thoughts, as well, so check it out!
www.jerrysartarama.com/blog

"POLAR BEAR"

2010-01-09T10:55:00.002-05:00

This is a painting from a couple of days ago. Although it's in Oils, it started with a toned canvas using a blue-gray Acrylic gesso. ( like my previous post, "WINTER STREAM" )

Being an animal-lover, I can always find an excuse for rendering a magnificent creature such as this.

The challenge here was getting enough contrast and definition because essentially it's a white subject on a white background. The blue-gray snow shadows and the "off-whites" of the bear were all adjusted until the bear popped out from the background. There are not a lot of darks in this painting and it is what's referred to as a "high key" painting.

Every painting presents it's own set of challenges and the artist has to study, analyze, tweak and adjust it until evertything falls into place.

"WINTER STREAM" Project Lesson

2009-12-24T15:09:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd share some insights as to my thought processes and techniques with this painting.

This was created this afternoon and I took step-by-step photos along the way to highlight certain points. Although this is considered an Oil painting, I did start with some Acrylic gessoes for the underpainting; a blue-gray for the snow and black for the stream. The idea is to let the underpainting show through to influence the top layer of Oil colors.

Photo #1 - The blue and black Acrylics were applied using a disposable foam brush ( hardware-store variety ) When that was completely dry, I scrubbed a thin coat of LIQUIN over the entire canvas to ease the application of the Oils and to facilitate blending. ( any clear Oil medium would suffice )

Photo #2 - Using a Fan brush, I used small amounts of Van Dyke Brown, Burnt Sienna, Sap Green and Ultramarine Blue to scrub in a "mottled" suggestion of deep woods. I purposely kept the bottom area darker to help convey the feeling of deeper shadows in the undergrowth. Notice that I did not cover up all of the Acrylic undertone and it is peeking through here and there. ( the Oils were applied very thinly and scrubbed in )

Photo #3 - Tree trunks were added using Van Dyke Brown on a 3/8" Flat brush. Evergreen branches were rendered with a Fan brush and varying mixtures of Sap Green, Ultramarine Blues and Van Dyke Brown. Snow on the branches was indicated with Blue and White on the Fan brush, ultimately building to pure Titanium White for the lightest highlights which were placed more centrally on the canvas.

Photo #4 - Using my background Blues, Greens and Browns, I painted the reflection colors into the water. This was with the Flat brush. Note that the brightest glow in the water is nearer the center as it will be an important part of the focal point, or "center of interest". I used T. White for this area. I also started defining the snow shadows and lay of the land at this phase, again saving the pure whites for the middle area of the canvas.

Photo #5 - More snow highlights and some grasses poking through were added. I used the Browns on the Fan brush for the grass stubble, then added more definition ( especially nearer the foreground ) using a Script Liner. As an adjustment, I brightened the glint of light in the water using more Titanium White, which I felt gave it some extra oomph. Lastly, I used some of my Blues and White on the Script Liner to create the snow-covered rocks in the stream.

There you have it! Although there are many different ways to execute a painting, this is an approach I use quite often. By using the Acrylic underneath, I find that I can use less paint over-all in the Oil stage, which keeps me from getting bogged down on a slippery, thick canvas.

I choose my underpainting colors according to my subject. For example, I might use a Yellow or a Red for a sunset scene. Give it a try!

3 - Day Oil Painting Workshop, September 2010

2009-12-11T16:26:00.002-05:00

I will once again be teaching a seminar at the Landgrove Inn, Landgrove, VT. It will run from September 10th to the 12th.

Last year's get-together was a fantastic time and we are looking forward to returning.

If great accomodations, unbelievable meals and hanging out with like-minded, artistic folks sounds good to you, you surely won't want to miss out on this!!

Visit http://www.landgroveinn.com/ or call 1(800)669-8466 for more info or to book your reservation.

IF YOU REGISTER BEFORE MARCH 31st, YOU WILL RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT ON THE TOTAL PRICE!! That's only $540 for the 3-night package, which is even slightly less than LAST year's price! That includes lodging, all meals and the workshops!!

A few spaces have already been filled, so don't delay and miss your chance!

Friday, Sept. 10th Project: "JANUARY MORNING" "This Winter sunrise is created solely with painting knives, which yields a very "impressionistic" result. The warm Reds of the barns played against the cool Blues & Purples of the snow shadows makes for a dramatic contrast. A great lesson in texture and color temperatures!"

Saturday, September 11th Project: "BASS HARBOR LIGHT, MAINE" "This is a rather detailed painting which features the Bass Harbor Light in Maine. The lighthouse stands bravely against an approaching storm. This will be a great lesson in blending techniques and fine detail!" Batten down the hatches!

Sunday, September 12th Project: "ADIRONDACK SUNSET" "The Adirondack region is a beautiful location to witness some spectacular sunsets. In this painting, Wilson will show you some great techniques for rendering believable, dramatic skies. It's easy when using a wet basecoat and large brushes! "

Updated Photo

2009-12-04T15:44:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I was intending to take a better photo of the roses under more favorable lighting conditions. I did a retake earlier this afternoon and I feel this one does the painting more "justice". At least, much more clarity and a truer reprsentation of the actual work. ( I also added a leaf on the table, but that was the only change. )

I just did the barn scene this morning. ( "WINTER MOOD" ) I felt like creating something, but didn't want to get into a piece that was too involved. I had a couple of hours to kill and wanted to paint just for fun! This one is on a 1-1/2 thick Gallery Wrap canvas ( 9" x 12" ). With the exception of some Fan Brush spatter to suggest the falling snow, it was rendered entirely with painting knives.

I swear the more I use those knives, the more I like them. It's all just a matter of what you're used to and comfortable with and I'm getting quite confident with them now.

Actually, I'm considering using this one as the theme for our Christmas cards, but I'd better get moving on it. Only 3 weeks left !!

Vase of Roses

2009-12-03T16:07:00.002-05:00

Every once in a while, I get the urge to paint a floral. Roses, Irises, Daisies, whatever,........ it's all good! I love painting still life anyway, so florals tie into that.
This was painted "wet -into- wet" ( on a black Acrylic-primed canvas ) with some glazing and touch-ups when it was dry.
Please excuse the rather dark, grainy image. I took the photo outdoors, but it was getting late in the afternoon and it was very overcast, as well, so this was the result. Maybe, I'll try another snap and re-post a better photo in a few days.

Winter Mode

2009-11-27T11:26:00.004-05:00

Well, I'll be the first to admit that I really don't care for snow. Living in northern New York all my life has given me ample time to adjust and get used to it, though. I will also tell you however, that snow scenes are one of my favorite things to paint.

Maybe it's just the stark contrast of the white snow and the cool, blue-gray shadows. ( Blue is by far my favorite color ) Or, the mystery of what lies beneath as the snow forms it's blanket over the land.

I really do enjoy going snowshoeing and breathing the crisp air and recording the sights of the snow-laden trees, with both my memory and sometimes my camera. It's very inspiring to "get out in it" !

Here are some recent works just completed in the past few days. I used Alkyd fast-drying oils.

"WINTER WOODS" 12" x 16" - I love birch trees for their stark contrast of black & white. To me, they have the most character of any tree. There are thousands of them in the woods behind my house, so I never lack for reference material.

"FROSTY MORNING" 11" x 14" - As most of you are aware, I love to paint old barns and dominant, powerful skies. When I can combine both of those elements into one painting,........ well,... I'm a happy guy!

"WINTER CARDINALS" 12" x16" - This is a commission which will be a Christmas gift for the client's daughter. The specific request was for a male and female cardinal on a birch tree in a winter theme. So, with that as my guide, this is what I came up with.

Oddly, enough, we have no snow here right now. Very unusual for this late in the year. We usually are blanketed by now. I'm sure our little reprieve won't last much longer!

Recent Work

2009-11-22T18:41:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of recent efforts.

While both of these are in Oils, "DECEMBER DUSK" was rendered using brushes and "WESTERN VISTA" was created solely with painting knives. The difference in the surface textures is clearly evident in these photos.

Sometimes, I prefer a smoother finish and on other ocassions I desire a more heavily textured interpretation. It's the best of both worlds, really, and it's nice to have the freedom to represent something in the way that I see it. Too often, an artist can settle into a comfortable "rut" , which translates into predictable results. Try to shake things up by doing something different once in a while, whether it's using an unfamiliar brush or a different medium altogether.

As for using the knives, I cannot say enough about my fondness for Lukas Painting Butter ( available exclusively through Jerry's Artarama and Art Supply Warehouse ) It's an alkyd-based impasto medium which is fantastic for building up heavy paint layers, such as those shown here. Give it a try, you'll like it!

"Fire In The Sky"

2009-11-10T12:02:00.002-05:00

This is a painting I did this morning, which was inspired by last night's sunset. I didn't take a photo at the time, so it's pretty much just my recollection of it. My main focus was the sky itself, so the land and water are the result of my imagination and just added to complete the composition. This is Oil on a 12" x 16" panel.

I'm Back!!!

2009-11-03T09:03:00.004-05:00

I'm sorry I've been absent for so long from this blog, but I have just had sooo much going on! From what I've gathered through various inquiries, and e:mails, some of you thought I'd passed or at least moved out of the country! lol No, I'm still kickin'!!

Our Studio Open House was last week-end and it went much better than I ever would have expected. I found new homes for a dozen of my paintings and picked up a few more commission orders. Plus, Glenda scheduled some photo shoots for portraits, so it was great exposure all the way around.

Now that some of my paintings have left the nest, I've been busy painting some more works to fill the void. I have to revamp and rotate the stock at some of my local display areas, so now is the time to do it, with the Holidays approaching. This time of year is always my best period as far as sales go.

Here are a few recent paintings from the past couple of weeks. The deer is actually a commission piece which was done from a client's photo. No, that's not dandruff on her head. I think she had just walked under a snow-laden branch and got dumped on! lol

And you know me and "old barns". I never get tired of painting those!

"Snowy White-tail" 12" x16"

"December Morning" 11" x 14"

"Fleeting Light" 20" x 20" Gallery Wrap canvas

New Dvd Release

2009-09-09T16:56:00.002-04:00

The first of my new Dvd's for The World of Art series is now available. Titled, "A FOUR COLOR LANDSCAPE", this lesson fearures step-by-step instruction for a winter, snow-capped mountain scene and requires only 4 paint colors!

Three more videos are "in the can" and will be forthcoming in the not too distant future.

This tutorial can be purchased now at my website, www.wilsonbickford.com and also at Jerry's Artarama www.jerrysartarama.com and Art Supply Warehouse www.aswexpress.com

Fresh Off The Easel

2009-09-04T14:56:00.004-04:00

I'm still trying to get enough work finished ahead for my upcoming Open House. Past experience tells me that it's best to have a variety of subject matters and sizes. Something for everyone! So, I've been trying to come up with some different ideas to fit that bill.

Here are the latest,...... all just completed within the past few days.

"CALLA LILIES" ( 10" x 20" )

"SEASIDE STROLL" ( 11" x 14" )

"EVENING FLIGHT" ( 12" x 16" )

"White-tail Doe"

2009-08-31T19:12:00.002-04:00

For whatever reason, I awoke this morning with an idea for a painting. It was just a mental image of a deer standing in a meadow, but I could see the composition my mind. I knew I had to paint it. So, after breakfast and a couple of errands, I leafed through a few reference photos I had on hand and got started.

This is the result of a fairly detailed Acrylic underpainting with Oils over the top. Because of it's fast-drying nature, I can get a lot of detail with the Acrylics. But, I still love the richness and vibrancy of the Oils. With this approach, I get the best of both worlds.

We have a lot of deer in the meadow behind our house, so they provide plenty of inspiration.

I've had a very busy class schedule for the past couple of weeks ( nearly every day ), so my intent is to spend some time on my own paintings this week. I'm not sure I'll complete a painting each day, but I will definitely be at my easel, as I have some other ideas I'd like to work on.

I have a true compassion for any and all animals, so I feel privileged to be able to capture them on canvas.

New Works

2009-08-21T20:01:00.003-04:00

Here are a few pieces I've been working on lately in preparation for our Open House in October.
All are in Oils, some with an Acrylic underpainting, some not.
I've had a busy week with classes each day at the Thousand Islands Art Center in Clayton, NY.
It was a great time and I had the privilege to work with a great bunch of folks. Painting truly puts us all on one level and diminishes any social barriers. I meet people from all walks of life in my classes and I am fortunate for that.

I had a call the other day from the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. in regards to my appearance on the local Labor Day Telethon again this year. ( I have gone "on-air" every year for the past decade or so at the local TV station, to create a couple of paintings which are raffled to raise money for the cause. ) When I get that call each year, I know that Summer is winding down and Fall will be here all too soon. It's hard to believe we're zeroing in on September already! But, the crisp air and rich colors of Autumn are always welcome, too. It's just hard to let Summer slip by.

"Baxter" ( Pet Commission )

2009-08-09T12:06:00.004-04:00

This is my latest pet portrait. Meet "Baxter". This piece was commissioned as a Christmas gift for the client's daughter. Having never seen this little fella in person, I worked from reference photos which were e:mailed to me.

Personally, I feel that I have captured him and it is finished, but the final, ultimate say on that is always left to the customer. I'll let her look it over and if need be, I'll make any adjustments she may recommend. It's pretty easy to render a dog, but it's much more challenging to capture their dog, since they know him best. I can't always trust photos 100%, as they sometimes fall short of a true representation.

In any case, this was a really fun piece to create and I enjoyed working on it.

Loons on the Lake

2009-08-04T15:26:00.002-04:00

We have several nearby lakes, streams, rivers and ponds which have become "home" to many northern critters. There are many waterfowl species, ( ducks, geese, swans, loons, herons ) as well as muskrats, beavers and river otters.

Common loons ( as featured in this painting ) are very popular around these parts and folks who frequent the lake can experience their sightings and calls quite often. Indeed, it is a calming experience to witness these beauties lazily floating along. Their wonderful call is unique and something you won't forget.

This piece is on 12" x 16" canvas. The loons started as a black & white underpainting in Acrylics. The background and loon "embellisments" were in Oils.

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

2009-07-27T19:44:00.002-04:00

This is a painting I started last night using an Acrylic underpainting. I finished it this morning with Oil glazes and highlights. It's on 9" x 12" panel.

These Grosbeaks are very frequent visitors to my feeders, so I get to study them quite often.

I'm always amazed at the array of birds my little "feathered friend oasis" pulls in. Right now it seems to be mostly Goldfinches, Grosbeaks and Bluejays. For whatever reason, the Chickadees have disappeared for now, but I know they'll return. Along with the Nuthatches, Juncos and Woodpeckers.

I have an "Open House" scheduled for my new studio in October, so I'm trying to get new works ready for display. I'll hang on to this one for that event.

Talcott Falls

2009-07-20T10:36:00.002-04:00

There is a popular landmark, Talcott Falls, which is about 50 miles from my home, near Adams, N.Y. Last week-end, my wife, Glenda and I drove over to take a look and get some photos. It was a nice day, so it gave us a good excuse to take the convertible for a cruise.

Glenda took some nice snaps and I was totally inspired and have determined that I am definitely going to return for a plein air session.

Although this painting is not truly literal to the actual scene, it was certainly inpired by it. I took a few liberties here and there to refine my composition. There are numerous vantage points and potential areas to choose from on site. Everywhere you look is a possible painting. It's a beautiful spot!

You can search Google Images ( Talcott Falls, Adams, N.Y. ) and see it for yourself!

"OREO" ( Pet Commission )

2009-06-24T14:05:00.003-04:00

Over the years, I've done a ton of "pet portraits". Last week, I picked up another such commission from a young lady in my class, requesting that I paint her kitty, Oreo. The photo she provided as a reference was a very close view, just as you see here. While my usual interpretation would involve a full head-shot ( including ears and shoulders ), this was the photo I was given and to be honest, I found it to be a refreshing change from what I had first perceived. I think this is a much more intimate, personal view of a beloved friend and I must give credit to Emily for making me "see" this in a different way. ( and in a more interesting perspective )

I can relate to Oreo, as my wife and I also own two black & whites ( Chloe and Tigger ) and they are very much a part of the family.

This piece is in Oil and is on 9"x12" canvas panel.

More Knife Painting

2009-06-20T11:42:00.006-04:00

Since my last foray into the world of "knife painting", I haven't been able to stop. lol It's just too much fun!! I guess it's just because it's a new approach for me, so it's rather exciting and is taking me out of my "comfort zone". And the Lukas Painting Butter I described in my last post puts a whole new spin on it. It makes everything just tacky enough to be able to keep layering it, which I never had much success with using just Oil paint alone.

And now that I've been showing these paintings around at my classes, my students are intrigued and chomping at the bit to give it a try. I already have 2 such classes scheduled, so I just placed an order at Jerry's for 3 dozen painting knives and a big tub of the "butter". I can't wait to try it in a class!

Shown above are some recent efforts.....................

Knife Painting

2009-06-11T14:36:00.005-04:00

Okay, so it's no real secret that I'm a "detail-type of guy". However, I do love the look of paintings executed with a palette/painting knife. I love the looseness of the strokes and the texture. Most people would not deduce this, ( at least from viewing my work ) but Vincent Van Gogh is one of my all-time favorite artists. He used brushes more than knives in his application, but they still yield that heavy impasto apperance. I've had the good fortune to see some of his paintings in person and they are visually amazing. His "STARRY NIGHT" ranks within my favorite top 3 paintings of all time, though I haven't seen that particulr one in person. Yet!!

Anyway, I was introduced to a great "impasto medium" through Jerry's Artarama called LUKAS PAINTING BUTTER, which is imported from Germany. It is alkyd-based, so you can layer it on as thick as you like and it dries soooo much quicker than just straight oils. Just mix it right in with your oil colors and apply it. It holds all your strokes and is a wonderful medium to experiment with. The best part is that if you're using a large canvas, the "Butter" extends the paint so that you won't use 8 tubes of paint to finish that given piece. And it won't alter your color at all! And since it's somewhat tacky, you can easily keep layering one color over another.

I discovered that if I let it set for a couple hours, it tacks up a lot and only makes any further "tweaking" easier. It is wonderful stuff and I fell in love with it! Be sure to check it out.

I am posting two florals here. The Tiger Lilly was done a couple weeks ago and is on 11"x14" GessoBoard. Lots of glazing and no texture at all. I used brushes only. That's my "usual" way of creating. The Sunflowers are on 12"x16" canvas panel and were accomplished this morning with 2 painting knives and the "Butter". Although I use a lot of knife work in many of my paintings, the times have been few and far between when I've used the knife solely for a piece. Usually, I would get "mud" as everything was just too wet upon trying to layer. This "Butter" solved that issue for me and I love the resulting texture I was able to achieve. Unfortunately, this photo does not accurately reveal that. It is much more striking "in person". I'm certain I will be creating more "knife works" in the future!

The Latest ( in Acrylic )

2009-06-10T14:39:00.003-04:00

This is a piece I started yesterday and just finished up this afternoon before I head out to my Watercolor class. It's in Acrylic and it's on a 22" x 28" stretched "gallery wrap" canvas which is 1-1/2" thick. So, the edges are painted and the branches and grass wrap around the perimeter. I used a sea-wool sponge for the leaf textures in the background, alternating between light and dark values.

It's actually a little wider than shown here as I lost a good portion of it by "cropping" because my photo angle wasn't "square". Therefore, the foreground tree on the far left got "trimmed" considerably and nosed out of the photo. lol Oh well, you get the idea.

It seemed good to work on such a larger scale than I'm used to, just for a change of pace.

Now, I'll go back and tweak those barns I've been waiting to finish. ( from my last post )

More Barns..............

2009-06-08T14:24:00.004-04:00

Okay,.... I know some of you are crying "Uncle" by now and saying, "Oh no, more barns?", but for whatever reason, that's what I've felt like painting these past several days. I don't know where the inspiration for such comes from, but I do know that I love to try to capture the texture of the old wood and the "splintery" feel of the weathered boards. I guess it's that rustic quality that draws me. I also know that as time marches on, these old staples of days gone by are slowly crumbling away and there'll come a point in time when there will be none left. The only reminders we'll have will be photographs and paintings, such as these.

The two pieces that feature the red buildings aren't quite finished yet. I am letting them dry as they're still a little tacky, then I'll be adding a few more details; trees, fenceposts perhaps, etc.

These were all done with an Acrylic underpainting for the buildings, then Oils over the top and for the background and foreground. That way I can get the best of both worlds. Lots of definition and detail on the structures and the blendability and softness of the Oil background. It's impossible to get that amount of detail in the barns without letting it dry for 3 or 4 stages. With this approach I can bring it to this degree of refinement in one sitting. Adding any details from this point is very quick and easy.

New Work

2009-06-04T13:38:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted much new stuff recently, simply because I've been so busy. For the past few days however, I've found a few hours here and there to do a few paintings.

It's no secret to those who know me best that I love to paint birds, wildlife and old barns. ( and lots of other things, too ) But, when I get a chance to paint "just for me", usually a barn or an animal will win out.

Here are a couple that are "fresh off the easel". Both are in Oils, with some Acrylic underpainting. ( each is on 11" x 14" gessoed masonite and untitled as of yet )

By the way, for those of you who haven't checked them out yet, Jerry's Artarama now has all 17 of my Free Art Lessons posted on their site. I've been getting a lot of great feedback from just about anywhere and everywhere. Never underestimate the power of the Internet!!

To see the lessons, click here,...........

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/videoApplication/videoLessonListing.html

Free Video Lessons are now On-Line

2009-05-12T21:11:00.002-04:00

Jerry's Artarama has already started posting some of my Free Art Lessons that I filmed with them last week. So far, there are 7 up and running, with several more to follow within the next few days. Check back at their site for updates. It'll be a few weeks before the full-length Dvd's will be available for purchase.

Click here to view the clips; http://www.jerrysartarama.com/videoApplication/videoLessonListing.html

Filming Videos for JERRY'S ARTARAMA

2009-05-10T19:50:00.006-04:00

A few months ago, I received an offer from Jerry's Artarama ( http://www.jerrysartarama.com/ ) to come to their headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina to film some instructional Dvd's. The video production was expertly handled by Burning Oak Studios.

Glenda and I flew down there last week and I completed 4 full-length lessons and about 15 or so ( I lost count ) Free Art Lessons for them. The Free Lessons will be shown on their website.

The Dvd's ( 3 in Oils, 1 in Watercolor ) will be sold under their WORLD OF ART series heading and will be available at their retail stores ( 15 locations ), their mail-order catalog and their on-line site. It was and is a great opportunity and I appreciate their invitation to work with their company.

Special thanks to the film crew; Robert King, April Tolliver and Greg De Deugd for making it light-hearted and fun while doing a first class job.

Also, many thanks to Michael Goldstein and Ryan Chamberlain for making it possible to begin with.

It's my understanding that the Free Lessons will be posted in the very near future, while the Dvd's will be a few weeks in production and manufacturing, before becoming available. As more information comes forth, I'll update the details on this blog, as well as my website. ( http://www.wilsonbickford.com/ )

More YouTube Lessons

2009-05-01T23:56:00.003-04:00

About 2 and a half weeks ago, I filmed some new lesson clips for YouTube. It's been a year since I posted the first segments ( Holy Cow, A YEAR??!! ), so I thought I'd better get some new ideas out there. My "production people" tell me that they are nearly finished with the tweaking and editing and the new lessons should be up and running this week-end.

The response has been tremendous since those first lessons went "on-air" and I've had feedback and requests for advice from literally all over the world. Australia, Morrocco, Spain, Italy, China, Russia, nearly any place you could imagine. ( not to mention the good 'ol USA , of course ) I guess I was naive when those were first posted as I had NO idea how far reaching they would be. The Internet truly puts you in touch with the whole world. One thing I've noticed ( but I knew it all along anyway ) is that Art, ( as well as music ) is the universal language. The global response through YouTube is evidence of that. I feel fortunate that I can be a part of that and I also feel a sense of satisfaction that I have had a positive impact on fellow artists in regions of this planet that I'll never see. Bill Alexander's vision was "teaching the world to paint" and I feel I am helping him accomplish that in my own small way.

For the new clips, log on to www.youtube.com/wilsonbickford

Bird Habitat Sign Commission

2009-04-24T16:41:00.004-04:00

A short while back, I was asked to create a painting for a future "bird habitat" at The Nature Center, which is affiliated with Robert Moses State Park in Massena, N.Y.

The Center hosts many different programs and is a popular "field trip" destination for a great many area schools. They also provide residence for many animals, such as various birds, fish, ferrets, an iguana (named "Iggy" ) and a marvelous blue & gold macaw (named "Axel" ).

Many critters roam their grounds and geese, raccoons and deer are all common sights while visiting there.

This painting will be "scanned" and reproduced for a "sign" which will be permanently mounted at the beginning of the habitat trail. Since the management knows of my work and the fact that I do many bird paintings, I was their first choice for this request. ( The bonus is that they specifically asked for Black-Capped Chickadees, and they are just about my favorite bird to paint! )

I was honored to be asked and very happy to do it. The Nature Center is a great place which provides a lot of beneficial services, both for animals in need and for the public, so I had no hesitation whatsoever.

This painting is in Oils and I worked in several stages, letting the layers dry in-between. I also used gessoed masonite as a surface, since the texture of canvas would show noticeably upon reproduction and I wanted to be able to render the cleanest, finest detail possible.

Though it'll be quite some time before the sign is manufactured, I am anxiously waiting to see the end result!

My Latest Commission

2009-04-20T10:49:00.003-04:00

This is a painting I've been working at off and on over the past few weeks. It was created using an old black & white photograph of the scene about 80 years ago. It depicts the client's mother ( around the age of 8 - 10 years old ) standing in front of her childhood home. Since the photo is obviously showing signs of deterioration, the client wanted to have it rendered before the ravages of time make that impossible.

Because the original was in B & W, we had no clue as to the actual colors of the subject's clothing nor the trim on the house. The client requested the colors that were ultimately used.

Because of the amount of detail, I chose to work in Acrylics for this.

My Workshops at Norman Rockwell's Studio

2009-04-12T22:32:00.005-04:00

Last week-end ( April 3rd - 5th ) Glenda and I were in Arlington, Vermont at the Inn on Covered Bridge Green, which is the former home of Norman Rockwell. A few months back, I had received an offer from the current owner to hold some classes there. The house is now a great Bed & Breakfast and Norman's old studio is still standing and in fine shape. It was an absolute honor to be wielding my brushes in the same confines as someone of his fame and renown. It was rather exciting to realize that we were working in the spot where he created many of his most famous works, including his Saturday Evening Post magazine covers. Everyone had a fantastic time. Check it out at http://www.coveredbridgegreen.com/

We even had the opportunity to meet and chat with some long-time Arlington residents, who as children, actually posed for some of his paintings. That was incredible!!

I have been asked to return in the future for another round of workshops, so we'll just need to set dates and make preparations.

On a different note, my book was indeed on schedule and was released on April 9th. I have had many inquiries regarding where to purchase it, so I am including the link to amazon.com once again. http://www.amazon.com/Wildlife-Landscapes-You-Can-Paint/dp/1600611206/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226536411&sr=1-1

It will also be available at major bookstore retailers ( Borders Books, Barnes & Noble, etc. ) as well as my website.

Also, I just filmed more painting video clips for YouTube this past week, so they should be all edited and posted within the next week, or so. www.youtube.com/wilsonbickford

The Release of my Book

2009-03-17T19:51:00.005-04:00

I had a class today ( 10am - 2pm ), so I returned back home much later this afternoon. I was very pleased to find a package at my door containing two copies of my upcoming book, "WILDLIFE LANDSCAPES YOU CAN PAINT" ( Acrylic medium ).

Although I knew I'd receive advance copies, I didn't know exactly when. It is scheduled for world-wide release on or around April 9th.

It has been nearly two years ( 23 months to be exact ) from the time I first received the offer until this point. It took a lot of work, thought and effort ( as well as anxiety and worry ) but at this moment, it was all well worth it. At times, it seemed it would never get here!

Although I have seen the text and photos during the "author reviews", it is quite different ( and much more exciting ) to see it in it's finished form.

I have been very fortunate to gain this opportunity. It was dumb luck and chance that NorthLight Books ( F + W Publishing ) even stumbled across my website in the first place. For that, and to them, I am deeply grateful, indeed.

Soon, I will be posting details on my site regarding the purchase of the book. It will be available on my site, at my classes and at major bookstore retailers world-wide. Currently it can also be ordered at amazon.com as a "pre-order" at a substantial savings over the bookstore price. It is also available at several other on-line book sources.

To see the details, click on this link: http://www.amazon.com/Wildlife-Landscapes-You-Can-Paint/dp/1600611206/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226536411&sr=1-1

Sunflowers in Watercolor

2009-03-12T11:16:00.003-04:00

I have a friend who has been extremely helpful in getting my classes rolling in her area. She has gone "way beyond the call of duty" in this matter and I have tried to pay her back several times and in many different ways for her complete devotion. However, she will hear nothing of the sort and stresses that it is "her pleasure" to help out.

Since I know she loves flowers and is an avid gardener, I have decided to give her this Sunflower painting as a token of appreciation for all she has done. ( and still continues to do )

I have been considering it for quite some time and I awoke this morning with this thought in mind, so I started on it right after breakfast. I have yet to mat and frame it, but will mail it out to her once having done so.

While she has taken many of my Oil classes ( and some of my Watercolor sessions ), I know that her true preference is Watercolor, which dictated the particular use of this medium for this gift.

By the way, for you painters out there,............... this was done on MultiMedia Artboard. If you have never used it, check it out. It is absolutely fantastic stuff. It will take any media, wet or dry. EVERYTHING!! You may not have noticed, but the Sunflower painting started out with some Pen & Ink work, then W/C washes over the top.

The manufacturers of this fine product sent me some samples ( upon my request ) quite some time ago and I have used it for several different projects in every medium. ( including a book cover design in Oils that was recently commissioned by a local authoress )

It is the thickness of heavy paper, but more rigid. It will break if bent too extremely. ( remember it is a "board", not a paper ) But, it is like nothing you have ever used. I love it! It is also available in Black. Check it out at http://www.multimediaartboard.com/

Recent Still Life

2009-03-02T11:59:00.003-05:00

I've been very busy as of late, on a lot of different matters, both art-related and not. Therefore, I haven't had an entry here in a couple of weeks.

This is a Still Life ( in Oils ) that I have been working on for a while now, tweaking, glazing and adjusting. It's one I did for my daughter's kitchen, matching some of her decor colors.

She and her husband just purchased their first home last May and did some re-modeling throughout. She mentioned that she needed a painting to complete the kitchen area ( a hint for ol' Dad ), so this is what I came up with. It was done with a "grisaille" underpainting ( in shades of gray ) then glazed with color. Similar to an old Master's approach.

This is a technique that I love to employ when I want a more realistic end result.

Watercolor Project - "Adirondack Vista"

2009-02-16T20:23:00.004-05:00

I'm starting to schedule some watercolor classes again, as I've been getting quite a few requests for such lately. Most of my students strongly prefer the "forgiving" nature of Oils, so as a consequence, the Oil classes fill about 90% of my teaching schedule. Watercolors tend to scare many of them away, which is a shame, really. Watercolor is interesting and fun to work with in that it doesn't necessarily "stay put" and obey like Oils or Acrylics do. This aspect is also what most beginners find so intimidating. Every medium has it's own set of rules and that goes for W.C., as well. With practice, this seemingly uncontrollable monster can be made to respond to your commands, and though still inherently defiant, it will follow your direction.

Shown here is a simple project that I worked up for an upcoming beginner/intermediate class. I was shooting for a misty, overcast feel which Watercolor lends itself to so nicely.

It will require both wet-in-wet washes and wet-on-dry, so it will be a good lesson in gaining the upper hand with this sometimes unpredictable medium.

New Granddaughter

2009-02-10T11:34:00.002-05:00

Well, after much wait and anticipation, our new grandchild was born yesterday morning around 10am. LAUREN joins her older brother ALEX ( 2 years ) and will vie for "Poppy" and "Nana's" unwavering desire to spoil them. lol Hey, that's a grandparent's job, right?
I know some of you aren't there yet and it can sound cliche'd, but trust me,....everything they say about being a grandparent is true! There really is nothing else like it!
She weighed in at 9lbs., 7oz., so she's following tradition. ( I was 9lbs. myself )

Sky Study

2009-02-05T13:45:00.002-05:00

One of my very favorite things to paint are dramatic skies. To me, there's nothing more interesting , challenging and rewarding, if done convincingly. The fact that the sky never looks the same way twice lends limitless opportunities to portray it's ever-changing moods. In my view, the sky is like the backdrop for a stage play. It influences everything around it by setting the tone and theme of what is to come. No matter how beautiful your foreground elements are, they will only be as strong as your sky. It's like building a house on a weak foundation. Trouble can only follow.

I get many, many comments and compliments on my "skies", both from students and from clients. When that happens, I feel that I've accomplished my goal with that particular piece, taking the viewer to that specific time and place.

This one is in Oil and was started a few days ago and allowed to dry, which allowed the "sunbeams" to be rendered more transparently, and thus more realistically. I used the tip of a palette knife to apply the "silver lining", which works great for that effect.

Ocean Wave Lesson

2009-02-01T13:23:00.003-05:00

One of my loyal "blog followers" has asked about rendering "moving" water, so I sat down for a few minutes this morning and put together this demonstration. I broke this down into progressive steps, which will make it all easier to digest. There's actually a lot going on here, so doing it in a logical sequence is by far the easiest way to approach it. I put this on a black background simply for better clarity and contrast ( just for the sake of the lesson ), but you would obviously use lighter, more appropriate background colors to match the particular scene you're conveying.

Photo #1 - Sketch/Layout/ Placement of the wave shape

Photo #2 - Basing in the bulk of the wave trough. Notice that the direction of the wave is already apparent in this early stage. This is of the utmost importance. Waves move in a "corkscrew" motion and they can flow to the right or the left ( that is up to you ), but they require movement!! Also, note the lighter "eye" at the peak of the wave which lends a somewhat translucent quality. It's a MUST!!

Photo #3 - Adding the "dump" of the wave ( see it crashing over? ) and the "shadowed foam" along the crest.

Photo #4 - Highlighted ( white ) foam was added on the top of the shadowed portions. Think of your light direction and don't just outline the whole thing. That's boring and mundane. It's much more dramatic ( and realistic ) to add a touch here and a touch there. Some "spatter" ( thinned white on a Fan brush ) really makes the water move and churn. Foam patterns ( wave lines ) were added with a Scrpit brush and thin paint, first in a shadow tone ( blue and white ), then highlighted with white alone. These must follow the established wave direction.

For this demo, I used only a Fan brush and Script Liner. Colors used were Cobalt Blue, Permanent Green Light, Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Van Dyke Brown and Titanium White.

I hope this helps anyone wishing to improve their water painting skills.

Today's Painting

2009-01-29T17:00:00.002-05:00

My artist buddy, Leo came up today and we painted together in my new studio space. He did Watercolors and I did Acrylics ( shown here - 12"x16" ) from a photo reference I'd had. I think I'll title this, "FOREST RAYS". Last week, I hung a display at a local hospital ( 20 pieces ) and 2 have already sold, so I think I'll use this one to take up one of the missing spaces.

My original intent was to underpaint a portion of this with Acrylics, then lay Oils over the top. Once I got rolling, however, it just felt right to keep going with the Acrylics. At least now I won't have to wait and let it dry before hanging it.

"Days Gone By"

2009-01-28T16:07:00.004-05:00

I had a large class scheduled at a "local"school ( local?-35 miles away ) today, but the weather is terrible and school closed early. So, we re-scheduled for next week. Therefore, I ended up with some unexpected "paintin' time", which is always a welcome opportunity.

Since I love to paint old barns, it wasn't hard to pick a subject. Initially, I had thought of a winter theme, but after looking out the window at the blizzard taking place, I reconsidered. The "greens" in this one let me escape for a couple of hours. lol

This was underpainted in an Acrylic "grisaille", followed by Oil glazes and opaque passages. ( similar to my Dvd techniques ) It's a great way to get extra detail when working wet-in-wet.

I'm a firm believer in having a strong focal point in a painting, so I tried to emphasize the corner of the barn where the light and shadowed sides meet. Making this spot brighter and more dominant brings the viewer's eye to that area and "into" the painting. The tree limb in the upper right helps to frame everything in, as well as lead the eye to the subject.

Maybe next time I'll do the "winter barn".

"January Afternoon" ( Watercolor )

2009-01-24T15:49:00.004-05:00

Lately, I've been getting more and more requests for Watercolor classes. Though I've done a fair amount of those in the past, it seems like Oils are the more popular medium and have pretty much taken over. Personally, I love Watercolors too, so I've started scheduling some of those classes again.

Although it's not (and wasn't meant to be ) a "carbon copy" of such, it was definitely inspired by some of my recent snowshoeing hikes. I wanted to try and capture the crisp Winter air, along with the evergreens and birch trees.

The only 3 colors used for this were Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna and Yellow Ochre. Careful mixing gave me every hue and value I needed. It doesn't get any simpler than that!

"Final Delivery"

2009-01-22T12:06:00.003-05:00

I've been kicking around some ideas for possible painting projects for future classes. Although I've done some "old trucks" before, I liked the thought of an old delivery-type of vehicle.

Scenes from "yesterday" and bygone eras are always popular subject matter. Remember when............?

This one is titled, "FINAL DELIVERY" and will be a 6-hour workshop. The truck is underpainted with Burnt Sienna and Mars Black acrylic, over which oil glazes and highlights are applied. A little drybrushing really enhances the "rusty" texture.

On the Trail

2009-01-21T09:27:00.002-05:00

Glenda and I went snowshoeing on Monday afternoon, since she had the day "off". ( MLK Day )

We'd had new powder since the last hike, so we were breaking new ground again. Whew!!

It's definitely a great experience to get out and enjoy Nature. We took a few photos along the way.

I had my class in Amsterdam, N.Y. yesterday. ( Tuesday ) It makes for a long day as it's more than a 3-hour drive down there. So, in short, I left at 6:30am and returned home at 6:30pm, with about half of that being "travel time". But, I have a great group of folks down there and they're fun to hang with. I have another class scheduled there next month.

Southwestern Scene

2009-01-16T15:12:00.002-05:00

After talking with a longtime student last night, the topic of a "southwestern scene" was requested. It's been quite some time ( a few years ) since I've approached that sort of subject in class. So, I figured it was time to "resurrect" that idea. Here's what I came up with after doing a little "research" of Monument Valley. I've titled it, "ODE TO THE SOUTHWEST".

Busy Week

2009-01-15T16:11:00.003-05:00

I haven't checked in since last Friday, as I've had a lot going on. Classes in Albany over the week-end, dropping off 20 pieces for an exhibit at a local hospital on Monday and another class on Tuesday. It's been extremely cold the past couple of days, with the highest daytime temperature around 4 degrees above zero. Looking at possibly 20 BELOW tonight! I did manage to get out on the snowshoes yesterday afternoon. Although I didn't take the camera this time, I did see a few painting ideas that I may eventually put down. Actually, I have a Watercolor in mind which was inspired by this hike.

Here are a couple more recent paintings. The landscape was done last night, and the "moonlit seascape" was just completed this afternoon with the thought that it may wind up being a class project. Very few colors in that one; Cobalt Blue, Ivory Black, Cadmium Yellow Pale and Titanium White. "Values" are pretty close in a night-time scene, so actual color becomes much less "true".

Today's Effort

2009-01-09T16:57:00.003-05:00

Between organizing and packing for our Albany trip and doing some other duties, I had an hour and a half left to paint this afternoon. So, I did the one you see here. I was thinking of a "morning" time of day, so I used Cadmium Yellow Light and Cerulean Blue which are good in describing that type of atmosphere. Cerulean Blue is a "greenish" blue, as opposed to say, Ultramarine, which leans toward Violet. ( it contains some Red, thus it's much warmer ) Actually, Lemon Yellow would have been a better choice because it's "cooler" than the Cad. Yellow Light, but I didn't have any of that on hand in the studio.

We had some fresh snow from yesterday, so Glenda and I went snowshoeing when she got home from work at 4:00. Just enough time to get in a good, brisk workout before dark. The icy breeze and fresh air were pretty invigorating.

Supposedly, ( if you can trust the forecast ) it looks like it won't be too treacherous for travel tomorrow. They're predicting more snow for late Saturday night and Sunday morning though, so coming home could a little more interesting.

Fresh Off The Easel

2009-01-08T09:25:00.003-05:00

Here are the two new works I had mentioned in my last post. I photographed them this morning, so I could get them on here. Still snowing like crazy today, so I had to snap them on the porch, but the lighting through the large windows was adequate and yielded a good result.

If this weather keeps up, we'll have enough snow again for some "shoeing". We had literally lost all of our snow since my last snowshoe trek. It's coming back with a vengeance now.

More New Work

2009-01-07T19:13:00.002-05:00

I have a couple more new pieces that I'll try to post tomorrow. One of chickadees on a birch tree and one of a bald eagle. I always photograph my work outdoors, because of the better lighting and better results. So, I'll try to snap them tomorrow and post them. It was impossible to do it today,......sleet, snow, freezing rain,.......you name it, we had it.
Hopefully, the weather will be better this week-end, as I have 2 full classes in Albany. I'd hate to get "snowed out".
The word is that there are already 4 people signed up for the "Norman Rockwell workshop" in April, so that's a good start. That should be a great time and Glenda and I are looking forward to it.
Speaking of things to look forward to, our 2nd grandchild is due in about a month ( around February 9th ), so everyone's getting anxious now. It's supposed to be a girl this time, though it's not 100% certain just yet. Time wil tell, as the say.

Teacup Floral

2009-01-06T12:23:00.002-05:00

I've recently been kicking around some ideas for new class projects. Since I get a fair share of requests for florals, I've been thinking in that vein. After a little research, I noticed that a popular florist arrangement involves flowers in teacups. Quite a neat idea and one that I was not familiar with, but I thought it made for a good painting subject. My version ( shown here ) has been simplified to accomodate a 4-hour class time frame, but it got me thinking about a more elaborate rendition for the future. Just for one of my display pieces. Perhaps some gold edging or motif on the cup? Strengthening the colors with some glazing once the initial paint has dried? I think it would be a nice painting to play up the details.

We're headed to Albany this week-end, as I have two full ( actually, over-booked ) classes down there. 20+ students each day. Hopefully, the weather will behave so that it'll be a "go".

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-01T14:42:00.002-05:00

Well, 2008 is now gone and we embark into another new year. I have a lot of exciting teaching opportunities lined up in Vermont and Pennsylvania for 2009. They should prove to be very memorable experiences indeed, and Glenda and I are looking forward to them. ( Please refer to my website for details and schedules - http://www.wilsonbickford.com/ )

Herein, I have included the last two paintings to come off my easel for 2008. The cardinal should come as no surprise to those of you who know me. Birds are one of my very favorite subjects and I never tire of painting them. Very recently, I sold a couple of cardinal originals ( Xmas gifts, I assume ), so I always try to have at least one or two on hand for the next customer.

Also, as stated in previous posts on this blog, I enjoy doing a nice floral now and then, hence the lilacs.

I'm actually considering some plein air painting for this Winter, as crazy as that may sound. I know of other artists who do it, so why not give it a try? Obviously, the key is to go out when it's "warmer" ( 30 degrees ) and not sub-zero. Also, I would think that a sunny day would lend a modicum of "solar" heat, however minimal. Not to mention that it would also enhance the drama of all the snow shadows. Bundling in layers would be a must. I'm definitely intrigued with the idea.

New Work

2008-12-30T13:11:00.002-05:00

Over the past few days, I've been inspired to do a few "wildlife" paintings. I truly DO love animals,.....all animals, so they are great subject matter for me. I haven't done many paintings just for me lately, so I've been enjoying the freedom to do so during this little hiatus from my class schedule. These renditions are simple compositions intended to make the particular animal subject stand out, so I didn't worry about a lot of background detail. I'm not a big fan of "busy" paintings, which in my eye, look too "cluttered". I prefer "short and sweet" and to the point.

These are all on 11"x14" canvas panel, with the exception of the geese, which are on a 12"x24" gallery-wrap stretched canvas. All are in Oils, but started with a "rough-in" of the animal with Acrylics. Oils were then painted over the top. I hope you enjoy them!

Student Christmas Cards

2008-12-26T15:08:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Is it just me, or does it get even more hectic every year?

This year, several students had cards made from some of our painting projects. It's a great way to send a more "personal" greeting to family and friends.

Shown above are some of the cards I received. Note that some of them are not from my class, but unique designs created entirely by the individual. FANTASTIC!!

They were all beautiful! I also received traditional cards from several friends and students.

Many thanks to everyone.

I don't do much "card-sending" myself anymore, simply because I know sooo many people in so many different areas. My "student list" alone would consist of a few hundred people, so it would be impossible to reach everyone. And I'd feel badly to send out to a select few if I couldn't do so for everyone, so I hope you all understand.

We'll soon turn the corner to 2009. My plan is to do a little more plein air painting in the coming year. ( but, I say that every year lol )

New Snow Scene

2008-12-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

Here's a painting I just did this afternoon. It's on a 12"x12" "gallery wrap" canvas with paintable edges, thus eliminating the need for framing. Plus, that format lends a much more 3-dimensional feel.

While it was inspired by my snowshoe trek yesterday, I didn't try to copy it exactly. The photo from my hike was way too complicated and busy to include every detail, so I went more for the "feel" and a pleasing composition.

Initially, I had planned to block in the larger areas with Acrylics, then layer Oils over the top. However, once I got started, it just felt right to continue with that medium, so it is entirely in Acrylics.

I have an upcoming display at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital and I think I'll include this one for that exhibit.

Today's Hike

2008-12-22T15:41:00.000-05:00

I did indeed make it out for a snowshoe hike this afternoon. Great walk, but sooo cold!!

8 degrees. Took several photos. I'll post a few of my favorites herein. It was sunny and bright, so the shadows were quite dominant and contrasting. Light and shadow are the artist's friends, you know.

You'll notice one photo in particular, with a dramatic play of light and shadow. The way the sun was bouncing off the rock and being hemmed in with the blue snow shadows,............ well, it just caught my eye. Beautiful!! And there's another shot that's literally framed in with tree trunks. I LOVE that one! It looks like a painting already. You'll notice that there are 4 trees shown, so in the interest of a more pleasing composition, I would probably add or delete a tree to arrive at an odd number grouping. But, I really like that shot, so I may have to paint something along that line, using the photo as a reference.

Since this was my first trek for the season, I was breaking new ground and it was a pretty demanding workout, actually. Should be a little easier next time, if I can keep the trail open.

Today's Painting

2008-12-21T18:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I got around to painting the floral I had mentioned. I was thinking that I would do it in Oils, but ended up doing it in Acrylics. ( 11"x14" ) I don't like being "pigeon-holed" into painting only landscapes or animals. I enjoy doing florals and still life, too. It's important to be able to handle any and all subjects, even though you'll always have favorites.

You'll be much more well-rounded if you can paint literally anything. I can distinctly remember back when I first started painting, thinking "I don't want to paint only scenes ( I didn't know they were referred to as "landscapes" at that time ) I want to paint barns, birds, deer, flowers, fruit on a table, everything!" And that was how I approached it from the beginning. There's a whole world out there and it's nice to be able to capture all of it!

Some artists are known as "floral painters" or "landscape artists". That title always seemed too confining for me.

Lots of snow coming down right now and more predicted for tomorrow. Tomorrow might be a good day to take a snowshoe hike with the camera.

Great class today

2008-12-20T17:16:00.000-05:00

I had a great group at the Oil class today. ( but then, I have a great group at every class )
It was at the Remington Museum in Ogdensburg and we painted "THROUGH THE WINDOW" Everyone did a fantastic job. As usual, every rendition was unique and beautiful in it's own right.
That's the best aspect of art, in general. Everyone has their own interpretation and style and their own personality will shine through, regardless of the given subject matter.
With the Holidays coming up, I didn't schedule any classes through that time, so I have a couple of weeks to kick back a little and work up some new ideas. ( both for class projects and for myself )
I've had this image in my head for the past several days, of.... Daffodils!!! Don't ask me why,.............maybe it's just because of the onset of Winter and I'm already longing for Spring.
Who really knows where inspiration comes from? It just shows up on your stoop and knocks on the door!
Anyway, if I get a chance to put this "vision" on canvas within the next few days, I'll include a photo herein.
Looks like another cold one tonight! And more snow tomorrow. I'll get those snowshoes out yet!

New Space for Classes and Display

2008-12-18T08:07:00.000-05:00

Glenda and I recently had a building added to our property, which will be a work space to hold some classes and for her to do her portrait photography. It's only been completed for about 3 weeks and she's already had several "shoots" in it. We REALLY needed the extra room, so it's working out great. I had to install all the lighting fixtures, as well as track lighting, and a heating unit. I plan on holding some Watercolor classes here, starting in maybe late January. Folks have already been inquiring about it. I'll also display my paintings and her photos, as we often have people wanting to stop in and browse.

New Project

2008-12-17T15:58:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking of some new project ideas and hopefully will get a chance to get some designs down on canvas over the "Holiday break".

Here's one I just did today that I'm going to title "BUNNY TRAIL". I was striving for a cold, gray winter atmosphere. I think this pretty much nailed that feel.

Rockwell Seminar

2008-12-16T07:55:00.000-05:00

As I've been told by the owner, there have already been inquiries into the workshops at The Inn on Covered Bridge Green in Vermont for the April dates. ( Norman Rockwell's former personal studio ) That will be a great experience! I am so looking forward to it!

Chilly Today

2008-12-16T07:45:00.000-05:00

Headed out for an Oil class this morning. Starts at 10am. Had an evening class last night and got home around 10:30pm. Slower pace the rest of the week with just a class on Saturday coming up. It'll give me a chance to work on the book review, design some new projects and get started on some commission orders.
It was warmer and rainy yesterday which melted a lot of the snow we had. So much for snowshoeing any time soon. Quite chilly this morning, temps in the low 20's.
It'll be a good day to be inside and paint with the class.

Watercolors Today.

2008-12-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

I have a Watercolor class today. Making Holiday Greeting cards. That's always a fun class to do.
It's nice to be able to send a card that was handcrafted by YOU, personally.
By the way, I've received several cards already from students who photographed their paintings and turned them into cards. Thanks for sending them. I really enjoy seeing what you've done with them.
Much warmer today. ( and tomorrow, too, according to the forecast ) It's a nice repreive from the bitter cold of the last few days.

Rockwell's Studio in Vermont

2008-12-12T20:48:00.000-05:00

I received an incredible offer last week, which I have just confirmed and nailed down some details for. The owners of The Inn on Covered Bridge Green in Arlington, Vermont have invited me to conduct some classes there. Now a Bed & Breakfast, it is the former home and painting studio of Norman Rockwell. The studio is still intact and "as it was" when Norman created most of his famous Saturday Evening Post covers. We will be holding the classes in that same studio.
Too cool!! It's in early April '09, check my website for the details. Also, check out www.coveredbridgegreen.com It is BEAUTIFUL!!!
The owner, Clint Dickens, said he came across my website during a random search for Art Instructors, hence the offer. The Internet is such a powerful tool,...........I have received many opportunities through my site that I never would have gotten, otherwise.
I have also booked a 3-day seminar at the Landgrove Inn in Landgrove, VT. That not 'til Sept., so I'll have more info forthcoming with that in the near future.

Couple of big classes this week-end. Oils on Saturday and Watercolors on Sunday. Hopefully, the snow is done for now.
I've pretty much finished up the last author review on the book and have to have it turned in by mid-December, so that's behind me now. It's hard to believe that I've been working on that for a year and a half.
Our grandson, Alex ( 2-1/2 years ) loves his coloring books and is getting much better at "staying in the lines". Maybe, we'll have another artist in the family.

2008-12-10T10:42:00.000-05:00

Freezing rain this morning, now snow. No class today, so it's a good day to paint in the studio.
If we get enough snow, it'll be great to get out on the snowshoes in the next few days and check out "Nature's Blanket" in the meadow behind my home. The heavily - laden trees are always good painting inspiration. The beautiful scenery, the fresh air, the birds chirping in the snowy branches,.......and just the complete quiet and solitude,....... that's what makes Winter bearable.

Wilson Bickford - Professional Artist/ Instructor

2008-12-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

Hi,
This "blogging" is a new venture for me, but I've been told it's a great way to make new friends and contacts.
Being an artist, author and teacher, I meet hundreds of new people each year in my travels.
With respect to my occupation, I am extremely fortunate that I can make my livelihood by engaging in what I love to do most,.. PAINT!! I firmly believe that art is not a talent, but a "desire". Anyone can learn ANYTHING as long as they're earnest and put their heart into it.
Perseverance and practice always pay off, no matter what the activity.
If you're not familiar with me or my work, please check out the following links;
www.wilsonbickford.com
www.youtube.com/wilsonbickford
I welcome your comments or questions.

Willie