Landgrove, VT Workshop-May, 2011

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

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

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???

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

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

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"

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.