AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL

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

Sincerely,
Wilson Bickford

New Work for my Open House

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

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

"EAGLE EYE" Oil 9" x 12"

New Wildlife Works

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

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.