CLEANING YOUR BRUSHES
When it comes to cleaning brushes I'll let Bob and Bill do the talking.
Quoting from the Bob Ross books, "AVOID WASHING THE BRUSHES IN SOAP AND WATER. Clean your brushes with odorless thinner." The capital letters are thiers.
Quoting from the Alexander Art books, "If you clean and dry your brushes thoroughly, they will give you many years of use. Never use soap and water to clean a brush." You can Even use Baby oil yes Baby oil
When it comes to cleaning brushes I'll let Bob and Bill do the talking.
Quoting from the Bob Ross books, "AVOID WASHING THE BRUSHES IN SOAP AND WATER. Clean your brushes with odorless thinner." The capital letters are thiers.
Quoting from the Alexander Art books, "If you clean and dry your brushes thoroughly, they will give you many years of use. Never use soap and water to clean a brush." You can Even use Baby oil yes Baby oil
Easel
At home a sturdy floor easel is nice. I have a Alexander paint station deluxe easel and I love it.
Mountain Mix
<> MOUNTAIN MIX
Bob Ross' Mountain Mix is great for mountains (duh) but is also used as a base color for bushes, trees and other things.
You can purchase it or make your own. Here's the formula. Use equal parts of Prussian Blue, Midnight Black (or Ivory Black), Alizarin Crimson and VanDyke Brown.
Bob Ross' Mountain Mix is great for mountains (duh) but is also used as a base color for bushes, trees and other things.
You can purchase it or make your own. Here's the formula. Use equal parts of Prussian Blue, Midnight Black (or Ivory Black), Alizarin Crimson and VanDyke Brown.
Canvas!
CANVAS
A medium texture, cotton duck, double-primed artist's canvas is ideal. Portrait canvas is inappropriate because it is too smooth and doesn't "grab" the paint as well as a rougher surface. Canvas panels may also be used.
The manufacturer must have a quality application of gesso applied to the canvas. Usually noted on the label, gesso seals the canvas and prevents absorbtion which allows a medium to be applied. The medium is crucial to the wet-on-wet style of painting. If the canvas soaks up the medium your painting experience will be less than fun. In the case of a questionable canvas you may apply 1-2 coats of gesso yourself.
Fredrix has proven to be a very good but it does cost a bit more.
The Bob Ross canvas is also very good. You can get this directly from the Bob Ross company. It has a gray gesso applied to it.
You can cover any canvas with a gray gesso. Bob Ross makes gray gesso and it's available at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Or you can make your own. Use 3 parts white gesso and 1 part black gesso to create the darker gray that comes on the Ross canvas. I prefer a mixture of 4 parts white and 1 part black for a lighter gray.
A medium texture, cotton duck, double-primed artist's canvas is ideal. Portrait canvas is inappropriate because it is too smooth and doesn't "grab" the paint as well as a rougher surface. Canvas panels may also be used.
The manufacturer must have a quality application of gesso applied to the canvas. Usually noted on the label, gesso seals the canvas and prevents absorbtion which allows a medium to be applied. The medium is crucial to the wet-on-wet style of painting. If the canvas soaks up the medium your painting experience will be less than fun. In the case of a questionable canvas you may apply 1-2 coats of gesso yourself.
Fredrix has proven to be a very good but it does cost a bit more.
The Bob Ross canvas is also very good. You can get this directly from the Bob Ross company. It has a gray gesso applied to it.
You can cover any canvas with a gray gesso. Bob Ross makes gray gesso and it's available at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Or you can make your own. Use 3 parts white gesso and 1 part black gesso to create the darker gray that comes on the Ross canvas. I prefer a mixture of 4 parts white and 1 part black for a lighter gray.
Brushes!
BRUSHES
The simple strokes that make the wet-on-wet method so successful require specifically designed brushes and unique broad palette knives. Traditional oil painting brushes and knives will not give the coverage or style of stoke needed for this technique.
The simple strokes that make the wet-on-wet method so successful require specifically designed brushes and unique broad palette knives. Traditional oil painting brushes and knives will not give the coverage or style of stoke needed for this technique.
Putting A Finish On Your Painting!
<> PUTTING A FINISH ON YOUR PAINTING
Putting a finish on your painting will protect it from the elements. Products made specifically for this purpose are available at art stores. Most suggest a curing period of between 6-8 months before application. Follow the product directions or have it professionally done.
Putting a finish on your painting will protect it from the elements. Products made specifically for this purpose are available at art stores. Most suggest a curing period of between 6-8 months before application. Follow the product directions or have it professionally done.
Signing your Painting!
<>
SIGNING YOUR PAINTING
There are as many different ways to sign your painting as there are painters. And more than likely your signature will evolve over time. Some folks use their initials, some use pen names, others use their full name. The choice is yours. When you sign is also your choice. You can sign it when you are finished painting or you can wait till it's dry. I do suggest that you place the date and the name of the painting on the back side of the frame using a ball point pen. That way you will have a good reference later on.
There are as many different ways to sign your painting as there are painters. And more than likely your signature will evolve over time. Some folks use their initials, some use pen names, others use their full name. The choice is yours. When you sign is also your choice. You can sign it when you are finished painting or you can wait till it's dry. I do suggest that you place the date and the name of the painting on the back side of the frame using a ball point pen. That way you will have a good reference later on.
DRYING TIME
Drying time will vary depending on numerous factors such as heat, humidity, thickness of paint, material painted on, etc. Another factor is the individual colors used. Different colors have different drying times (i.e., normally Blue will dry very fast where colors like Red, White and Yellow are very slow drying). A good average time for an oil painting to dry, when painted in this technique is approximately 2-3 weeks.To see if it's dry touch some of the paint that is on the side of the canvas.
I DONT LIKE MY PAINTING!
<> I DON'T LIKE MY PAINTING
Chances are, if you ever paint a painting that you are completely satisfied with, your painting career is over. Each painting is a learning experience, increasing both your knowledge and skill.
I paint the same painting many times. Sometimes they have been painted in the classroom, but many are done in preparation for the classroom. If a particular painting stands out as something I want to keep I set it aside. The rest I will usually paint over.
This is how I do it.
I let the painting dry (usually for several weeks) and then if necessary, I knock off the high spots with some sandpaper. Then I gesso over the painting. After the gesso dries it's ready. I have found that white gesso doesn't completely hide the previous painting. That's okay, it will still work. Or I use black gesso. Then I'm ready for those really neat black canvas paintings that we do. <> Another alternative is to, once a year, invite your friends and relatives over for a canvas burning party. Just kidding.
Chances are, if you ever paint a painting that you are completely satisfied with, your painting career is over. Each painting is a learning experience, increasing both your knowledge and skill.
I paint the same painting many times. Sometimes they have been painted in the classroom, but many are done in preparation for the classroom. If a particular painting stands out as something I want to keep I set it aside. The rest I will usually paint over.
This is how I do it.
I let the painting dry (usually for several weeks) and then if necessary, I knock off the high spots with some sandpaper. Then I gesso over the painting. After the gesso dries it's ready. I have found that white gesso doesn't completely hide the previous painting. That's okay, it will still work. Or I use black gesso. Then I'm ready for those really neat black canvas paintings that we do. <> Another alternative is to, once a year, invite your friends and relatives over for a canvas burning party. Just kidding.
CARRYING A WET CANVAS
The method we use is called wet-on-wet. We use extra thick paints and they dry slowly. At the end of class you will be taking home a completed painting that is still wet. Several methods are available for transporting a wet canvas.
This is my favorite. Carries 1 stretched canvas or panel.
Quick and easy, these clips are available at most stores. Made to carry 2 stretched canvas the same size.
Available in wood or aluminum. Carry 1 or 2 canvas and they don't even have to be the same size.
<>Finally, you can always use a shallow box. Something similar to a sheet cake box will get the job done.
The method we use is called wet-on-wet. We use extra thick paints and they dry slowly. At the end of class you will be taking home a completed painting that is still wet. Several methods are available for transporting a wet canvas.
This is my favorite. Carries 1 stretched canvas or panel.
Quick and easy, these clips are available at most stores. Made to carry 2 stretched canvas the same size.
Available in wood or aluminum. Carry 1 or 2 canvas and they don't even have to be the same size.
<>Finally, you can always use a shallow box. Something similar to a sheet cake box will get the job done.
COMPOSITION
hard understand Without sentence this be would composition to.
Yes indeed, "Without composition this sentence would be hard to understand".
If you had all the correct parts to a painting without composition it probably wouldn't look or feel right.
When you arrange flowers you are composing them. When decorators work on a room they are composing it. Photographers take classes to learn about composing their photos. Musicians are known for their compositions.
Like music there are various styles of composition. Some like rock, some like rap, some like classical, and there's various styles of jazz. So how do you decide which school of composition is for you?
First, as in anything, there are some basics that should be mastered.
Two of my favorite books for basic composition are Jerry Yarnell's 'Learning Composition' from his Paint Along With Jerry Yarnell series, and William Palluth's 'Composition Made Easy', published by Walter T. Foster.
Once you have a basic understanding of composition then you may consider following the advice of Master Artist Buck Paulson. He told me to find an artist who has a style that I like and use it as a guide. I chose the early works of artist Lynne Pittard.
Remember, without composition any sentence understand be hard would to.
hard understand Without sentence this be would composition to.
Yes indeed, "Without composition this sentence would be hard to understand".
If you had all the correct parts to a painting without composition it probably wouldn't look or feel right.
When you arrange flowers you are composing them. When decorators work on a room they are composing it. Photographers take classes to learn about composing their photos. Musicians are known for their compositions.
Like music there are various styles of composition. Some like rock, some like rap, some like classical, and there's various styles of jazz. So how do you decide which school of composition is for you?
First, as in anything, there are some basics that should be mastered.
Two of my favorite books for basic composition are Jerry Yarnell's 'Learning Composition' from his Paint Along With Jerry Yarnell series, and William Palluth's 'Composition Made Easy', published by Walter T. Foster.
Once you have a basic understanding of composition then you may consider following the advice of Master Artist Buck Paulson. He told me to find an artist who has a style that I like and use it as a guide. I chose the early works of artist Lynne Pittard.
Remember, without composition any sentence understand be hard would to.
Supplies For Painting Wet - On -Wet
<>
SUPPLIES FOR PAINTING WET-ON-WET
<>PURCHASING YOUR SUPPLIES | PAINTS/MEDIUMS | BRUSHES | CANVAS | EASELS
<>PALETTE/PALETTE PAPER | ODORLESS THINNER | BEATER RACK | BEATER BOX | OTHER STUFF
PURCHASING YOUR SUPPLIES
Alexander Art supplies are available on line at www.AlexanderArt.com
Bob Ross supplies are available at Hobby Lobby, Michaels and on line at www.BobRoss.com.
USE COUPONS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. Hobby Lobby coupons are available on line. Hobby Lobby and Michaels have coupons in local newspapers.
<>PURCHASING YOUR SUPPLIES | PAINTS/MEDIUMS | BRUSHES | CANVAS | EASELS
<>PALETTE/PALETTE PAPER | ODORLESS THINNER | BEATER RACK | BEATER BOX | OTHER STUFF
PURCHASING YOUR SUPPLIES
Alexander Art supplies are available on line at www.AlexanderArt.com
Bob Ross supplies are available at Hobby Lobby, Michaels and on line at www.BobRoss.com.
USE COUPONS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. Hobby Lobby coupons are available on line. Hobby Lobby and Michaels have coupons in local newspapers.
PAINT!
Though both Alexander Art and Bob Ross make supplies for painting wet-on-wet, there are some differences. Alexander paints are all thick / Ross dark base colors are thick while the warmer highlight colors are a bit thinner.
Alexander's large brush is 2-1/2" / Ross large brush is 2".
Alexander mediums are thin / Ross mediums are thick.
Names of some of the paints are different. All of the mediums have different names.
Some of the colors are a bit different and Alexander has a few more colors.
ALEXANDER COLOR
Titanium White
Phthalo Green
Phthalo Blue
Prussian Blue
Ivory Black
Burnt Sienna
Van Dyke Brown
Alizarin Crimson
Sap Green
Cadmium Yellow
Yellow Ochre ROSS LANDSCAPE COLOR
Titamium White
Phthalo Green
Phthalo Blue
Prussian Blue
Midnight Black
Dark Sienna
Van Dyke Brown
Alizarin Crimson
Sap Green
Cadmium Yellow
Yellow Ochre ALEXANDER COLOR
Indian Yellow
Permanent Red
Titanium White Soft
Burnt Umber
Deep Orange
Permanent Rose
Permanent Violet
- Mediums -
Magic White
Magic Clear
Black Medium ROSS LANDSCAPE COLOR
Indian Yellow
Bright Red
Titanium White Soft (Floral)
-
-
-
-
- Mediums -
Magic -White Oil Paint
Magic Clear Oil Paint
Black Medium Oil Paint
Alexander's large brush is 2-1/2" / Ross large brush is 2".
Alexander mediums are thin / Ross mediums are thick.
Names of some of the paints are different. All of the mediums have different names.
Some of the colors are a bit different and Alexander has a few more colors.
ALEXANDER COLOR
Titanium White
Phthalo Green
Phthalo Blue
Prussian Blue
Ivory Black
Burnt Sienna
Van Dyke Brown
Alizarin Crimson
Sap Green
Cadmium Yellow
Yellow Ochre ROSS LANDSCAPE COLOR
Titamium White
Phthalo Green
Phthalo Blue
Prussian Blue
Midnight Black
Dark Sienna
Van Dyke Brown
Alizarin Crimson
Sap Green
Cadmium Yellow
Yellow Ochre ALEXANDER COLOR
Indian Yellow
Permanent Red
Titanium White Soft
Burnt Umber
Deep Orange
Permanent Rose
Permanent Violet
- Mediums -
Magic White
Magic Clear
Black Medium ROSS LANDSCAPE COLOR
Indian Yellow
Bright Red
Titanium White Soft (Floral)
-
-
-
-
- Mediums -
Magic -White Oil Paint
Magic Clear Oil Paint
Black Medium Oil Paint
BOB'S PALETTE
You may lay out your palette anyway you like. Artists have their own preferences. The trick is to be consistent.
You may lay out your palette anyway you like. Artists have their own preferences. The trick is to be consistent.
Palette/Palette Paper
PALETTE/PALETTE PAPER
This technique requires ample mixing space. Rule of thumb, the palette should be about the size of the painting.
You can use an extra large palette or purchase palette paper. However a great substitute is freezer paper that is plastic coated on one side. Also known as "fish paper" it can be cut to a generous size.
<> Clean up is easy as you just roll it up and throw it away. An advantage of this white paper is the ability to judge color mixes. By scraping your paint on it's surface with a palette knife, you will see what it will look like on a white canvas. It can also be used to practice on. I have done complete paintings on freezer paper.
This technique requires ample mixing space. Rule of thumb, the palette should be about the size of the painting.
You can use an extra large palette or purchase palette paper. However a great substitute is freezer paper that is plastic coated on one side. Also known as "fish paper" it can be cut to a generous size.
<> Clean up is easy as you just roll it up and throw it away. An advantage of this white paper is the ability to judge color mixes. By scraping your paint on it's surface with a palette knife, you will see what it will look like on a white canvas. It can also be used to practice on. I have done complete paintings on freezer paper.
Odorless Thinner
ODORLESS THINNER
It is important that you use artist odorless thinner. These are available where you buy art supplies.
Do not use odorless products from hardware stores.
Do not use the 'Turpenoid NATURAL' brand.
Of course you'll need a container for the thinner. It should be large enough to clean the largest brush.
To start with a 2# coffee can works well. Placing a screen in the bottom helps loosen paint and makes cleaning easier.
The thinner may be used over and over. I pour the used thinner into a large container and let it settle. Most of the paint will go to the bottom. I then pour the clean thinner back into my brush cleaning container to be used again.
It is important that you use artist odorless thinner. These are available where you buy art supplies.
Do not use odorless products from hardware stores.
Do not use the 'Turpenoid NATURAL' brand.
Of course you'll need a container for the thinner. It should be large enough to clean the largest brush.
To start with a 2# coffee can works well. Placing a screen in the bottom helps loosen paint and makes cleaning easier.
The thinner may be used over and over. I pour the used thinner into a large container and let it settle. Most of the paint will go to the bottom. I then pour the clean thinner back into my brush cleaning container to be used again.
Beater Rack
BEATER RACK
To get thinner out of a freshly cleaned brush a beater rack works okay. Place a Ross Beater Rack or something similar, in the bottom of a waste basket or beater box.
To get thinner out of a freshly cleaned brush a beater rack works okay. Place a Ross Beater Rack or something similar, in the bottom of a waste basket or beater box.
