BobBlast 310 - "Triangles – Another Shape!"

BobBlast Issue 310 - Triangle - Another Shape! Welcome back to another BobBlast! Shapes, more shapes! A previous BobBlast featured circles. So this BobBlast is all about another basic shape - the triangle! Just like circles and squares, triangles can be found everywhere in nature. I was looking at a chicken - triangles for the body, head, tail and feet. This makes for a great concept and I stay on track with such a strong visual! Today's painting concept begins with loosely splashed colors on a full sheet of watercolor paper. I am not using a specific color combination - I am going for the gusto, with loose, abstract splashing. I keep my brush moving quickly with pure color, avoiding making mud. After the initial "mess" dries, I develop the shape of a chicken - rather, a Circus Bird - by keeping the basic triangular shapes in mind. How? By negative shape or reductive painting. I establish the chicken shape by painting with opaque colors over the areas that don't look like the chicken! Notice in the demo that I start by lightly wiping a translucent gold over the entire surface to darken and pull together the overall colors. Next, with a light opaque color, I brush in the background around the chicken shape. This is the negative shape painting technique. I also use opaque colors over any colors that don't work anymore. To create an atmosphere of fun and excitement - I turn my chicken into a "Circus Bird" with ribbons and costumes! It's a goofy and quirky way to be more adventurous in your painting. To doesn't always have to be great - but it will always be fun! Did you know that I also offer private sessions in my studio? Perfect for beginners who want a crash course in watercolor or acrylic or for artists who are designing an exhibit and want to bounce ideas for content and techniques. I devote 100% of my studio time to you! Designed for 1 to 3 people - if you are interested or have questions, email kate@robertburridge.com