BobBlast 581 - "Painting Reflections, Part One"

BobBlast #581 Painting Reflections, Part One   Welcome Back to Another BobBlast! This BobBlast is Part One—Painting Reflections on a floral vase. First I am working on a solid ceramic vase. In Part Two, the lesson will be about painting reflections on a clear glass vase. To paint the illusion of a three-dimensional vase, think of painting a ball with the light source strongly shining from the left side, and showing a shadow on the right side. One of my favorite teaching mantras is “dark against light, dark against light”—the contrast between the wall, the vase and the table is what gives it depth and dimension. Establish the light source, coming from the left side, adding contrast, drama and a shadow. Starting with a mid tone background, I paint the silhouette of a ceramic vase and flowers with a wide brush loaded with a dark value, opaque color. Next, the focal point is established—like the strongest, showiest flower. Paint a strong color in that spot. The focal point is where the eye goes first—it is the part of the painting that grabs and holds your attention. That is because it is in focus, hard edged and lots of contrast. All the while, I am redefining the lights and darks of the painting—and while the color is still wet, I scrape and scribble drawing lines with the pointed end of my brush or my fingernail. I enjoy drawing and this is the perfect opportunity to scratch and draw back into the painting. Now, take it one step farther… design a still life painting by adding a table and defining the vase. Stay tuned for the next BobBlast where we will play with the reflection of light on a clear glass vase. If you enjoyed this BobBlast, sign up for an Upcoming Online Workshop! •September 4, 2025​ Painting the Illusion of Glass Vessels​ https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit... •September 8-9, 2025 ​Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders ​https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit... Join Bob for "Creative Abstract Techniques” 3-day Online Workshop September 12-14, 2025. Sponsored by Sedona Arts Center https://sedonaartscenter.org/product/... Join us for an Interview with Robert Burridge Artful Minds Podcast on zoom August 18, 2025 6:00pm PT https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regis...   Come Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA •August 25-29, 2025 Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage https://robertburridge.com/burridge-s... •October 24-26, 2025 Larger & Looser Abstract Painting These workshops are in-person, Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA https://robertburridge.com/burridge-s... Contact kate@RobertBurridge.com Schedule Your 2025 Mentor Workshop Today! •September 25-28, 2025 - 1 Spot Open! •Nov 6-9, 2025 These workshops are in-person, Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA Contact kate@RobertBurridge.com https://robertburridge.com/burridge-s...   Upcoming Online Demos •September 18, 2025 Dramatic Landscapes—Clouds and Skies •October 9, 2025 Creating a Series, Using the 5Cs https://robertburridge.com/monthly-de... Bob's Monthly Demo Recordings for Sale Miss any Demos? You can purchase a recording! https://robertburridge.com/robert-bur... Traveling Bob – Tropical Paint-Cation! •January 24-31, 2026 Loosen Up with Color and Collage in Mexico Casa de Los Artistas Boca de Tomatlán, 10 miles South of Puerto Vallarta  Contact Robert Masla, (413) 335-4295 https://artworkshopvacations.com/feb-...   Burridge Online Coaching Private one-on-one Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Strategies https://robertburridge.com/burridge-o...