BobBlast 569 - "Painting the Illusion of Figures"

Video Description

Weekly BobBlast Issue 569 Painting the Illusion of Figures Welcome Back to Another BobBlast! When I'm painting the illusion of the human form, I generally use three different techniques. The first technique is Carrot People—A dot for the head and then brushing in an abstract figure shape underneath the dot. I practice the shapes over and over with only black acrylic paint and a big brush. As far as painting figures - and different genders, I break it down to painting basic shapes - and this is so generally stated - men have broader shoulders and narrower hips. Women are the opposite—narrower shoulders and broader hips. So, to paint a more feminine figure, I also add a feminine pose, generally borrowed from Greek statues. When I practice painting female carrots, I exaggerate the poses and add a dramatic element of suggested capes, hats and other fashionable accessories. I often start with black acrylic paint to get the basic shape and pose, then add the colors after the black base has dried.These small figure studies are great practice for my larger circus pieces! While I am painting these carrots, I think about movement, motion, action… What are these goofy figures doing? Dancing, Stretching, Running, Fencing—the list is endless! Adding the illusion of action gives you and your viewer something fun to look at.    The second technique I like using when painting the illusion of a figure is what I call the “Rembrandt-style” lighting. Watch the video for this demonstration.    The third technique is reductive painting for the figure: •Negative Shape, or Reductive Painting Allows the Figure to Emerge out of Chaos •Paint around the figure •Paint everything but the figure •Push the figure forward with hard edges •Make the background recede by softening the edges   Using your creative visualization, use a large brush and opaque paint to get rid of everything that does not look like a figure! This is negative shape painting. Tell your stories! Want more Figures? Join Bob for a "Painting Figures with Painting Figures" 2-day Workshop, May 31-June 1, 2025. Bob will teach you to do everything in this BobBlast… and more! Click here to get more info and register on the spot!   Upcoming Online Workshops Paint with Bob in a One Day Online Drip Tree Workshop! •May 27, 2025 Drip Trees & Abstract Landscapes https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-may-27-2025/ •July 8, 2025 Abstract Florals from Loose, Colorful Splatters https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-july-8-2025/ Traveling Bob – In-Person Workshops! Two In-Person Workshops at DILLMAN'S •June 9-11, 2025 Creative Abstract Techniques •June 13-14, 2025 Loose Florals & Landscapes Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat, Lac du Flambeau, WI Contact (715) 588-3143 or [email protected] •Creative Abstract - https://www.dillmans.com/workshops/non-objective-mixed-media-painting/ •Floral & Landscape - https://www.dillmans.com/workshops/abstract-flowers-and-landscapes-2/ Upcoming Online Demos •June 19, 2025 Creating Contrast in an Abstract Painting •July 14. 2025 The Golden Section Composition •August 14, 2025 Fun with Luminous Colors! https://robertburridge.com/monthly-demonstrations/ Bob's Monthly Demo Recordings for Sale Miss any Demos? You can purchase a recording! Click here for Bob's Monthly Demo Recordings for Sale! Come Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA Loosen Up Painting Retreat •July 11-13, 2025 Larger & Looser Abstract Painting •October 24-26, 2025  Robert Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA Contact [email protected] https://robertburridge.com/burridge-studio-workshops/#3-day Schedule Your 2025 Mentor Workshop Today! •August 7-10, 2025 •September 25-28, 2025 •Nov 6-9, 2025 https://robertburridge.com/burridge-studio-workshops/  Burridge Online Coaching • Private one-on-one Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Strategies https://robertburridge.com/burridge-online-coaching/