BobBlast 563 - "How I Start Abstract Painting & Collage, Part One"

Weekly BobBlast Issue 563
How I Start Abstract Painting & Collage, Part One

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

Painters… do you ever get stuck in a creative rut? I do. When this happens and I find myself doing the same painting, or simply not creatively moving forward, I collage and paint a bunch of small practice pieces.

Working on a small format of 8x10 inch watercolor paper, and using acrylic gel medium, paper and paint, these small paintings are non-objective at the start.

All I need is in front of me on my painting table. If I decide to not use something, I take it off the table. I only put on the table what is going to serve me.

I start by brushing lots of gel medium over the entire surface of the watercolor paper. Working quickly, I start arranging haphazard shapes of color paper and texture, into one of the 16 Design Compositions. Watch the demo—this one starts out with black tissue paper torn into irregular shapes, building a diagonal design composition. Use lots of glue (gel medium) and a brayer to avoid air bubbles and wrinkles. Personally, I like the bubbles and wrinkles—more texture!

Stay tuned for Part Two—watch me add paint on top of the collage!

Bob has a two-day online Abstract Painting & Collage Workshop!
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-may-3-4-2025/
Sign up today!

Upcoming Online Workshops
•April 22, 2025
Neutral Colors—How to Create and Use!
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-april-22-2025/

•May 3-4, 2025
Non-Objective Mixed Media
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-may-3-4-2025/

Traveling Bob – In-Person Workshops!
•May 19-23 2025
Abstract Painting & Collage Retreat & Gallery Show at GOH
Gallery of Hermosa, Hermosa Beach, CA
Contact (323) 364-6606 or [email protected]
https://www.galleryofhermosa.com/workshops
It was so successful last time, we just had to do it again!

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/

The Next In-Person Workshop in Bob's Studio
Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders
April 25-27, 2025
3-Day Instructional Studio Workshop
Robert Burridge Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA
Contact [email protected] for fees and details.
https://robertburridge.com/burridge-studio-workshops/#3-day

Join us for a Small Abstract online Workshop!
•May 12-13, 2025
Small Scale Abstract Paintings
Sponsored by Burridge Studio
Contact [email protected]
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-may-12-13-2025/

Upcoming Online Demos
•April 17, 2025
Gluing a Watercolor Paper Painting onto a Wood Panel
•May 8, 2025
Painting a Wine Bottle with 3 Strokes
https://robertburridge.com/monthly-demonstrations/

Come Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA
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/

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