Weekly BobBlast Issue 554
Painting Different Shapes of Vases
Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!
We are still exploring the basics with these next two BobBlasts! I always get questions about painting flowers… and painting the different shapes and styles of vases. This week’s BobBlast is about working with different shapes in black and white—so the shape of the vase is the focus of this exercise. The next BobBlast we will be working with color for solid, ceramic-type vases as well as transparent glass vases!
So, to begin this assignment, practice drawing beautiful vase shapes. Visit floral delivery websites, or simply google Flower Vases to get an idea for a design you want to use. Practice drawing shapes using charcoal sticks or any soft drawing pencils on a large newsprint pad or your sketchbook. Draw with your entire arm and hands—not just your little fingers. Lightly hold your drawing tool… don’t squeeze it to death.
Don’t forget to breathe! Start loose sketches of different vase shapes. You’re training your brain for the next time AND you’re building self-confidence at the same time. Your studio is like a training camp. Repeat this exercise again and again.
Practice training with a larger brush and a lot more water. Paint shapes—not vases. Watch the video to see these next steps.
Make a black and white painting:
•Select your vase shape
•Determine the direction of your light source
•Draw your vase - Is it solid or transparent?
Light source:
•Dark against light
•Anchor with a shadow
•Don’t forget the hot spot
We have a few Floral Workshops coming up—both online and in-person!
•June 13-14, 2025
Loose Florals & Landscapes - IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
Dillman’s Art Workshop Retreat, Lac du Flambeau, WI
Contact (715) 588-3143 or [email protected]
https://www.dillmans.com/workshops/abstract-flowers-and-landscapes-2/
•July 8, 2025
Abstract Florals from Loose Colorful Splatters - ONLINE WORKSHOP
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-july-8-2025/
•August 16-17, 2025
Paint Loose Florals & Landscapes - ONLINE WORKSHOP
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-august-16-17-2025/
Upcoming Online Workshops
•February 25, 2025
Painting Light & Shadow
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-february-25-2025/
•March 1-2, 2025
Painting with Dry Pigments, Chalks & Powders
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-march-1-2-2025/
•April 22, 2025
Neutrals—How to Create and Use!
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-with-bob-april-22-2025/
Upcoming Online Demos
•February 14, 2025
Diptychs and other Multiples
•March 10, 2025
Painting Heart Air Balloons
https://robertburridge.com/monthly-demonstrations/
Come Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, CA
2025 Mentor Workshops!
•March 13-16, 2025
•August 7-10, 2025
•September 25-28, 2025
•Nov 6-9, 2025
https://robertburridge.com/burridge-studio-workshops/
Traveling Bob – In-Person Workshops!
•April 6-12, 2025
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
Hudson Valley Art Workshops, Greenville, NY
Contact Kim LaPolla (518) 966-5219 or (888) 665-0044
https://www.artworkshops.com/workshop/abstract-acrylic-painting-collage-with-robert-burridge/
•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://galleryofhermosa.com/collections/workshop-and-art-show
It was so successful last time, we just had to do it again!
Burridge Online Coaching
• Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Strategies
https://robertburridge.com/burridge-online-coaching/