BobBlast 487 - Best of BobBlast -"The Last Flowers of Manet"

Weekly BobBlast Issue 487
Best of BobBlast - The Last Flowers of Manet

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

Painting the subject of flowers was not what I wanted to paint. For me, at the time, they were merely reproductions. I felt there was nothing I could learn by painting them. Boy, was I ever wrong! I found a beautiful book - The Last Flowers of Manet - the paintings in this book stopped me in my tracks. Especially, I was in awe - the painterly quality in these beauties was so yummy and clean. I was particularly taken with “Pinks and Clematis in a Crystal Vase”. Secondly, the neutral colored background next to a solid colored flower turned on the light switch for me!

I studied Manet’s neutrals for months and his joy of painting and graphic brush strokes of color kept me in the studio, practicing his flower paintings and his joy!

But wait!! We were visiting the Musée d’Orsay - second floor, French Painters’ section; and turning the corner into the room… and there it was… “Pinks and Clematis in a Crystal Vase” - I never experienced that feeling before. I burst into gloppy tears and a runny nose. I was shocked with happiness. Here was the original painting ten inches away! I never knew one painting could influence me so much - and it did.

Today I paint similar floral subjects, with a whole lot of stuff I learned by copying masters like  Édouard Manet. His neutral backgrounds, strong, colorful flowers, glass vases and reflections got me back to how I want to paint.

What I learned…
•You don’t need all the flower colors and sizes in a painted bouquet
•Simple shapes - the fewer the better
•Strong graphics = bold compositions 
•Flower bouquet is the focal point

Also I learned to paint glass vases. I look at my glass vases differently - light, darks and reflections. What a great lesson! 

Want to know more? Join us for a One-Day Online Workshop - Abstract Florals from Loose, Colorful Splatters! Click here for more info.

"Abstract Florals from Loose, Colorful Splatters"
1-Day Intensive Workshop
•November 14, 2023
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
Enjoying watching Bob's Demos? Join Bob Online!
•November 8, 2023
"Reductive Painting: Negative Shapes"
•December 6, 2023
“Choosing Color Combinations that Work”
https://robertburridge.com/monthly-de...
Don't Miss! - Online Figure Workshops with the Model Pash
November 11-12, 2023
Paint Bob's Circus!
Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
• and •
January 5-7, 2024
Drawing and Painting the Figure with Motion and Emotion
Sponsored by Robert Burridge Studio
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
Check out the ONLINE WORKSHOPS we offer!
•Painting Figures without Painting Figures - December 2-3, 2023
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
•Larger Looser Abstract Painting - December 9-10, 2023
https://robertburridge.com/zoomin-wit...
Missed Open Studio? No Problem!
Click here to see photos of the Studio and
New Burridge ArtWork - For sale on our website
Available Work and Small Original Paint Sketches!
https://robertburridge.com/available-...

Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
The 2024 Studio Workshop Schedule is on our website!
https://robertburridge.com/burridge-s...
Burridge Critiques Your Art
Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Suggestions
https://robertburridge.com/burridge-c...
We have Gift Certificates!
For YOU to give… or for someone to give YOU
https://robertburridge.com/burridge-g...