Bill was passionate about the beauty in the world. If you have had a chance to watch his biography you will know that he was born into darkness and suffered many atrocities throughout his life. Yet, he was still known in America as the “happy painter.” How did that happen? Bill decided to use the darkness in his life to show the light, just as he did when he painted. He always recognized the beauty that surrounded him. He loved to create beauty on the canvas.

One of the things he was most bothered by was war. He was born into the aftermath of World War I and then forced to participate in World War II. He was troubled by the news. He just wanted everyone to love each other and not go to war. You will see Bill’s passion for this in today’s daily clip. Oh if the world would have listened to Bill!

Key Points To Consider:

• Bill is painting on a wet canvas.
• Remember! We recommend “environmentally friendly” clean-up. No odorless thinner! Bill would have loved to have that option when he was painting but we hadn’t thought of it yet!
• When Bill is mixing the paint for his cloud base, he mixes thoroughly so there will be no red and blue spots in the sky.
• When he creates the clouds, his Fan Brush doesn’t leave the canvas. He just swirls and moves it without lifting it. When he wants to move to another area he then lifts the brush off the canvas.
• He starts at the top of the canvas where he wants the clouds to appear the darkest. He will lose paint as he goes along AND the brush will pick up the background color. This means as he moves down the canvas he will have lighter color clouds.
• He creates depth by making the clouds closest to the horizon lighter in color and smaller in appearance.
• Bill stops to evaluate his work. He decides he wants the clouds to be larger and darker high on the canvas. He mixes a darker color.
• When highlighting, begin in the lighter areas and move to the darker clouds. If you start in the darker clouds you will pollute your brush and drag the dark paint into the lighter area.
• Bill loved to have dramatic clouds because it would allow him to create more interest in his paintings. Ever notice how much more beautiful a sunset is on a partly cloudy night?

Remember, Bill and the other artists painted a long time before they could so effortlessly do what they are showing us. Be gentle with yourself if you don’t get it right away. Pretend you are learning to ride a bike! Remember when we were young, we didn’t give up we just got back on. That is what we are suggesting you do today!

Happy Painting!

Laurie and Dawn

PLUS: So whenever you’re ready…here are a few ways we can help you become the artist you’ve always wanted to be.

1: Join Our Membership 

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2:  Let US guide you in our Alexander Master Class 

Quickly learn the Alexander proven way to paint starting from where you are… and we’ll lead you from there. The best thing is our Master Class is a unique series of courses with live feedback taught by Master Artist, Master Teacher, Tom Anderson. It isn’t for people who have already “Mastered” painting techniques… It is for people with the passion and desire to learn everything the Old Masters and Bill Alexander knew one baby step at a time.

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Not sure how to move forward on your path to become a great artist?  Just hit reply to this message and put “Art Journey” in the subject line… tell me a little bit about your painting experience (even if you have none) and we will set up a private meeting to see if Alexander Art is a good fit for you.