This video tip is a continuation of Bill’s project, “Spring Thaw.” We mentioned before that this project was created for video rather than PBS so Bill has a bit more time to paint and to teach.

This lesson has two main thoughts.

1. Cover up what you don’t like.
2. Darken the Mountain color to bring the mountains closer. Bill brings his mountains 10 miles closer by adding more dark.

Key Points To Consider:

• Bill’s canvas is wet
• Bill is using thick, firm paint to create a closer mountain range.
• The farther something is from the viewer, the lighter in appearance.
• When painting a random mountain range you can change it any way you’d like. If you are painting a particular mountain, that is different.
• Bill starts in the back and works towards the front, correcting and covering things as he goes.
• Notice Bill corrected the mountain range until he was satisfied. Oil painting is forgiving that way!
• Bill kept in mind good art principles as he created the mountain range. He was careful to not let the changes he made land on the vertical lines of the previous mountain range.
• How many V’s can you count in Bill’s painting? Look for shapes and negative space.
• Notice Bill’s strokes followed the shape of the mountain range.
• Bill always said, “Do it your way!” He loved to share his techniques but also he wanted to inspire people to follow their own hearts.
• The thick paint is towards the top of the mountain range.
• He used the big brush to tap out the base of the mountain. This accomplishes two things. It created an atmosphere and it thinned the paint out so the next layer of paint will go on easier.

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 

Quickly become a better artist by having access to hundreds of videos led by Master Artists. You also get self-guided, step-by-step courses. And of course discounts on all our special art supplies.

Watch this video to see inside our membership.

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.

Watch this video to see if Master Class is right for you.

3: Let us help you decide your next step on your art journey

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.