Bill Alexander is known for his happy trees and magnificent mountains, though he painted other subjects. Today’s tip comes from a video we filmed originally for PBS. Bill is painting a large bouquet of flowers. He is using abstract strokes to show how to use color to create a beautiful painting.

Points To Consider:

• The background paint is wet.
• He is creating form using dark and light values.
• He sees the finished painting in his mind.
• He places shadows where he knows they will go even though he hasn’t painted the object that will cast the shadow.
• He is using thick, firm paint.
• Once the paint is on the canvas, Bill uses very light pressure on his palette knife. It barely touches the canvas. If he pressed too hard it would scrape off the paint below.
• The background color is thinly painted. This allows the thick paint to go onto the canvas with ease.

Bill’s message throughout this painting is to not be afraid of color. Notice the shapes he places on the canvas with his knife. He keeps the darks where he wants the shadowy area and uses a lighter green where light would be hitting the arrangement.

If you follow along with this mini-series, please send us a photo of your work. Even if you don’t paint along, feel free to share with us what you are painting. We love to see what is on your easel!

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.