Bill noticed that when he painted paintings with the light source coming from the front of the canvas, he had a harder time selling them. Why is that? Remember hearing Bill say “You’ve got to have the dark to show the light!” Well when the whole painting is lit up, there isn’t contrast. Everything is the same! Now compare that with a painting with light and shadows. Much more interesting isn’t it. Watch Bill demonstrate what he means

Key Points To Consider:

• The focus today is on the concept of the light source. We won’t discuss too much the techniques Bill is using.
• Bill ALWAYS decides where the light is coming from before he begins.
• Light can come from any direction but there is more interest if you bring it in from one side or the other.
• Most of the time the light source is coming from the right with right-handed painters, and from the left for us lefties, unless we make a conscious effort to do otherwise.
• When Bill paints with the light source coming from the front, the mountain appears washed out. There is only really one value showing.
• It is important to have at least three different values to create dimension. Light, shadow, and middle value.
• When Bill had more time, he always painted more than three values.
• Bill recognized and gave credit to God for the power to paint.
• When he built himself up to paint, he knew that was power from above.
• Bill was passionate about painting and teaching. Towards the end of his life, he had a strong desire to pass on his knowledge to others. We are continuing that today.

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 

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.