We can’t say it enough! If you plan to paint wet-on-wet, the background layer MUST be thin, meaning there needs to be almost no paint applied to the canvas. We love it when Bill shows us what not to do!

You might ask why the Alexander paints are so strong! The short answer is, that is how Bill wanted them to be. We still produce the same quality paint that Bill spent his lifetime developing. Do you know that with good quality paint you use less paint? In the long run, you save money when you buy quality products. Our paint and brushes are still the same great quality that Bill wanted. Our Magic White and Mediums are better today because we’ve removed the solvents. We know Bill would be happy to have our new formula. He didn’t like using thinner and always wanted to find a way around it. Well Bill, we finally have!

Key Points To Consider:

• Bill is painting on a wet canvas.
• Magic White is on the canvas.
• Bill picks up a little bit of blue.
• He starts at the top of the canvas and then moves downward. The blue paint mixes with the Magic White and becomes a lighter value.
• He also uses a lighter touch as he works his way down the canvas.
• He leaves space between the blue area to come back with highlights.
• Bill touches the strong blue in the top corner and then moves around the canvas. This creates color harmony.
• Even though Bill knew the red paint was strong, he still grabbed too much. He cleaned his brush off on the palette because he was in a hurry but we suggest that you use a paper towel. Palette control is a real thing. It is best when you can keep your palette clean. (We teach you how and why in our Introductory Master Class with Tom Anderson.)
• Most of the red is OFF the brush. Bill adds a brilliant color into the sky by brushing between the blue area. He is using a light touch, leaving very little paint on the canvas.
• Remember, these are still the background colors. Bill needs the paint layer to be thin so he can add thicker paint on top without “slip-sliding around.”
• We no longer clean our brushes with paint thinner or solvents. We use soap, water, and vegetable oil. Need the recipe? Just hit reply to this email and ask for our Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Solution Formula.

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.