The paint…

We have a question for you. Do you like things that are hard or easy?

We know you may be up for a challenge once in a while. We’re talking, though, about facing problems every single time you go to the canvas. Do you like to struggle with your paint? Do you want to fight with your brushes? Do you love trying to figure out what you’re doing wrong while you’re trying to create a great piece of art?

We didn’t think so.

You see, that’s what Bill thought when he started teaching students. Before Bill came on the scene, most people were afraid to pick up a paintbrush. Bill made art accessible to everyone. He knew he could create beautiful paintings faster and easier than other artists. The question was, could Bill teach his method to others? He wanted to give his students the advantage of his years of painting experience. He didn’t want them to have to make the same mistakes he did.

Today’s video clip is from our May Monthly Art Project. In it, Bill shares two of the most significant “helpers” in the Alexander Method™.

The paint

The first “helper,” of course, is his paint. We shared Bill’s passion for his paint with you last time. Now we want you to understand why his paint is such an essential element of his style of oil painting.

Most oil paint contains too much oil for Bill’s technique. We know because we’ve tested them. It doesn’t move on the canvas like Bill’s paint. It often mixes rather than “stacks.”

Too thin?

You see, as Bill mentions in the video, you need a thick paint. That’s so that as you thin the paint, the top layer will stick to the bottom layer. If the paint is too thin, you can’t thin it any further. The paint will mix with the bottom layer and create mud. And we’ll bet that’s happened to you, right?

Bill also demonstrates how he adds details to objects with only one or two brush strokes. You already know how Bill creates, as he says, “millions of details” in his mountains. He uses a similar technique with his brush that he uses with his palette knife.

Thick is good

In both cases, though, it is the thick paint that helps him.

If you are trying to paint using Bill’s techniques … and you are not using Bill’s paint … you will struggle

We’ll share more clips from this video this week and next. You’ll see more examples of how Bill’s brushes and paint make creating beautiful art with the Alexander Method™ easy and fun.

At Alexander Art, we have both self-study and mentored art courses. We can help you create beautiful art that your family and friends will love. You’ll also learn the principles of fine art. You’ll be able to create paintings that other artists will envy. Turn loose your creative power and become the artist you’ve always wanted to be. Click here to learn more about the courses at Alexander Art.