Learning to Paint: Copying Bob Ross#8

Painting done May 2019.

I was starting to do a better job of using a delicate touch to highlight the trees and bushes. The result is that the trees have some sky holes and I don’t kill all of the dark shadow areas.

In this painting there is room for improvement using more delicate pressures when applying highlights. I recommend using relaxation techniques before and during painting because I found that I would tighten up worrying about being a “good” artist.

First of all, and this is really hard for me, you have let go of what other people think. Some people will like your painting and some people will hate it…that goes for even the most famous artists. Just paint from your center as best as you can.

Second, relaxation techniques that work for me are:

1) 10 minute yoga warm-up (e.g., yoga with Adriene self care, and yoga with Adriene for focus & productivity)

2) Be mindful of any physical and mental tension while painting…remember to take deep breaths.

3) Put on some great painting music that gets you in a “flow.” The right music choice is very personal and can vary from day to day. I generally paint with old school rap, boom bap type beats, or old school instrumental beats.