Oil Painting Lesson - Wilson Bickford - Fir Tree

[Isaiahtalkington]

this is a very helpful video and appreciate your tips!

[wilsonbickford]

That's good, glad to hear it!

[craz2311]

I practised painting the fir trees, I followed exactly what you taught in the vid. It really helped

[xXxShaplaxXx]

WOOOOW!!!

[wilsonbickford]

Thank you!

[auroradiaz]

You are a very good teacher!

[ruthjrodriguez]

im using watercolor. will it still work>?

[wilsonbickford]

@ruthjrodriguez Yes, but because WC is transparent, you may have to add a bit of Chinese White, or White Gouache to the yellow-green highlights to make them show. ( that will make it opaque )

[stuti2912]

Well the brush strokes show when the paint's thinned and the colors don't mix as well as water colors do. I use linseed oil as a thinner. Is that fine? But il def try the techniques shown in ur videos and see how it turns out.

[wilsonbickford]

@stuti2912 Oils won't "mingle" and flow together as Watercolors do. They're totally different. And linseed oil will thin the paint somewhat, but not nearly as much as paint thinner. ( plus, linseed oil takes FOREVER to dry ) When I want to use a medium, I use Liquin, made by Winsor/Newton.

[stuti2912]

How do you get the paint to mix like water colours? whenever i try to thin the paint and use it, it always turns out patchy..

[wilsonbickford]

@stuti2912  Not sure what you mean by "patchy", but I just add a little paint thinner to loosen the paint to make it more workable.

[teatoe100]

I tried to do it but it did not plan like I wanted it to be ..... I guess it was the type of paper .… well I still like how yours turn out :)

[wilsonbickford]

@teatoe100 I'm using a canvas panel ( which is very rigid ), not paper. Paper is suitable for practice, though. With a little practice and experience, I guarantee that your trees will improve.

[wilsonbickford]

I always want more detail in my animal subjects, so I do draw them out beforehand.

[SenseiOfPower]

Thank you so much! I always HATED drawing trees but now this is just so easy!

When you're drawing things like animals, do you normally sketch it or can you draw it like this?

[prizey69]

Thanks very much for your help. I now have 9 paintings to my credit and my house is quickly running out of space. My wife wants to know where I am going to put them all. I am like a painting machine. At least they are getting better. In between working and recording music and painting. I am getting a lot out if it all. All the best for the season Michael from OZ.

[Lovemypup513]

how did u get the blue and white backround? Did u paint it? or did u buy it like that?

[wilsonbickford]

@Lovemypup513 I painted that using some white base medium and ultramarine blue. Just as a sky backdrop for the demo. Search "How to paint a simple blue sky" here on YouTube and my video for that should come up. It'll walk you through it.

[prizey69]

I have just started to paint. I really appreciate seeing paintings come to life. Thank you for your tips. I struggle a little with perspective. I guess all beginners do but I am starting to get it.

[wilsonbickford]

@prizey69 As you gain more experience, you will begin to "see" things as they should be ( perspectively ) A musician trains their ears, an artist trains their eyes. Don't get discouraged. If you practice, improvement will follow.

[prizey69]

@wilsonbickford Thanks for your encouragement. I think I have a pretty good ear and yes your right, I need to train the eyes 53 is not too late to learn something new. I really get a sense of satisfaction from painting the same way I get when I am playing guitar. Cheers, Michael

[thepatshowonwp]

Very nice! I like nature portraits and landscapes and this video has really helped my trees. Yours look so lush and natural and I can't wait to try the technique you showed. Thank you so much for the lessons.

[arlenet1000]

Your video is one of the best I've seen. Lots of excellent information very well presented in a crystal clear manner. Thank you so much. One question about the Alexander Magic that you use. What exactly does it do, and, since I can't find it in my local art supply store, is there something else you'd recommend. Many thanks

[wilsonbickford]

@arlenet1000

That wet, white basecoat makes the canvas "blendable". Great for smooth value changes and soft edges. You'll only find that particular brand on-line, it's not carried in any stores. Please note that I am currently finalizing details on my own "signature" line of oil painting products ( paints, palette, brushes, canvas, etc. ), which will include an improved version of this medium. It should be available on my website by year's end.

[wilsonbickford]

@arlenet1000

In the meantime, you can mix some paint thinner with tubed white oil paint to make a useable substitute. Mix it to a "spreadable" consistency, similar to a mayonaisse thickness and work it into the canvas.

[stylishartist]

Greetings!

Wonderful new book . sure would like to know how to paint the Chickedee bird.

Thanks for the mini video lesson. hope to see some on birds. Please!

[wilsonbickford]

@stylishartist

Thanks for checking out my book! I have a "painting packet" of a Black-Capped Chickadee available on my website. It has written instructions and step-by-step photos. ( just like the book projects )

[xmarimiran]

great job!!!

[jpctrp]

in painting THERE IS NO MISTAKES. everything is proper. true artist paint things as he see them. this means artistry. grass isnt green. it's white, black and violet. stupid-landshaft stereotypes.

[wilsonbickford]

@jpctrp

That's true, it's totally up to anyone's particular interpretation. I simply prefer a more realistic interpretation. Being as such, no one can tell me it's wrong, anymore than they can tell you your black and violet grass is wrong. Make art in the way that feels right to YOU.

[BDJOEcustomvideos]

how do you take the colors with the fan brush? This question I ask because when I use fan brush, colors make different groups. This irritates me a lot. I do oil painting!

[wilsonbickford]

@BDJOEcustomvideos I'm not sure what you mean, unless you're picking up paint from the under layers and it's mixing into your brush. If that's the case, thin the paint down on the brush so it will adhere to the underpaint easier and not lift so much of it.

[wilsonbickford]

@BDJOEcustomvideos I'm not sure what you mean, unless you're picking up paint from the under layers and it's mixing into your brush. If that's the case, thin the paint down on the brush so it will adhere to the underpaint easier and not lift so much of it.

[100skyscraper]

hi, i wanna know what medium are you using sir, i have a linseed, can i use it instead of magic white? thanks

[wilsonbickford]

@100skyscraper

You can use your linseed mixed with tube white oil paint to make your own "white" medium. Actually, I am currently working with a manufacturer to produce my own signature White Oil Medium which should be available sometime this year.

[100skyscraper]

@wilsonbickford

thanks a lot, i have one more question, when wasing or changing colors of the brush, are you suing turpentine? its acts like the water?

[wilsonbickford]

@100skyscraper

For cleaning my brushes and thinning the paint, I use 100% odorless Mineral Spirits ( aka "Paint Thinner" ) The hardware store variety works just as good as anything you'll find at the art/craft store and will probably cost less.

[brettheginger]

I imagine that this technique along with the cloud shading one, are just as effective with acrylic paint? Seems that oil paint is more exspensive, but i love the texture and color they produce.

[wilsonbickford]

@brettheginger

These techniques will work with Acrylics, but you'll need to work at a faster pace due to their very fast-drying nature.

[brettheginger]

@wilsonbickford

I thought so. I love oil paints, i just don't have the currency to go and buy them. But thanks so much for your advice, and keep making videos. You're an excellent teacher.

[elnanes]

do you use your colors dirct from the tube or do you add anything to them before painting

[wilsonbickford]

Pretty much straight from the tube, unless I'm using a different approach, ( such as "glazing" ), whereby I would thin the paint down with a medium. But, that is not the case with this video.

[SENTUF]

What a great oil painting lesson......thank for showing me how to use the brasses drawing those Fir trees....amazing!!

[nonperson22]

Great teacher. Keep going. I like watching your pictures.

[perker180]

Wow you rock!!!!!!!!!

[ratooune]

Thanks for your all lessons, you're a good teatcher!

[wilsonbickford]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[youcanpainttv]

nice trees!! thanks ALOT for the post!!

[perker180]

"A Lot"

[MrHappyfood]

thanks so much!

[nupurseth20]

you great ..i just watch your new art-work those r amazing ...i like to join your class but i m in ca...

[wilsonbickford]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for your comments!

[SongwindGlobal]

Thanks for posting these videos. I'm all for anything that helps put art into the hands of everyone.

I'm taking an oil painting class at my local art center myself. We're doing indirect painting in layers, but this wet-on-wet style seems pretty intriguing, too.

[wilsonbickford]

Three cheers for indirect painting!! I love that approach, too, and use it quite often. Nothing beats setting up a grisaille and glazing for realism. When I'm seeking a very realistic outcome, this is the method I use.

Wet-on-wet is quick, fun and ANYBODY can do it! So, I do both styles depending on what I'm after.

[nutmegger1957]

Talk about paint costs (initial investment and replacement) portraits -vs- landscapes (degree of difficulty)........stuff like that.

When you introduce Linseed Oil into your paints, does it sometimes run off the plate in your hands and on to the floor? Talk about protecting the environment you are using for painting.

[wilsonbickford]

I'd say that portraits are definitely more difficult than landscapes, especially for beginners/novices. To get started, in general, would run about $100-$150, just for the basic materials. I don't use linseed oil per se, but my mediums come in jars, so I don't put them out on my palette as a general rule. And yes, painting CAN be messy, if you're not careful. If it's a concern, put a tarp beneath you. ( and don't paint in the carpeted living room!! )

[HBPaintings]

A very good tutorial!

The trees look real & it seems pretty simple to do this.

I will definitely try this one day!

Hope you have time to check out my paintings!

[wilsonbickford]

Yes, by all means, give it a shot. Painting doesn't HAVE to be difficult. It just takes practice!

[TheLolipro]

you are amazing ....... simply amazing..im a science student but you are like a miracle to me....thanks

[wilsonbickford]

No miracle here, just keen observation and practice. ANYONE can learn to do this.

[Lukrecia888Crowley]

hey man you are great, i just wondered, how long should one wait after doing the underpainting before one begins the to add the rest? like how long does it usually take?

[wilsonbickford]

For these lessons, I worked wet-on-wet, so there was no drying in between. But, if you wish to let it dry between layers, the drying time will depend on the specific colors used and how thickly they were applied. Oil colors dry at different rates ( for example, Burnt Umber dries much faster than Cadmium Yellow ). And a thin layer of paint will dry faster than a thick, heavy layer. In any case, it'll usually be at least a week up to 10 days.

[Lukrecia888Crowley]

oh wow, i see. Thanks! I didnt expect such a quick reply, again thank you.

[wilsonbickford]

You're welcome!

[wilsonbickford]

No, I wouldn't be interested in that.

[UnforgivingCritic]

can you paint something using your blood?

i mean, i know that many people can do it.. but will Wilson Bickford do it? for an example,

for coloring a maple tree in the afternoon, you know, that really beautiful seen in the afternoon where the landscape and stuff just colors off as red or pink or orangy.. i love art Mr. Bickford, you saved my life.. *smile*

[DJSHADDY2K7]

hi one more i was wounding if you had ever tell your you tube watcher that the same way you paint in oil could also be use for acrylic. in other word if you can paint like that in oil same goes for acrylic.

[wilsonbickford]

Yes, many of the same techniques can be done in Acrylics, too. However, you would need to use White Gesso for a base medium instead of the Magic White oil medium.

[sreejithg007]

Hi Wilson, All of your videos are of immense help! Do you wait till the painting dry to do some more fine touch? The problem I have is if I try to add more effect on a wet portion, all get messed up.

[wilsonbickford]

It depends on how much detail you're trying to achieve. You can only get so defined on a wet canvas. If you want tighter detail, yes, let it dry first.

However, remember that when working on a wet background, you can layer more color on top by "thinning" each subsequent layer slightly. The rule is, "thin paint sticks to thicker paint".

[sreejithg007]

Thanks a lot Wilson!

[bankmaoney]

this has helped me a lot

[nan6783]

Hi Mr. Bickford,

Your waterfall video helped me complete a painting I was having trouble with. Thank you so much!!! I have a question - how do you put sunlight beams coming through trees? I have an area of trees with sky peeping through, but would like to add "sunbeams" if possible to lighten this area of my painting.

Thank you,

Georgia

[wilsonbickford]

Hi Georgia,

The sun rays you see in my paintings ( on my website ) were put in after the painting was dry. I use a Fan brush, some oil medium ( such as thinner and linseed, or just Liquin - a prepared medium ) and a little White oil paint. Keep the mixture somewhat thin, so it's slightly transparent.

If you apply it too heavily it will look chalky, so remember that "less is more". If it IS too heavy, simply wipe some off with a paper towel to bring back the "transparency". It's very simple.

[nan6783]

Thank you for the advice, now I can't wait until my painting is dry to add the sunlight through the trees. Being dry helps too. If I don't do it right, wipe it off. Thanks again.

Georgia

[wilsonbickford]

It's a very easy effect to achieve on a dry canvas. Just keep it "transparent". There's nothing worse than "white stripes" that are too heavy.

[wilsonbickford]

The key to adding the snow is to leave some dark of the tree showing, which gives it depth. Use the corner of the brush to place the snow clumps randomly. Thin the paint on the brush slightly if it doesn't "stick" to the canvas. Start with a blue gray for the shadowed snow and build to pure white.

Less is more, so don't plug the tree up too solidly. Keep 3 values visible, the dark of the tree, the shadowed snow and the final, bright highlights.

Wilson Bickford

[flypurplesam]

Mr. Wilson, I just want to say that your videos have been helping me a lot since i recently switched from plain pencil drawings to paintings. i am doing a piece right now with fir trees but i am having difficulty with the snow resting on the leaves of the tree. I was wondering if you either had advice or an already existing video i could use?

it would be greatly appreciated :)

~thank you Sam

[koohkoo7]

dear M.r Wilson

will i be able to use your new book teqniques in watercolour?

[wilsonbickford]

Yes, since Acrylic and Watercolor are both "water-media", the tecniques involved can be adapted to Watercolor. However, for the book I use White Gesso as a base for the backgrounds and work on canvas. You would not need to do this for Watercolor and you'd be working on W/C paper.

[justcathy13]

Dear Mr. Wilson:

Just from the 4 videos you have on youtube, I have learned so much. You make learning to paint easy and fun to understand.

I just want to say thank you. I've been nervous about trying to learn how to paint with oils and your videos have given me the push I needed to stop just watching videos and to actually attempt to paint.

Thank you for inspiring me and teaching me some techniques. I need to go now and paint a tree. YIPEE!!!!

-Cathy

[wilsonbickford]

Painting is really just a lot of practice. Many people are afraid to try, and so, they never get to experience it. Remember,..... you can only improve, you will NEVER get worse. You learn by doing and from making mistakes, so consider those mistakes to be your "best teacher". Practice the techniques, then put them all together for a complete painting. That'll be a great way to get started. You CAN do it!!!

Wilson Bickford

[stuart123dark]

i get you could get worse if you broke your hand or something lol

[justcathy13]

Dear Mr. Wilson:

You stated that your new book "Wildlife and Landscapes" can be purchased in April 2009. I have a few questions:

1. I noticed that the book says "acrylic." Can oil paints be used instead of acrylic on this new book of yours?

2. Will this book come with a DVD?

Lastly, I know you have 2 DVD's on your website on how to paint 2 different pieces of work.  Do you have an instructional DVD's that show how to paint any of your paintings that have birds in them?

-Cathy

[wilsonbickford]

Thanks for your interest in my book & lessons.

Yes,the book can be duplicated in Oils if you allow the background to dry before rendering the animal subject.Also,you'd use a white Oil-based medium instead of Acrylic Gesso. That's it! The book does not come with a DVD. At this time,I don't have any lessons featuring birds,but that is a definite future possibility.If you're just getting started with painting, my current DVD's would be great for you, though.

Wilson Bickford

[CTSIGNAL]

Mr. Wilson

Wow..you really make painting fun. I have learned so much from you. I have bought dvds from other teachers and have not learned much, they just go to fast. Do you sell any dvds?

Cody

[wilsonbickford]

Yes, I have Dvd's and my upcoming book available on my website. Thanks.

Wilson Bickford

[MIKEIS75]

Dear Wilson: I have learned much from seeing your videos. I am interested if you thin the paints before mixing. I notice that you take some from each colour and it looks rather thin. I've been using linseed for all together and get a thick mixture which tends to eliminate a "sharp" edge for the fan brush. Thanks. Mike

[wilsonbickford]

Hi Mike,

No actually, in my video clip, I didn't thin the paints out for those trees. However, when working wet-in-wet, the rule is that "thinner paint will stick to a thicker paint". So, if the paint DOES need to be thinned,, I would use a couple of drops of paint thinner ( the same stuff I clean my brushes with ) which will help the brush hold a chiseled ege and make the paint "take" to the canvas more readily.

Linseed oil will be way too thick and tacky for this use, hence your predicament.

[steelersfan14]

dang, you should come work for snow canyon high school. PLEASE!!

[wilsonbickford]

Practice WILL make perfect!!

W. Bickford

[ajcsrc7]

Thank you so much, im the worst at trees! i just need to do more i guess.

[0dour]

thank you, you are a wonderful painter and teacher

[wilsonbickford]

Thank you for your comment. I truly do enjoy teaching and believe that ANYONE can learn to paint with a little practice. Please check out my website and full-length Dvd's.

Wilson Bickford

[sanaakbar]

THANKYOU!! that was amazing...the camera man shouldve zoomed in though!

[wilsonbickford]

I'll keep an eye on the camera man in the future. Thanks.

[LoraleiMorgan]

I really like your teaching style!

[dzzdream]

yippe, I tried and tried to figure out fir,or spruce trees. I like the s sample you gave us.

I never seen your name. However, you really impress me with your teaching skills. I know that I would buy your Dvd's and it would not be a waste of money. Thanks

[wilsonbickford]

Thanks for the compliment. I have been instructing for many years now, so I know the common mistakes my students make. Therefore, I can show them what to avoid and what to focus on. Yes, I am sure you'd learn much from my dvd's, too. They are very thorough and presented in a step-by-step approach.

You'll find info regarding them on my website.

Wilson Bickford

[wilsonbickford]

More than likely I will have more clips posted at some point in the future. Glad these helped you. Please remember to check out my website.

[nemesisprogram]

please do more videos, this 1 video has helped me more than a months worth of lessons haha, thanks.

[wilsonbickford]

Thank you for the compliments. I enjoy passing the gift of painting on to others, so it's nice to know when someone appreciates it.

Best Wishes!

Wilson Bickford

[Sarge4220]

It's amazing to see how easily, neatly and quick you give "life" to an empty canvas. You really are a talented artist. Thanks for the lessons. You truly are an inspiration:-).

Eda

[wilsonbickford]

Thanks for the compliments! I'm glad I was able to help. I think everyone should be able to enjoy painting if they choose to. It just takes some practice.

Wilson B.

[theresa5]

Thank you!!!! It finally "hit" what I was doing wrong. My trees looked like moss popsicles or stick people with crazy green fur, lol. Your website is awesome. Good luck with your new book. I'm sure I'll be first in line. Thank you. Theresa

[wilsonbickford]

Please remember to check out my website. Perhaps you'll be interested in my Dvd's. They will lead you step-by-step through a painting. I have one featuring a sunset (with water reflections) and one showing how to paint old barns.

Wilson Bickford

[SeriouslyBadElf]

argghhh, I wish you had been my art teacher.

[m0rphylee]

ima big fan of yours..

you're a neat artist..^^

[wilsonbickford]

Thanks for the compliment. I hope you find the info to be useful. If you haven't done so already, please check out my website, as well.

[oilpainter92]

thanx man great technique i just started oil painting a few weaks ago

[wilsonbickford]

Well, I hope my video clips make things easier for you. These trees require practice, so hang with it!

Don't forget to check out my website.

[chiricana65]

I'm glad you put this videos here. Now I can continue taking your classes and practicing with my clouds and trees. I miss the group. Nora

[wilsonbickford]

Hi Nora,

Yes, we miss having you in the classes, too.

Have a good time in Texas, and keep in touch!

[31cooker]

Willie.........Boy, am I ready to zig and zag. Very, very helpful lesson. Thank you.

Dick Cook

[wilsonbickford]

Just remember that the trees will be more "full" in the middle, along the trunk line. Leave the edges open and "airy".

[unforgetful22]

thanks alot

[NYCity99]

Another nice lesson.

Thanks.

[wilsonbickford]

Well, I truly love to teach art, and if this is helpful to you, that's GREAT! Thank you.