How to get paint to break when painting mountains

[MrBlazzzzer]

in just 2 mins he changed the whole painting :O

[DJTheophilos]

Great pointer about what "making no pressure" really means. Thank you.

--theo

[jeanmunn]

When all else fails,,,I could always turn to that golden liquid from the land of my birth ( Scotland ) !

Thanks you for your contributions,,,I oil paint landscapes,,soon to have my own website,,they say I have a lovely touch but no matter how hard I apply myself I just can't get my paint to break.

And it certainly is not for the lack of time and dedication, I spent a full day on old canvases practicing,,,you would think that the hours I have put in would have paid off,,,sadly not,,thanks.

[PandawdyBob]

@jeanmunn If the need arises, I can (for a small fee) teach this and other wet on wet painting techniques live on Skype. I'm not sure if there is a big demand for that... but it would be cool and I wish I could help more people be successful with their paintings.

[jimjamjoeyjoejoe]

Will this work with acrylics? 

[DrmnOfHeaven74]

thank you for explaining this. I'm a beginner and mountains are my passion when it comes to painting. (something I've always wanted to paint) I have not been able to get my "snow" to break like this. I end up with faded mountains in the distance because I give up. I will keep practicing and keep trying though! thank you for posting this video. it helps!

[theharrio1234]

will this work for a plastic painting knife??..i really need to know.

[PandawdyBob]

@theharrio1234 I don't see why not, but I'm sure you'll get better results with Bill Alexander's original or flexible palette knife.

[Meatbagz]

THIS is what helped me get this right. THANK YOU!

[PandawdyBob]

@Meatbagz Awesome. I'm glad I could help.

[BirdOfParadise777]

You wrote: "If you are getting excessive oil when you squeeze out your paint, squeeze it out onto a paper towel and allow the paper towel to soak up the oil."

Why wouldn't you need to mix it back in? Thanks:)

BOP

[PandawdyBob]

@BirdOfParadise777 If you mixed the excess oil back in, it will thin the paint too much. The extra oil that comes out is not always oil that has seperated from the paint. It's sometimes a lubricating oil added to the tube to make paint removal easier.

[BirdOfParadise777]

@PandawdyBob Thank you for the quick reply! Thank you for the fantastic explanation. I had no idea they add extra stuff in with the paint. Do they say that on the tube or they don't have to give a list of ingredients? Thanks:)

BOP

[tdartista48]

Great demonstration and work.

[WildBillVideos]

good mountains

[RandomAssDudes]

thats great man

[PandawdyBob]

@Brandon52231 Thick

[mackicoA090211]

I need me one of those canvas knife things.

Up till now I've been painting the mountains manually!

[davycrocketful]

mmm bob ross technique..this is the best way i know of..on how to paint mountains..

[stymye]

@davycrocketful this is called " the Alexander Wet-on-Wet Technique" after the man who created it ... Ross was his pupil.

[davycrocketful]

@stymye ah..thanks ..i did not know that...its a great way to paint mountains...i can watch this for hours..

[rickwoodward]

Mister ! This IS the best technique instruction i have seen on You tube ! I just started to look for this technique and i found you first. Outstanding!Bookmarked and going to check out your other vid's. Thank you very much.

[sossow1]

wow

[robertpallson]

Sorry to be such a nuisance, but I have one other quick question if you would be so kind. Do oil paints expire? The paints I bought were from someone on Ebay, so even though they said that they were new, I have no idea how old they actually are. I looked on the tube of Titanium white and there were 4 numbers, 02 and 10. Does this mean that the paint expired in Feb.?

[PandawdyBob]

@robertpallson I don't think I've ever seen an expiration date on oil paint. It is possible that the number you saw was the date of manufacture, or some number to identify the factory where it was made. Don't worry about the paint having a little age.

If you are getting excessive oil when you squeeze out your paint, squeeze it out onto a paper towel and allow the paper towel to soak up the oil.

[rhythm2007mc]

@robertpallson If its gone to thick add either lindseed oil, or paint thinner :)

[wingINTELLIGENCEmb]

@robertpallson i dont think it expires because it has oil inside. but u can mix it with linseed oil so it would not be so hard to use the oil paints alone. :D

[robertpallson]

Thank you so much for your suggestions, really appreciated. And keep up the good work!

[robertpallson]

Every time I try to do this, I wind up with a big line of paint just to the left of where the knife comes in contact with the canvas. Anyone have any idea what I might be doing wrong?

[PandawdyBob]

@robertpallson Is all your paint coming off in one big chunk? That's what always happened to me. Try less paint, and be sure to cut into the canvas just a bit so that the paint has already made contact, and does not start making contact in mid stroke.

[robertpallson]

@PandawdyBob Thank you for your reply. I just tried this again with some paint I had forgotten to clean off my palette that had been sitting for a few hours. It wasn't perfect, but I got some breaking action for the first time. Do you think paint being too wet might be the problem? I'm using Bob Ross paints. Do they need to be mixed at all, or can you just use them right from the tube? Thanks so much again for your reply!

[PandawdyBob]

@robertpallson Should be able to use the paint right out of the tube. But remember, wet paint needs a tacky surface to stick to. Another big problem I would run into is that my base color on my mountain was too slick, mostly because of applying too much magic white or too much base color. There should be very, very little base color. The less base color there is, the more tacky it is.

[PandawdyBob]

@robertpallson Try using your filbert brush to paint in the base color. Start with very little and work your way down the mountain. You'll really have to scrub the color in, but it will ensure that you do not apply too much. Once you get good at this technique, you'll be able to get paint to break from one end of the canvas to the other in one stroke.

[jeanmunn]

@robertpallson I wish I could help you, I've just started oil painting again and I really enjoy painting mountains ( I live in B.C. ) but using a knife for snow is driving me crazy. I just can't get the paint to break and go on like in this demo.

I have a spare canvas that I practice on but to no avail, I just get by having to use a brush, it works okay but I certainly lose the effect.

Hope you are having better luck than I am.

[PandawdyBob]

@jeanmunn Just remember, the biggest problem I've run in to so far is having an incorrect consistency in the base color. If the base color is too slick, the paint won't break. It will go on really creamy and smooth. Prove it to yourself: Put some titanium white on your palette knife and try to get the paint to break on your palette, just as if you were highlighting a mountain. You'll probly be surprised. The difference is in how receptive the surface is.

[delacruzink]

wow that was cool, thanks for the tip

[zmarcowki]

amazing



[dearmissedessa]

If you like landscapes you should definately get the knife, Its amazing

[PandawdyBob]

@dearmissedessa I agree. The palette knife is one of my most useful tools.

[FatalFlaw2008]

I like this

[9ladoshka]

Hi, I am interested in your free 55 minute oil painting video from your website. Unfortunately, when I am trying to submit my email address to get that special link, I keep getting an error message that says: "Sorry, the account "paintingvideo" exists in our records but is currently not active. Please push the "back" button on your web browser and notify the website owner of this message." Is there any other way I can get your link? Thank you.

[PandawdyBob]

@9ladoshka Sorry about that. That mailing list is not currently active. Please send me your email address and I'll get the free materials to you. I'll have another email list going soon.

[PandawdyBob]

@PandawdyBob By the way, my mailing list is back up and running. Please check it out. free painting project dot com

[esther1358]

esta bueno ,ahora entiendo como pintar una montaña nevada , muy bueno realmente

[PandawdyBob]

@esther1358 Gracias por mirar mi video. Espero que tengas mucho éxito en sus pinturas.

[kizioko]

never used a pallet knife before, I'll have to give it a go.

[Selfhealer22]

Will this tecnique work with acrylic paint?

[KarolineArt]

Very interesting video

Please visit my aboriginal art gallery at karoline-art *com

[misteranonymous12345]

what kind of paint are you using??

Thanks in advance

[hunkatiel]

Good old Bill, I learned how to paint watching him in the late 70's. The paint used for this technique has to be quite thick. I used to buy his paints and brushes which made things easier. With thin paint you end up mixing mush.

[Russalex2009]

cool.

[duckduckwins]

I do have a hard time to apply snow on the mountain. It takes me a long time to do it right but I will keep trying. Thank you for your lesson!

[McAwEsOmE119]

what kind of tool are you using?

[PandawdyBob]

I'm using Bill Alexander's original palette knife. It's a great tool for mixing paint and applying paint.

[bartoxha]

Hello!

Your video help me to paint mountains.Thank you very mch.You can see my oilpaintings now.I leave very close to the Tatry-mountains and I like painting them.Best Regards.

[PandawdyBob]

Thanks for checking out my video. I'm glad it was helpful for you!

[SenorZorrozzz]

Who is doing this? Those are the best clouds that I have ever seen in my life! I would love to by a kit from this guy and learn to paint like that. Someone tell me, who is this?

[pillsareyummy]

He's using the same techniques used by Bob Ross, and William bill Alexander. However, I agree, he's quite good....

[PandawdyBob]

I try to emulate Bill Alexander a lot more than Bob Ross. And I do have kits available.

[SenorZorrozzz]

Those clouds-man, I can feel them! They are perfect!!!

Bill Alexander-I used to watch him, "Mighty!" He used to say that every 2 mins. I watched Jon nagy when I was a kid! This guy painting this is GOOD!!!!

[SenorZorrozzz]

so great!!!

[ystavropoulos]

Hi. If i am using Acrylics and I mix it with Texture paste to make the paint thicker and heavier, would that help as far as making the breaking effect while spreading with the knife? Thanks

[xRedKatana]

Grate painting :D

[jimmytangy]

"Great" painting :3

[ssmangrove20]

PandawdyBob,

Glad to see you are replying to the comments; that is a nice refreshing change! I am a new oil painter and have completed 6 or 7 "mountainscapes." I am using Windsor and Newton brand titanium white (not the quick dry alkyd) and am wondering if I need to thicken it up to get the paint to break as well as you. I use no pressure and follow your technique. Are you familiar with this brand? Also is there a medium I can add to thicken the paint to help? Thank you ! Keep up the great work

[PandawdyBob]

I don't know of any way to thicken paint except to remove the oil by allowing it to sit on a paper towel, or put the paint on a piece of computer paper and work it around with your palette knife until the paper absorbs some of the oil.

It's probly better to get a thicker paint, such as Alexander.

[PandawdyBob]

The canvas was prepared with Magic White painting medium, but all paint on the canvas is still wet. I don't wait for anything to dry.

[guayaba60]

I have one question sir, when you try to break paint, do you paint over dry paint?

[PandawdyBob]

No. I paint entirely wet on wet unless otherwise noted. You do need to use specific paints. Thick, firm paints work best. Very thin soupy paints won't work. You need paints that are really sticky.

You can't go wrong with paints or brushes from Alexander Art.

[MarkACurtis]

do u put white paint on the knife or not?

[PandawdyBob]

Titanium white for the light side. A mixutre of prussian blue and titanium white for the shadow side.

[Jsmitty69]

I love your videos sir, I learned more from you in 20 minutes than in 20 years of watching Bob Ross.

[PandawdyBob]

No problem. I do what I can.

[dacodoco]

yeah i relly dont like bob ross that much i prefer wilson bickford or winsor or myself no offense dude

[PandawdyBob]

It is wet on wet, but I'm very careful to keep my dark base color as thin (thick paint applied in a very thin layer) and as tacky as possible. There are many ways that you can make this difficult.. such as having too much dark base color, having applied too much magic white which will then make any amount of color too slick, or not using the right paints. You can wipe out your dark base color with a paper towel if you need to make it more tacky.

[liliang0917]

Can i use the same technic in acrylic painting?

[PandawdyBob]

It might work if the paint was thick enough, but I really haven't tried it with acrylics.

[karlosx8]

well iv wondered why i couldnt do it. ill have to buy some oil paints ;(

[PandawdyBob]

Make sure you get a nice firm paint. Alexander paints are the best but Winton or Bob Ross will work.

[Khanstant]

bob ross paints are trash

[PandawdyBob]

The Ross paints work OK. They just aren't as flexible as the Alexander paints. Having all thick paints is a major advantage. Many times I'll play with the consistency of my paints to get different effects. It's hard to do that when all of your highlight colors have been watered down. It's easy to thin a paint, but it's awfully difficult to thicken it back up.

[Khanstant]

True. I prefer Winsor and Newton myself. If your layer of paint is too thin, you can always come back when its dry and apply more!

[SpankyJones10]

Well Ross's paintings are completed unbelievably fast. I'm sure if he had more time, or didn't need to give his viewers a display of how he works, his paintings would have greater variety in the way they're painted, or even improve in quality.

[PandawdyBob]

The paintings in his books were of a higher quality than the paintings seen on TV. He repainted them for his books.

[dmxlaci]

why dont u paint with brush?

[PandawdyBob]

I do mountains with a brush, but a lot of people are interested in learning how to do it with a knife.

[karlosx8]

i want to learn ow to do this since i was 12. never could actually get the paint to stick i was to impashiont. (1 year ago lol) i just want to be able to paint a mounatin like these

[bankmaoney]

does this work with acrlic paints

[PandawdyBob]

It's really designed to work with Alexander oil paints, but it could work with acrylic if the paint were firm enough.

[karlosx8]

w8 i thought he was using acrlic?

[PandawdyBob]

I'm using oil paints from Alexander Art. Bill Alexander came up with this technique, so his art materials work best.

[libertyisbest]

wow youre good,and thx for information, you are my favourite

[kdubya05]

I still have trouble doing this. I think it might be this old tube of weber paint I'm using. Does it need to be a nice firm paint?

[PandawdyBob]

Needs to be very firm. A thin or soupy paint won't work. It'll just smear across the canvas.

[54spiritedwill54]

Very helpful tip.

[150133]

thanks man.

[Atheist555]

I love this affect. For those of us out there that work in acrylics, this works basically the same. Just make sure you use a quality medium.

[photopicker]

that is truly amazing ...

[cmorrow132]

I mean, when you say "cut into it", do you mean to press in on the canvas initially and then release pressure as you go?

[PandawdyBob]

Yep. You "cut in" just to get the paint to make contact across the whole working edge of the knife. After that, the knife is more or less stuck to the canvas. It feels like you would need to actually pull it away to remove it from the canvas. Almost like glue. That's why no pressure is required.

[cmorrow132]

When you say to make contact, do you mean first press the knife into the canvas, and then as you start to pull away, release the pressure?

[The666berzerker]

very nice

[sands7]

Hi there

How long does it take an oil painting to dry once u have finished the painting? I have never painted with oils b4 but Bob Ross has inspired me to try so I have bought myself some supplies ....

[PandawdyBob]

Mine are usually dry to the touch after a couple of weeks, but it will continue to cure for quite a while. Up to six months. If possible, wait the full six months before varnishing the painting.

[DredgLord]

omggg thank you so much for posting this, i finally got it.

lol.

the first couple of times i didnt' realize that you had to cut into it at first, so i would smear everything! lol.

thank you again!

-erin

[magicalmatt4]

wait do u do that on the moutain when the paint is dry or wet

[PandawdyBob]

It's done while the paint is still wet.

[Godl1keNL]

this stuff is beautiful but how did you do the sky?? i always got problems with the sky I'm going to get the items to ermm paint from my stef-grandfather he made bob ross paintings you got any good tips because i will need to learn this from schratch

[PandawdyBob]

Bob Ross used Bill Alexander's method, so it's OK to use Bob Ross supplies if that's all you can get. I highly recommend Alexander Art supplies but Bob Ross supplies will work. I will PM you with some more information.

[crazykb]

Hey. What's the difference between Bill Alexander's supplies and Bobb Ross's? I thought that Bob's would be better.

[PandawdyBob]

I prefer Alexander Art supplies for several reasons. The knives are much more flexible, allowing me scrape paint from the palette more efficiently. The filbert brush is much, much smoother because it's a different type of hair. The script liner brush has very long and thin hairs, allowing for more detail. There are various other reasons, but the biggest reason is the paint. Bill's paints are more true in color. Compare Bill's permanent red and Bob's bright red. You'll see what I mean.

[crazykb]

Thanks for the reply. However, I had two more questions: Which art supplies are more cost effective(get the most for your money).Also, I haven't started to paint yet. Can you find these painting supplies at any art store? I'm mostly concerned about the money issue. I have went back to University to finish a degree and I'm also into music (I have to spend money on Guitar gear). So, money is tight. Again, which is more cost effective. Also, is this style difficult to learn, relatively speaking?

[PandawdyBob]

Right now the cost for Bill Alexander and Bob Ross supplies is about the same. I recommend getting Bill Alexander's Magic of Oil painting kit. It comes with everything that you need except canvas and brush cleaner. So as far as price goes, you can go with either brand but I still recommend Alexander. As far as learning goes, the best way to learn is from an Alexander Certified Instructor. You can do it on your own, but an instructor makes it so much easier.

[PandawdyBob]

I wanted to add:

If you don't have an instructor in your area, there are training materials that you can get online. I'll send you a message with some more details on that.

[crazykb]

Thanks for the info. I have watched (and own) quite a few bob ross DVD's (the ones that were on the television).I have observed the method for quite some time now. SO, I think I have a good 'spring board' to at least start the process. However, it's like learning how to play the guitar, I'm sure I'll have many days where I will want to smash the canvas out of anger. But hey, its all part of the 'gig' right. Thanks again. You should post some longer vids of yourself painting. Good stuff. see ya.

[PandawdyBob]

I'm currently giving away my project titled "Magic Mountain". Check the video description for the link.

[dinasaur2]

very dramatic effect with the paint on the knife-it does shape the mountains very well.I really like the tones of colour and texture as you enhance the 'lighting' that models the mountains into shape, creating an atmosphere.

Is the surface of the canvas rough or smooth?

[PandawdyBob]

It's a medium textured, double primed canvas. The first part of the trick is ensuring that the base color for the mountain is not too slick, otherwise nothing will come off the knife or it will appear creamy and solid with no detail. You really have to be careful with the base color. Sometimes I wipe away the excess base color with a paper towel before applying highlights or shadows.

[maishah123]

u rock. btw u sound like bob's son steve, he appeared on the show once.

[PandawdyBob]

I remember seeing Steve one time. But it was so long ago that I can't really remember his voice. He was a great painter.

[amm0612]

hey, what kind of paint are you using?

can you do that with acrylics?

[PandawdyBob]

I'm using oil paints from Alexander Art. They are specially formulated for Bill Alexander's painting techniques. Bill's techniques may be difficult to recreate with acrylic paints.

[PandawdyBob]

It's not necessary to use your left hand if you are right handed.

[biratzkala]

what brush does he use?

[PandawdyBob]

I use a filbert brush to paint the base of the mountain and a palette knife to lay in the highlight and shadow detail.

[54spiritedwill54]

well done and explained in great detail

[PandawdyBob]

The shadow side is pretty much the same. I usually use a blue color, darker than the highlight but lighter than the base color of the mountain. It takes some practice since you have to lay in the highlight in the opposite direction.

[hi19hi19]

If you have that much trouble, flip the canvas upside down. You'll have to pull upwards instead of downwards, but at least you get to use your dominant hand for both sides.

[PandawdyBob]

No problem

[FOGHATfan4life]

i was thinking of making like a canyon instead od a mountain would that still work is i used like a dark orange color

[PandawdyBob]

I think it'll still work. This method of highlighting also works well for painting rocks.

[lklk90]

the best way to practice is to paint on ply wood board.

[PandawdyBob]

Paint breaks best on a non slick surface. Wet on wet creates a somewhat slick surface, but if your not careful you can get a very slick surface where the paint won't break. It will instead pick up the slick color underneath. For anyone having trouble, I can prove this theory to you. Try making highlights directly on your palette. You'll see that it works easier on a dry surface.

[NYCity99]

I have met Bob a long time ago. I didn't get to actually talk very long with him but it was still a great experience. He was on one of his tours and I saw him on Long Island, NY. I have his autograph on the back of one of them.

If you care to, stop by and take a peek at my video called, My Paintings. The first is a picture of Bob and me. The rest are paintings I did a long time ago when my children were much younger. The paintings used to hang in ther rooms.

[PandawdyBob]

Bob was the first one that I saw on television. I was actually a little too young when Bill's shows were still on the air. It wasn't until I met my wife's grandmother that I found out who Bill was. And after discovering him, I have a lot of respect for his work. Getting people to pick up a brush and try to paint... that is what Bill and Bob were able to do. I thank them for that.

[AlphaSigma10]

nice demo

[PandawdyBob]

Thanks a lot. A lot of people try to teach using the knife but don't show the tricks for making it work.

[synthetickat]

That's simply wonderful! You just drag, and it looks so real! Wow!

[PandawdyBob]

He did. He also painted a lot of still life and floral paintings that most people have never seen.

[warrior350es]

that's harder than it looks

[PandawdyBob]

It isn't terribly easy, but that's why I posted the video. I'm happy to help anyone that wants to learn this method of painting.

[AretyRocks]

well done and explained in great detail

 thanks Jack

[retta2587]

I'm going crazy with this, I'm using acrylics...is that the problem? Is a metal knife a help also?

[xStargazerBluex]

Isn't this for oil paints, not acrylics? Acrylics won't do this o.O

[retta2587]

Oh crud really? No wonder...I'm totally bummed now lol, thanks tho! I'll stop bangin my head on my canvas haha

[xStargazerBluex]

xDDD nice job -stifles laughter-

What are you painting?

[retta2587]

lol just a landscape...guess I'll switch to oils now! I'm a beginner and art student so I'm on a learning curve haha

[xStargazerBluex]

xDDD <- paints as a hobby

I really suck at painting, but my art teacher at school says I have a good eye for shapes and mimicking. I'm also painting a landscape, but I've messed up quite a lot of it already (and I've only done the first two layers X_X)

Why do mountains and trees and lakes have to be so darned hard to paint -stab-

[PandawdyBob]

Mountains, trees and lakes are all simplified with Bill Alexander's wet on wet techniques. Traditional methods of painting can be much harder.

[xStargazerBluex]

Ooh, okay! I'll take a look at them and see if they help =D

[PandawdyBob]

Keep in mind, this technique is for oils, but not just any oils. You need very firm oil paints that are designed for wet on wet painting. I recommend oil paints from Alexander Art. Winton Oil paints can also be used. Soupy paints will only cause you stress.

[Marckymarc71]

Thanks for this! This has been a sticking point for me. Sorry--bad pun. I'll have to try the paint you recommend sometime. Winton Oil Colors also are a nice firm paint for this style.

[PandawdyBob]

You're right. Winton oil colors will work. Personally, I have found that I can get paints from Alexander Art cheaper than Winton oils.

[megaman616]

very cool, by the way, thats a knife right not a brush.

[PandawdyBob]

You're right. It's a large painting knife and it can be purchased from Alexander Art dot com.

[Clydesdale2045]

Thank you so much!!! This technique is very hard for me too, Ross sure made it look easy. You did a great job with your example and explaining. 5 stars, and favored :)

[PandawdyBob]

It is oil. I use oil paints from Alexander Art, but there are other thick oil paints that can be used. It's important to use oil paints that are designed for wet on wet painting.

[cremo72cremo]

Thank you very much! that is very kind of you!

[shybuttcute]

Hi there! Thanks for your video response ;) I have not been painting lately with oil, but I will try this advice ;) Btw, the final painting looks great, specially because it has your personal style, and not Bob´s. Congrats ;)

[PandawdyBob]

No problem. Keep on painting!

[PandawdyBob]

I really have to stress how important it is for the paint to make contact with the dark mountain base color. Just cut into the canvas lightly until you feel the knife begin to stick. Once it sticks, you only need to guide the knife. No additional pressure is required.