Bickford - Wildlife Landscapes You Can Paint : 10 Acrylic Projects Using Just 5 Colors

10 ACRYLIC PROJECTS USING JUST 5 COLORS

WILDLIFE

LANDSCAPES

YOU CAN PAINT

Wilson Bickford

www.artistsnetwork.com

M ETRIC C ONVERSION C HART

Wildlife Landscapes You Can Paint . Copyright 2009 by Wilson Bickford. Manufactured in China. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Published by North Light Books, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236. (800) 289-0963. First Edition.

Other fine North Light Books are available from your local bookstore, art supply store. Visit our website at www.fwmedia.com.

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Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Bickford, Wilson.

Wildlife landscapes you can paint : 10 acrylic projects using just 5

colors / Wilson Bickford.

p. cm.

ISBN 978-1-60061-120-9 (pbk. : alk. paper)
eISBN: 978-1-44031-757-6

1. Nature (Aesthetics) 2. Acrylic painting--Technique. I. Title.

ND1460.N38B53 2009

751.426--dc22

2008037462

Edited by Sarah Laichas

Cover design by Lauren Yusko

Design by Doug Mayfield

Production coordinated by Matt Wagner

Photographed by Christine Polomsky

A BOUT THE A UTHOR

From an early age, Wilson Bickford possessed a passion for art and animals that eventually led him to capture the wonders of nature on canvas. Though still life, florals and landscapes are common themes in his paintings, animal friends are his favorite subjects.

His work has earned many awards over the years, and his easygoing teaching style has brought him into contact with thousands of students from all walks of life. His firm belief that anyone can paint, and his dedication to sharing his knowledge and experience, is reflected in the demand for his classes.

Wilson has never met a medium he didnt like, and works in oils, acrylics, watercolors and pen and ink. In addition to teaching classes and workshops, Wilson records and produces instructional DVDs. They are available via his website, www.wilsonbickford.com.

A CKNOWLEDGMENTS

There are not enough pages in this book to thank all the individuals who have played major roles in my art career. Inspiration and encouragement are the two most important requirements any artist can hope to receive, and I have certainly been given more than my share.

My strongest influence in picking up a brush in the first place was the late William Alexander. Bill was the forerunner of the television art show, and gave great inspiration to millions of viewers. When he said, You can do it, I had no doubt that I could! More than thirty years after his first PBS television series, he still impacts aspiring artists through rebroadcasts and videos. His longevity speaks for itself.

As for encouragement, my wife Glenda and daughter Amy have always been there with advice, support and an honest critique when I needed one. They also roll up their sleeves to lend a hand with whatever needs to be done, whether its maintaining my website, or helping out at a workshop. Its well known that what goes on behind the scenes is what makes for success, and that has never been more true than in my case. I will never be able to repay their efforts.

Also, I extend a sincere thank-you to the hundreds of students I have had the pleasure to meet during the past two decades. They are more friends than students, and we have truly become a family. They have made it possible for me to continue to do what I love most, painting, and no words will offset that debt.

I also thank the staff of North Light Books for allowing me to create this book. In particular, Pam Wissman, Barb Kraus and Sarah Laichas, for believing in me and helping me put it all together. This project would have never come to fruition without them.

Lastly, I owe a debt of gratitude to you, the reader, for acquiring and reading my book. I hope you find it enjoyable and I hope my techniques are easy to incorporate into your own artwork.

I believe you can do it, but you must believe in yourself!

D EDICATION

I dedicate this book to aspiring and established artists everywhere. I believe that every person has a creative side, but too few of us get the opportunity to explore that part of our personality.

Heres hoping that you ultimately find the chance to tap into your artistic potential and allow it to enrich your life.

Table of Contents

How to create a cold winter mood and a snow covered meadow.

How to render distant trees, rippling water and reflections.

How to render basic clouds, and how to create detailed pine trees with the script liner brush.

How to render realistic water and trees.

How to create morning sky and snow-covered evergreens.

How to render a hazy sunset and misty atmosphere.

How to create an overcast mood, pine trees and slender grasses.

How to render snowcapped mountain peaks, and feather textures.

How to render autumn colors and dancing water reflections.

How to suggest birch tree bark and puffy clouds.

Canada Geese at the Shore
Acrylic on canvas panel board
16" 12" (41cm 30cm)

Introduction

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in this, my first book. Ive been a full-time artist and instructor for many years now, and one thing I have learned in my years of teaching is that people are people no matter where I go. Therefore, I think I can draw a few conclusions about you. Obviously, you are interested in improving your painting skills. But, more than that, Ill bet that you love nature and lifes simpler things. You enjoy working with your hands and take pride in doing so. The idea of creating something of beauty truly appeals to you. You are optimistic, compassionate for others and determined in whatever you do.