Step-by-step—
follow the making of a floral masterpiece.

Robert Johnson is no slave to the Rules of Painting. He teaches what seems unteachable—the intuitive touch. Now in a 120-minute oil-painting demonstration before a live audience, author, artist and teacher, Robert Johnson, executes an alla prima rendition of pansies in a brass bowl. Viewers receive a how-to on floral painting. In his relaxed style, Johnson demonstrates not only his practiced painting technique and thorough knowledge of materials, but also a vivid lesson on spontaneity. Close camera work reveals Johnson’s deft brushstrokes and color mixing. Meanwhile, his running commentary as he paints shows a lifetime of artistic discoveries.

In this video Robert gives a wonderful explanation of imprimatura process, an explanation of the preliminary sketch and considerations of composition. Close-up view of color mixing is shown and a stroke-by-stroke depiction of alla prima process that includes discussion of values, how to “see” shapes, thickness vs. thinness of paint application, interplay of light and shadow, the importance of edges, the essence of floral characteristics, direction of brushstroke, painting reflections of metals and much more.

The camera zooms in on Johnson’s artistic touch.
Among the topics covered in this video: the use of imprimatura, the direction of brushstrokes, paint pigments and brands, brush types, composition, the importance of values and capturing the unique character of various floral subjects. Artists of all levels will find Johnson’s presentation valuable in a host of applications.

Explanation of materials including:
Color-by-color detail of palette, including brand names of paints. Discussion of painting medium, linseed oil, oil of cloves and thinners. Description of paint brushes by type and brand. Discussion concerning the center of interest in a painting.