BobBlast 524 - 'Checkerboard Composition… Check It Out!'

Weekly BobBlast Issue 524
Checkerboard Composition… Check It Out!

Welcome Back to Another BobBlast!

The checkerboard pattern originated in ancient Egypt and was a common feature in Roman and Victorian homes. Fast forward to Mondrian’s “Broadway Boogie Woogie,” Albers’ iconic color square paintings and the PopArt and OpArt Movements of the 60s, the checkerboard composition has had a recent resurgence in popularity, in both art and interior design.

The checkerboard composition is a design style that uses a checkered print pattern. This design composition is based on a grid system and offers structure and order, emphasizing stability, balance and visual interest.

Watch the demo—I use this composition to show contrasting colors and shapes all over the canvas. The square grid does not need to be mundane and repetitive. The standard grid pattern is helpful to organize your patterns but you don’t have to stay “inside the lines.” The checkerboard grid pattern is only the beginning design to get you started… then your imagination and improvisation can begin.

The three completed 14 inch square canvases at the end of the BobBlast show the results of painting beyond the rigors of a rigid grid pattern.

Paint outside the lines!

Working with compositions is part of the Loosen Up Workshop Retreat! I have an In-Person Loosen Up Workshop in my Studio coming up in a few months! There are more in-person Loosen Up Workshops scheduled in Bar Harbor, Maine and Hermosa Beach, CA. Join us! Reserve your spot today!

Loosen Up! Workshop Coming Up
•September 11-15, 2024
In-Person, in Bob's Studio, Arroyo Grande, CA
Limited to 10 Painters!
Scroll down to 5 Day Instructional Workshops

Online Monthly Demos
•July 17, 2024
"Putting the WOW in your Painting"

•August 14, 2024
"Making Your Mark"
One & Two Day Online Workshops Coming Up!

•July 20-21, 2024
"Larger, Looser Abstract Paintings"
•July 31, 2024
"Neutrals: How to Create & Use!

•August 15, 2024
"Painting Light & Shadows"

Traveling Bob – In-Person Workshops!
•October 14-18, 2024
"Loosen Up Painting Retreat"
Bar Harbor, Maine

•October 28-November 1, 2024
"Loosen Up Painting Retreat" & Gallery Show at GOH
Gallery of Hermosa, Hermosa Beach, CA

•January 6-10, 2025
Abstract Acrylic Painting & Collage
Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, AZ
Sponsored by Madeline Island School of the Arts

•January 18-25, 2025
Tropical Escapaint!  Loosen Up Painting Retreat in Mexico
Casa de Los Artistas
Boca de Tomatlan, 10 miles South of Puerto Vallarta 
Contact Robert Masla, [phone]

Online Figure Workshops!
•September 27-29, 2024
"Abstract Figurative"
Sponsored by the Sedona Arts Center

•December 6-8, 2024
"Drawing & Painting the Figure with Motion & Emotion"

Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
• July 26-28 - Larger & Looser Abstract Painting - 2 Spots OPEN!
• August 8-11 - Mentor Workshop - SOLD OUT
• September 9-13 - Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting
• October 3-6 - Mentor Workshop - 2 Spots OPEN!

Burridge Critiques Your Art
Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Suggestions

[raerae]

This floats my boat! I especially love that at no point do you need to overthink or stress.

[elisabethpine]

You Are such a pleasure... A FANTASTIC teacher!!!😊

[elisabethpine]

I😊 so love your description of being painterly.

[jeraldbaxter]

Thank you! And I agree with you, that watching someone knit is boring, but, remember, they are holding two pointed needles in their hands!😉

[kellybishop]

Wow Bob, this is super! Love love love it!

[mtdebemigrant]

Love this. I am a quilter-turned-artist. This is very appealing.

[jrr]

As a self-taught painter who uses almost exclusively checkerboard or closely related abstract compositions in my artwork, this process was so validating to see! I tend to get a bit scared about not having an art education, and I start telling myself that I don't know what I'm doing. But seeing Bob doing this kind of art, using a very similar process and many of my favorite techniques, makes me feel like I'm not all that clueless. 😅
And oh my GOSH the finished pieces at the end are gorgeous Bob! So much yummy texture, and great variation in shape and size in there. 😍

[cathyserafinowicz]

Brilliant and fun as ever, thanks again Bob! ❤👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[xdebjones]

Fun to watch and looking forward to trying. Thank you!

[velvetbees]

Thank you so much for this inspiration! I will try it next. 👍🎨🖌

[mageetu]

Thanks for this. I plan to set this up tomorrow or the next day and get it going. It looks like fun!

[שרהלהיגני]

thank you for sharing and reminding me of one of my favorit drawings in my childhood. and thank you for reminding me of which cilorof frog tape is best for hard edge. how do you paint the curve please?