Painting with Wilson Bickford

Nationally known artist and instructor Wilson Bickford's believes "ANYONE can learn to paint." Primarily a self-taught artist, his easy-going style has earned him thousands of satisfied students. He works in acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, and his favorite medium — oils. This series features Bickford's tutorials on a variety of landscapes and studies sure to interest both the novice and experienced artist. His natural subjects range from a birch forest and a seaside sunset to portraits of a sunflower and a soaring eagle.

Distributed by: The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA)

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Wilson Bickford

Internationally known artist and instructor Wilson Bickford has conducted painting workshops for nearly 30 years.

Birch Forest, Part 1

Episode #201H · In Part I, Wilson lays the acrylic under-painting and masks out the trees. This foundation will be followed by oil glazes that will bring this sunny summer birch forest to life.

Birch Forest, Part 2

Episode #202H · In Part 2, Wilson follows the acrylic under-painting with oil glazes, enriching the colors and bringing this sunny summer birch forest to life. You can almost hear the crickets!

Silent Night

Episode #203H · Drawing from his Northern New York roots, Wilson paints a beautiful nighttime snowy landscape. The full moon glistens off the snow-covered pine trees while flakes softly fall.

Deep Sea Ballet

Episode #204H · Wilson takes a 'deep sea journey' with two whales as seen from the ocean floor. Depth perception is key in painting the ocean under water.

Canada Goose, Part 1

Episode #205H · A Canada Goose sits serenely on the water on a calm Fall day. In Part 1, Wilson masks out the goose and starts laying the foundation for the background.

Canada Goose, Part 2

Episode #206H · A Canada Goose sits serenely on the water on a calm Fall day. In Part 2, Wilson finishes the background and shows how to detail bird feathers as he discovers what's good for the goose is good for the gander!

Farmland Sunset

Episode #207H · Silhouette scenes are very striking due their light and dark contrasts. Wilson demonstrates how to take strong, darker elements and place them against vibrant sky colors such as a sunset.

Out to Pasture, Part 1

Episode #208H · Old cars and trucks have a lot of character - and make great painting subjects! In this piece, an old truck has been left to rust in a flowery pasture. In Part 1, Wilson masks out the truck and starts the background.

Out to Pasture, Part 2

Episode #209H · Old cars and trucks have a lot of character - and make great painting subjects! In this piece, an old truck has been left to rust in a flowery pasture. In Part 2, Wilson finishes the summer scene and details the truck.

Seaside Solitude

Episode #210H · Waves crash against partially submerged rocks as the sun slowly sets, creating a spectacular sunset against the cold blue ocean water.

Macro Sunflower

Episode #211H · Wilson pursues a study of a giant sunflower, demonstrating the techniques and colors needed that make the petals and middle of the flower practically jump out of the canvas.

Soaring Eagle, Part 1

Episode #212H · Against a sky full of fluffy clouds, an eagle soars high above a forest canopy. In Part 1, Wilson shows how to mask out the bird, and starts the background scene.

Soaring Eagle, Part 2

Episode #213H · Against a sky full of fluffy clouds, an eagle soars high above a forest canopy. In Part 2, Wilson demonstrates the techniques needed to paint this majestic symbol of our country.

Butterflies and Daisies, Part 1

Episode #301H · The sight of a butterfly is a sure sign that spring is here. Wilson paints a beautiful yellow Sulphur butterfly about to land in a field of daisies.

Butterflies and Daisies, Part 2

Episode #302H · On Part 2, Wilson creates depth by adding the foreground daisies, and puts the finishing touches on the Sulphur butterfly.

A Nap on the Beach

Episode #303H · A hammock stretched between two palm trees on a tropical beach is the perfect spot to relax.

Bird on a Fence, Part 1

Episode #304H · A beautiful bluebird has landed on a weathered picket fence, welcoming spring with his song. Wilson shows how to block out the bird and the fence, lays in the background, and begins the fence.

Bird on a Fence, Part 2

Episode #305H · On Part 2, Wilson puts the finishing touches on the weathered fence and adds detail to the bluebird.

Dragonfly, Part 1

Episode #306H · Dragonflies are symbolic and special to many people. They're often said to be the spirit of a loved one come back to visit. Wilson blocks out the dragonfly and blends in the background.

Dragonfly, Part 2

Episode #307H · On Part 2, Wilson crafts the blades of grass and adds colorful details to the dragonfly.

Out to Dry

Episode #308H · It's a sunny summer day, the breeze is blowing, and we're hanging the wash out to dry.

Whitetail Fawn, Part 1

Episode #309H · A Whitetail fawn is ready to munch on leaves from a low-hanging branch. Wilson shows how to block out the fawn, and lays in the background.

Whitetail Fawn, Part 2

Episode #310H · On Part 2, Wilson enhances the details to the background, paints the finishing touches on the fawn, and inserts in the low-hanging branch and leaves.

Moonlit Beach

Episode #311H · Wilson uses cool blues and grays to walk down a moonlit beach, as the waves roll softly in and beach grasses sway with the light breeze.

Emperor Penguins, Part 1

Episode #312H · Emperor penguins spend their entire lives on Antarctic ice and in its waters. Wilson blocks out the penguins and paints the background.

Emperor Penguins, Part 2

Episode #313H · On Part 2, Wilson adds the finishing details to the background, and brings the two Emperor penguins to life, using color and shading to give the illusion of feathers.

Warm Winter Birches Part 1

Episode #401 · A soft pink and blue sky lends warmth to snow-covered birch trees perched on the edge of a frozen pond. Wilson demonstrates his easy-to-follow technique of creating realistic birch trees.

Warm Winter Birches Part 2

Episode #402 · A soft pink and blue sky lends warmth to snow-covered birch trees perched on the edge of a frozen pond. Wilson demonstrates his easy-to-follow technique of creating realistic birch trees.

Approaching Storm

Episode #403 · An evening summer lightning storm has the occupants of a quaint lakeside village hunkered down safely in their well-lit homes. Wilson shows how to create mood and character in a stormy sky.

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