Bob Spendlove

Bob has always been interested in art from a very young age and has painted in oils, acrylics, pastels and specialises in watercolours and mixed media. He works as a successful professional artist and tutor, running private weekly sessions in the beautiful county of Shropshire where he regularly exhibits his work. His popularity, experience and the demand for his sympathetic tutelage means that 200 students every week benefit from his boundless creative energy. For many years Bob has been running inspirational painting holidays on the Mediterranean islands of Cyprus, Malta and Majorca.
At one of Bob’s exhibitions, a chance meeting with Steven Capell led to an invitation to visit the beautiful unspoilt island of Sardinia. He was captivated by the range of artistic opportunities for painting and sketching in the N/W region of the island. Subjects ranging from boats and harbours, medieval towns and villages, rugged countryside and coastlines, cork oak forests, olive groves and vineyards, lakes and spectacular mountain vistas, historical sites and beautiful pastoral scenes fired his imagination.

cyprus harbour

With this variety of subject matter and the diversity of Bob’s artistic talents, all students will have an opportunity to hone existing skills and build new ones. This is a painting experience where you are guaranteed leaving with more skills and knowledge. Bob will give you a truly memorable, enlightening artistic experience.
Mediums covered will include drawing techniques, pen and wash, and watercolour painting. There will also be the opportunity to develop techniques in perspective, proportions, tonal awareness, brush work and a greater understanding of the use colour.

(Artists Website)

Art Material List
PAINTS

I prefer to use tube paints as they tend to be more intense and user friendly, stored in a covered palette where the paints are squeezed into individual apertures, but you are more than welcome to use pans.
Suggested colours: ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, cerulean blue, lemon yellow, Indian yellow raw sienna, burnt sienna, raw umber, burnt umber, alizian crimson, cadmium red.
You may bring any other combination of colours that you have worked with successfully in the past.

BRUSHES

I would suggest the use of traditional round and flat wash brushes of varying sizes which are stated below,
Round brushes 2, 4, 8, 12
Flat brushes ¼ inch, ½ inch and 1 inch
The only specialised brush I use is a number 2 rigger

My experience over the years has led me to use brushes that consist of sable and synthetic mix, which I feel gives good spring and water holding capabilities. But please use the type of brushes you are comfortable with.

PAPER

Most of our painting will be done outside and the use of blocks of watercolour paper is ideal. I would normally use 14” x 10”, 140lb not or rough paper such as Langton, Bockingfordor Saunders Waterford. By using blocks you will not need to bring a board or have to stretch paper. You can paint happily whilst sitting with the block resting on your knees. If you prefer to stand, please bring your own easel.

BITS AND ‘BOBS’

I normally suggest that students bring HB, 2B and 4B pencils.
Pencil sharpener
A4 hardback sketch book (spinal type)
Putty rubber
Masking fluid and soap
Permanent ink sepia pitt type pens or similar.
Pallette
Artist natural sponges
Old disused credit card

The above is only a suggested material list but if you have any questions please phone Bob Spendlove directly. If you want to bring other materials, please do so, but be aware that you will have to carry them and that airlines charge for excess baggage. Chairs and parasols will be provided by Montemare at the various venues.