Wilson Bickford, artist and art educator, has perfected the art of the “wet on wet” technique. In this instructional art program, Wilson teaches practical and useful painting techniques that make learning easy and achieve fantastic results.
A beautiful red cardinal perches on a pine tree branch. Wilson demonstrates the techniques involved in painting the background, branch, and bird.
In part two, Wilson puts the finishing touches on the red cardinal and its pine tree branch perch to create an easy to do painting.
Wilson demonstrates the easy techniques used to paint a graceful butterfly on a summer cattail.
Winter has come to Northern New York in the form of a beautiful, rustic snow covered barn. Wilson lays the foundation work, blocks out the barn, and begins work on the snowy landscape.
Winter themes and old barns come together to create the best of both worlds. In part two, Wilson uses a rake brush to achieve the look of old barn board and puts the finishing touches on the surrounding landscape.
Wilson shows how to use painting knives for an unusual yet beautiful interpretation of a sunset over a lake.
In the distance, a row of green fir trees framed by snowy mountains give hope that spring is on its way. In part one, Wilson lays in the foundation for the sky, water, and mountains.
In part two, Wilson puts the finishing touches on the whale, ocean water, and snowy mountains.
Wilson demonstrates the techniques used to create an unusual monochromatic scene of a lighthouse overlooking a serene ocean harbor.
The trees have turned striking shades of orange and burnt sienna. Below, a magnificent waterfall flows over stately rocks and moss. In part one, Wilson shows how easy creating a scene like this can be.
In part two, Wilson puts the finishing touches on the fall trees, moss, rocks, and flowing waterfall.
The sun is just starting to rise as a loon dances in the early morning mist. In part one, Wilson lays the foundation, blocks out the bird, and begins work on the surrounding landscape.
In part two, Wilson puts the finishing touches on the dancing loon and landscape.
Part 1 of 2. The Season 2 premiere features the painting of a birch forest, which begins with the acrylic under-painting and masking out the trees.
Conclusion. Oil glazes enrich the colors and bring the sunny summer birch forest to life.
A nighttime scene of a snowy landscape is painted.
An ocean scene with whales is painted.
Part 1 of 2. A serene fall scene with a Canadian goose begins with masking out the goose and laying the foundation for the background.
Conclusion. A serene fall scene with a Canadian goose is painted. Included: detailing bird feathers.
Painting a silhouette scene is demonstrated.
Part 1 of 2. An old truck that's been left to rust in a flowery pasture is painted.
Conclusion. An old truck that's been left to rust in a flowery pasture is painted.
A seaside scene is painted.
A giant sunflower is painted.
Part 1 of 2. An eagle flying high above a forest is painted.
Conclusion. An eagle flying high above a forest is painted in the Season 2 finale.
Part 1 of 2. The Season 3 premiere shows how to paint a butterfly in a field of daisies.
How to paint a butterfly in a field of daisies.
How to paint a hammock stretched between two palm trees on a tropical beach.
Part 1 of 2. A bluebird on a weathered picket fence is painted.
Conclusion. A bluebird on a weathered picket fence is painted.
Part 1 of 2. A dragonfly is painted.
Conclusion. A dragonfly is painted.
A summer's day scene with laundry drying on a line is painted.
Part 1 of 2. A scene of a whitetail fawn about to munch on leaves from a low-hanging branch is painted.
Conclusion. A scene of a whitetail fawn about to munch on leaves from a low-hanging branch is painted.
A moonlit beach scene is painted.
Part 1 of 2. A scene with penguins is painted.
Conclusion. A scene with penguins is painted in the Season 3 finale.
Easy-to-follow techniques of creating realistic birch trees.
How to create mood and character in a stormy sky.
A rustic country barn sitting near a meadow full of summer flowers.
Painting a pair of Canada geese, flying over a bed of cattails and searching for a place to land.
Paint Smart, Not Hard technique to create realistic water and rocks.
An easy technique used to create a sky full of stars.
How to personalize the child flying the kite to look like the artist's child or grandchild through use of hair color, skin tone, and clothing.
Creating the chickadee and birch tree using the Paint Smart, Not Hard technique.
Wilson demonstrates his "paint smart, not hard" technique for both beginning and experienced artists.Two horses graze in a misty morning meadow is painted.
A vivid pink and purple sky adds drama to a sunset over a tranquil lake.
A vivid pink and purple sky adds drama to a sunset over a tranquil lake, as two fishermen try their luck.
Wilson paints a winter scene perfect for gift-giving or that personalized Christmas card.
Wilson creates a beautiful snowy mottled winter backdrop and pine branch.
Wilson paints a blue jay enjoying the crisp day while perched on a pine branch.
Wilson demonstrates the techniques he uses to paint beautiful pink roses.
Wilson develops the background, including a sky and tranquil lake waters, for a rowboat painting.
Wilson completes the rowboat on the shore of a country lake and adds the finishing touches.
Three amber and orange maple leaves have landed in a puddle of water from a recent fall rainstorm.
As relentless waves hit the rocks near the shore, the spray seems to reach to the sky.
Relentless waves hit the rocks near the ocean shore. Wilson adds the finishing touches.
Wilson paints a bull elk that has wandered down to the lake to get a drink on a misty morning.
Snowshoeing, skiing, and ice-fishing are all about getting out and enjoying Mother Nature on a cold winter’s day. Wilson creates a winter scene in a meadow with two cross-country skiers.
In days gone by, folks would have to venture out to the old well-pump to fetch a pail of water. Today’s generation has probably never experienced that chore, but many of us ‘older folk’ have. Do you Remember When? In part 1, Wilson defines the background setting and the house.
In days gone by, folks would have to venture out to the old well-pump to fetch a pail of water. Today’s generation has probably never experienced that chore, but many of us ‘older folk’ have. Do you Remember When? In part 2, Wilson adds the details and finishing touches to this summer scene.
It gets blistering hot in the desert in the daytime, but the nights can be very cool. Wilson demonstrates how to paint an evening scene from Monument Valley.
It’s getting late and the sun is setting on another beautiful day. This fellow egret is coming out to try his luck for dinner. Fish or frog, it’s all good to him. In part 1, Wilson develops the background and sets the mood for Evening Egret.
It’s getting late and the sun is setting on another beautiful day. This fellow egret is coming out to try his luck for dinner. Fish or frog, it’s all good to him. In part 2, Wilson gets to the “fun part” – adding all the details!
Wilson is a country boy, born and bred! But the city has a charm and beauty all its own. It’s early morning, and the city is covered in a light shroud of fog emanating from the river.
It’s a beautiful autumn day, so let’s take a hike through the meadow down to the pond. We’ll have to pass through the “North Pasture Gate” along the way. In part 1, Wilson develops the background sky and foliage.
It’s a beautiful autumn day, so let’s take a hike through the meadow down to the pond. We’ll have to pass through the “North Pasture Gate” along the way. In part 2, it’s time to complete all the details.
Bring your fishing pole and we’ll see if the fish are biting in our “Stony Stream.” Wilson shares his techniques for achieving realistic results.
Old barns are a favorite painting subject of Wilson’s, and he shares his great techniques for achieving realistic results. In part 1, he underpaints the barn and develops the background.
Old barns are a favorite painting subject of Wilson’s, and he shares his great techniques for achieving realistic results. In part 2, it’s time to glaze and detail the barn to bring this painting to a finish.
They say big things can come in small packages. Wilson demonstrates how to paint a beautiful Tiger Swallowtail butterfly on a small canvas.
Wilson is in the holiday spirit as he paints a slice of Americana: an old truck bringing home the Christmas tree.
Wilson loves to paint birds, and this Snowy Owl is on the prowl! In part 1, Wilson paints the background sky, trees, and snow.
Wilson loves to paint birds, and this Snowy Owl is on the prowl! In part 2, Wilson details the owl and his perch and a tree stump coated in snow.
Old covered barns have a lot of character and interest, especially if you’re an artist. In part one, Wilson creates the background, grass, and pebble-strewn road.
Old covered barns have a lot of character and interest, especially if you’re an artist. In part two, Wilson develops the old, rustic covered bridge.
It gets chilly in the desert at night, but we’ll catch the last rays of warmth from this desert sunset. Wilson uses a variety of yellows, pinks, purples, reds, and oranges to create a magnificent sunset against saguaro cactus silhouettes.
Wilson demonstrates how to paint the move and movement of ocean waves. In part one, he details the background and begins constructing the wave.
Wilson demonstrates how to paint the move and movement of ocean waves. In part two, he details the finishes of the crashing ocean wave.
Featuring a very special guest artist: Wilson’s 11-year-old granddaughter, Lauren. Wilson gets many requests from people asking about painting with their children and grandchildren. “Moonlit Pines” is a fun and easy project using only a few basic brushes and paints.
Wilson has a green thumb when it comes to painting potted geraniums! In part one, Wilson establishes the background and the garden-encrusted clay pot.
Wilson has a green thumb when it comes to painting potted geraniums! In part two, Wilson shows how to add detail to the flowers and leaves.
A bright red cardinal is perched on a rustic, antique water pump, enjoying the beautiful summer day. In part one, Wilson establishes the background.
A bright red cardinal is perched on a rustic, antique water pump, enjoying the beautiful summer day. In part two, Wilson details the bird and the water pump.
Wilson loves animals, especially anything feline. He kicks off Season 8 with his painting of a Bengal tiger, one of the biggest and most fearless predators of the jungle. In Part 1, he completes the underpainting and background.
In Part 2, Wilson adds color and detail to his painting of a Bengal tiger.
Wilson demonstrates his technique of using oil glazes over an acrylic underpainting to create a crisp snowy woodland scene.
Wilson uses only a painting knife to create a vase full of colorful flowers. In Part 1, he creates the background and the vase.
Wilson uses only a painting knife to create a vase full of colorful flowers. In Part 2, he finishes the vase and adds a bouquet of vibrant blooms.
Wilson demonstrates his “Paint Smart, Not Hard” technique to create a pair of graceful waterfowl. In part 1, he preps the swans and renders the background.
Wilson demonstrates his “Paint Smart, Not Hard” technique to create a pair of graceful waterfowl. In part 2, he adds details and finishing touches to the swans and the overall painting.
The sun’s about to slip below the horizon, and the evening palms are swaying in the breeze. Wilson reveals his techniques to create a striking tropical sunset.
It’s cold and blustery outside, and a red barn sits in a snowy pasture waiting for the farmer to take care of the evening’s chores. In part 1, Wilson develops the stormy sky and forested trees, and the underpainting for the barn.
It’s cold and blustery outside, and a red barn sits in a snowy pasture waiting for the farmer to take care of the evening’s chores. In part 2, Wilson develops the barn and adds details to the snowy pasture. He even has time to include a few additional touches!
Wilson focuses on his technique of creating a hazy atmospheric look with this early summer sunrise painting of a farmer’s pasture, complete with a distant rustic barn.
Wilson can almost hear the waves lapping at the shore as the soft breeze blows through the seagrasses dotting the beach. In part 2, Wilson develops the sky and the gentle ocean waves.
Wilson can almost hear the waves lapping at the shore as the soft breeze blows through the seagrasses dotting the beach. In part 2, Wilson adds detail to the gentle ocean waves and the sandy beach.