Hello friends! It seems like it’s been awhile since I posted. I have been a busy artist over the past month or so but I’m excited to share this one with you.

Autumn Covered Bridge is painting number 86. You’re driving along the back roads on a sunny autumn day taking in the foliage. Your wandering takes you to this rare covered bridge that has a little beach area. This little clearing looks like a great spot to drop a line and catch some fall small mouth bass. They would just love the cover of that covered bridge.

The Inspiration

This classic New England covered bridge painting was inspired by one of my Twitch channel followers who posted a photo in my Discord server. I liked the photo a lot and thought it would make a good painting. It also happens to be a spot in Maine, one of my favorite places. This painting is an original meaning I didn’t follow along with Bob or Bill.

Materials Needed

Though I didn’t replicate a Bob episode, I did use my normal Bob Ross paints with one exception. I ran out of Midnight Black. Since I was at a nearby art store, I just picked up some black oil color since it was convenient. What I ended up getting was Grumbacher Academy Ivory Black. Color wise, I can’t really notice a difference since it’s usually mixed in with other colors such as the mountain mixture. However, if used on its own, it is closer to true black whereas I’ve found that Midnight Black leans toward the blue hue. The paint comes out in a thin roll unlike Bob’s thick ribbons. It works just fine for mixing and adding dark color to your foliage and mountain base colors.

Colors

• Alizarin Crimson
• Bright Red
• Cadmium Yellow
• Dark Sienna
• Indian Yellow
• Midnight Black
• Phthalo Blue
• Sap Green
• Titanium Hwite
• Van Dyke Brown
• Yellow Ochre
• Don’t forget the Liquid Hwite!

Equipment

• 2 Inch Brush
• 1 Inch Brush
• #6 Fan Brush
• Large Palette Knife
• Script Liner Brush

Notes From the Easel

I love how this painting turned out, especially the covered bridge. I don’t usually include structures in my landscapes, and this one is basically a giant cabin, so I’m pleasantly surprised by how natural it looks.

What made this painting unique is that it came together over the course of three different days. Taking my time was actually really nice. When you’re not rushing, you can finish a section completely, let it set up, and return later without worrying about disturbing the wet areas. That’s the key to stretching a painting over multiple sessions: finish a portion you won’t need to rework, or choose an area that benefits from a bit of drying time before adding highlights.

This painting also challenged my artistic eye. Near the end, something felt “off,” but I couldn’t figure out what it was. After stepping back and studying it, I realized the issue was with the perspective of the structural elements. Once I corrected that, everything clicked into place.

Another thing that made this painting enjoyable was the setup. I painted it while sitting at my desk, which added to the relaxation factor. Smaller canvases are perfect for sitting, it’s a different vibe than standing at the easel, and sometimes that change of pace is exactly what you need.

Closing Thoughts

This painting reminded me why I love doing original pieces inspired by real places. There’s something special about taking a photo someone shares with you. especially a classic New England covered bridge from a place like Maine, and translating it into your own world on canvas. The covered bridge pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, from perspective challenges to slowing down and working over several days, but that made the final result even more rewarding.

Painting at my desk, taking my time, and letting the scene unfold at its own pace made this one feel especially peaceful. Not every painting needs to be rushed or completed in one sitting. Sometimes the slower ones teach you the most.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of my art, you can find available work in my Art Shop in the top menu. I’ve also been doing some mini art lately that I’ll post about soon. That stuff can be found in my Etsy shop.

Happy painting everyone!