I just thought I would mention this as it might help you guys at some time. I was struggling with a painting and found I had to really concentrate to do just the basic stuff. I was getting quite uptight about it and I was just about to give up when my sister rang. I continued to paint while we were talking and it made a massive difference. I know some people listen to music while they paint and I think there might be something in it.
Calming Influence While Painting
There is indeed something in it. I paint worser (then usual!) when I'm stressed or uncomfortable. I create better work when I'm really motivated and my timing isn't limited or fixed.
Concerning the music, when following Bob, there must be silence around me or I canot hear his voice.
When I do other work, also then I prefer it silent around me but that is a personal choice that everybody must make.
@Voy Kay#450 Then you'd hate series 1. I'm still waiting for the technological breakthrough that could scrub out the muzak.
Ian_Adkins Yes Ian, I am not at all fond of the first series, that's not a secret. From series 15, I am happy with picking my choice of recreations but above all, all I want to hear is Bob's voice at a normal volume and colour!
Oh yes I forgot about series one. Bob must have liked the choice of music but I have to say I don't, it just winds me up, I agree, you do just want to hear Bob's voice. But if it's your own choice of music it might have a beneficial effect.
I could be mistaken, but I think Bob wasn't happy with the first series (hence the move to WIPB) and didn't want the episodes re-aired. I have always assumed the muzak was part of it, along with lens flares, bad audio, etc. I'd like to think he had better musical tastes. Either way, it was something he didn't carry forward with further series, thanks be to God, because I'd hate to watch Bob on mute!
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When I'm following along to a Bob painting, then I usually don't listen to music, but I haven't done that in a while. I've been breaking out on my own lately and only using certain paintings Bob has created as inspiration. I've been mostly listening to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds while painting, particularly their more recent album - Ghosteen. It's a haunting, heart-wrenching, and beautiful experience. I find it pairs really well with painting and puts me in the right mood. While I was painting my Halloween painting for the event, I listened to the OST from Silent Hill 2, one of my all-time favorite games and an amazing soundtrack for painting a creepy scene.
I like music when painting.. I normally go with a theme.. Halloween was while Nightmare before Xmas was running in the background.. I listen to Jazz, Hawaiian, classic rock.. depends a lot on my mood or the mood I think I need to be in 
A secret pleasure is Disney tunes 
That's a great idea - to listen to The Nightmare Before Xmas soundtrack while painting a Halloween scene. Definitely one of my all time favorite movies!
TheLandscapePainter this is what some people call to switch off internal critic. You just gave him talking job and it freed your other hand for painting more free and more calm without any internal judgements. This is such a great observation about yourself as an artist.
2 months later
Ian_Adkins
I painted 'final reflections' (S1E13) lately and was indeed not happy either with that music. Once it got into my ears, I found it annoying. Luckely I painted this episode at true speed, meaning I never paused it and painted along with Bob, and thus had fewer time to be too much disturbed by it.
LUCKILY, they stopped using that background noise from season two on!
@Voy Kay#981 One day I'll paint season one, but with the TV muted. Even Bob's voice can't undo the awful muzak.
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Why to follow along when there are 30-40 paintings under the belt. I am sure you can see final creation and do all the steps needed to get a complete painting ! You guys are already pros. Look at season 1 as your exam and I am sure you will pass it with huge success !
@Voy Kay#984 I think you are way too modest! You can knock any of the rest 300 easy without follow along!
