Sons of the Wind #3

So, here is #3 of my series! A bit different canvas set up with an elongated canvas. I felt this created more visual interest as the horse and rider "fit" a vertical image.

I definitely enjoyed my experiment with the looser style and carried a bit of that over to this painting. The purity of color and texture of the paint is richer using a looser style. However, I am quite a realist and often traditional in my tastes, so I've tightened up this painting more than the last. The balance between tight and loose styles will be a challenge for me to achieve, but I believe it will definitely be worth it in the end!

You can see the #2 painting in the background. I sure enjoy how the pieces work together and can not wait to complete this series! It is my goal to have the series work together as well as the horses and riders did in the exhibition! I feel this will truly attest to the artistry of these riders and the joy of seeing these horses dance.

Sons of the Wind series #2

So my progress for this week! Worked out this painting of our Sons of the Wind horse and rider. No, this painting does not have a name quite yet. Still working on that! Any suggestions?

This #2 painting originated with a photo of Vitor riding around the arena, leading the group of riders. Unfortunately the photo was a bit too far off to see the detail intensely. Yet, this gave me a great idea and opportunity to try something new! I didn't want to be on top of the rider, nor make an exact impression of who this horse and rider is. I wanted it more general than that. I wanted to capture the moment and the feeling one gets when watching a great horse and rider team complete the dance of dressage.

So, I did a bit of study on loosening up my strokes. Anyone that follows my artwork can see how tight and detailed I try to work. No, I'm not up to the point of photorealism, but I do try to blur the lines and strokes enough that they are harder to see. However, I sometimes envy some of the lighter, looser, paintings full of emotion and movement. This is what I wanted for this painting. To feel the horse's movement and the magic of connection between horse and rider.

This is a different feel and a different style for me, but I love it! I loved the freedom of allowing the paint and the brush to form the horse and rider. To forget about being so anal on the details and just letting the form flow. I definitely will incorporate this new style into my toolbox. Here is another photo of the up close view of how thick the paint is! Definitely something new and wonderful!

Sons of the Wind "The Dancer"

The first of the Sons of the Wind inspired series! I started with this painting because I just loved this horse. I believe this horse was one of the oldest horses they had at the exhibition. They told us that he is in his late 20s! The average life expectancy of horses is between 25-33, so technically this guy is one of the seniors.

What I loved about this horse though was how focused he was! This painting is of his solo "dance" between the flags in the middle of the arena. It was incredible watching him walk up with Vitor at his side and dance in place. The first time Vitor stood at his shoulder as he danced, but the second time he did it mostly without cue! He actually beat Vitor to the middle of the arena (as if he couldn't wait) and just started doing his dance! I have a photo of Vitor standing somewhat off to the side and behind him laughing because the horse just knew what to do. You could tell both were enjoying themselves and having a great time.

Because of my school schedule, I am slowing down on the paintings. However, my goal is to complete one a week! I will also give you insights into a bit more of what I am learning as I develop the talents God has given me.

Hope you enjoyed!

Also, "Butterflies for Josie" is going into print next week! 10% of the "butterflies" sales will go to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital in support for the research they are doing for children like Josie. Please message me on Facebook, email me, or check my Etsy shop for available prints!

Butterflies for Josie

Well, Butterflies for Josie is complete! Thanks to Ali from Moonchilde-Stock on DeviantArt for the awesome reference photo!

I have had a few questions about prints of this painting. It was not my intention to create anything from this but the original piece for Josie. However, I am in contact with Ali to see what she would require for me to make prints. I'm still on the fence if I want to or not, but will make that decision soon.

Hope you enjoy! I'm really excited and hope Josie enjoys this as much as I've enjoyed painting it!

What is on the Easel for April

Okay, so I started this back in March for a little girl named Josie. Josie is really sick and has been in the hospital for quite some time. A fellow crafter is friends with her family and wants to send Josie some butterflies to cheer up her hospital room. This is what I came up with!

This originated from a photograph from a fellow DeviantArt member, Moonchilde-Stock. Though the photo had just yellow tulips, I thought Josie needed more colors! I still need to work in the butterflies and finish up the tulips. I love the colors and vibrant feel these tulips give. I certainly hope Josie feels the same!

Challenge day 22

Okay, so day 22 and my final day of the month of March. This was such a great learning experience! Yes, I missed hitting my mark of a full 30 paintings, but I've also learned that life is sometimes like that. However, I did accomplish most of my goal and that was to work on my equine painting skills. I've read (somewhere I'm sure) that it takes at least 100 paintings to "master" a technique or skill. Though I am not at 100 (no where near it!) I can see my progress and take heart from it that I am indeed growing!

My spring and summer schedule is full of craft shows and school work (working on my Masters degree). Plus lots and lots of time with my little angel (hopefully at some fun horse events and places where I can take lots of photos!). My full schedule will be posted on my Facebook later this month so you can come see some of these paintings in person!

Also stay posted for painting series culled from the ideas I generated with my challenge. There are a few different series of larger paintings I can't wait to work on! Though they will be a bit slower going, I will definitely work on getting a few done in the next few months.

I enjoyed this challenge a lot. After the show season I'm going to take on another one and work on developing more. Maybe working on some human forms a bit!

All of my paintings are listed on my Etsy shop or you can contact me through Facebook or email to inquire about your favorites!