studies

I'm bombarded with ideas at the moment.  Between the Int. Plowing Match and a recent horse show, I've got lots of images going through the old brain.  Then there's a bank of ideas still from my existing inventory of images!  So I'm working on a smaller scale for a while... you could call them studies.  Quick ones, 1 or 2 a day, depending on the size.

 I also had a commission as a result of my show... specific in colour, wanting teal.  That was fun!  Working in my fav colour, so bright, and pretty, for lack of a better adjective!!  I need to do more like that once in a while.
The teal pieces are 4 x 5, all the others 8 x 10.

There's something about it...

The more I look at The Lesson, the more I feel there's something that needs changing.  I'm thinking that the subject is just too big for the painting... sorry you can't see what I'm saying because you can only see a small pic of the painting... but I feel that this piece is just a study for what should be a much larger painting.  I think I'll start to work on it!

The Lesson

I think I'm done this one.  Have spent a lot of time on the little details.  I may touch it up a bit (hard not to when I'm studying it!)... trying to get the movement of the horses in... the littlest stroke at the right angle can make such a difference.

On another note, we have an art competition coming up in the local fair.  I'm having such a hard time deciding what to put in it!  It's a juried show, where abstract usually wins, but that doesn't deter me.  My choices are between the last 2 I've just done,  (Prep for the Lesson  or The Lesson) ... any opinions out there?!

work in progress

I have mixed opinions about sharing works in progress.  I don't want to share things that aren't at their best, but I do like to share the process.  Not everything looks good in the beginning, and if you saw it, you might not want to look any further!  This one has been a work in progress for quite some time.  Getting the composition right was the toughest.  I had 2 riders in it, but then realized one rider had a column coming out of her head, so they're both gone.  This is the riding arena of Manege, the academy in Amsterdam.  Like a palace.  I'm putting lots of work into the architectural details first... the riders will come soon.  How many, I haven't decided yet.  You'll have to wait and see!
Even looking at this, I see so many flaws... please be patient!!

Lucky me!

My show was supposed to be taken down this weekend, but fortunately it's able to stay  until the 28th of Sept. instead.  I have some procrastinating friends who will like that!  There's pros and cons to being in a small town venue, and this is a definite pro!  I like the flexibility allowed... it's definitely more my style!

I've just finished working on another horsey piece, and think it's done.  I took the ref photo while in Holland... at the Manege... what an amazing place.  I think I'll do a painting of the actual riding arena next... we were there during a semi-private lesson... I really want to share it with you.  I hope you like this one... the lighting is something I've always wanted to work on, like this one, resembling Vermeer or Rembrandt.

I'd rather be painting!

I seem to be spending too much time on the computer lately, when I'd rather be painting.  Tomorrow and the next few days, when it's nice, I'm going out to do just that! 
My show is soon coming to a close, and I'm in the process of setting up some future venues so there's a goal ahead to plan for.  I need that. 

I really love painting, but am developing quite a collection downstairs!  I believe my work is good,  & my prices are reasonable,  (let me know if I'm wrong please! ), but they're just not moving.  I've just added quite a few more pieces to my site on FAA (Fine Art America)  so maybe if someone likes a piece but can't afford it, they can at least get a print or some cards.  I've always held the belief in the value of originals.  Once an original is sold, I won't touch that file.   This digital age sure has its pros and cons!

BTW. Just finished this piece on the right!  Old doors in Paris with no door knobs!  Very interesting!

I'm back!

at the easel that is!!  I have been busy doing so many other things lately, my painting has not been happening, but I've finally gotten back and now have just finished 2 and have 2 others on the go.  When I get doing one thing, it's difficult to stop!  Maybe I'm a little obsessive compulsive!!  I have this thing though, that once I start something, I want to finish it.  Now, a big garden is never finished!! LOL  maybe that's why I'm out there so much... but a painting... it can be done.  I won't admit what a fast painter I am.