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Saturday, October 23, 2010

the marathon continues!

I'm in the middle of a few pieces at the moment, as they rotate around me, touching up here and there as I see fit.  There are actually 4 on the go, and a 5th to be started soon, all commissions for Christmas.  I love doing commissions... it helps me see things with a different, more critical eye.  It also forces me to keep working till I'm 110% satisfied, because I don't like to send off a piece unless it meets all expectations.  And I like the fact that I'm not rushed for time, yet! 
While working on these pieces, I'm getting lots of practise on horse anatomy etc, and find it's getting easier, and better.  This is good, because a future idea that I have for a 'masterpiece' will require this skill!
This one still needs some work, but you get the idea.  I'll show all 3 pieces (same 4 abreast team, shown 3 different ways) when I think they're 'done'.

Monday, October 11, 2010

the marathon begins!!

I just finished spending 5 wonderful days at the Simcoe Fair, watching and taking pictures of all sorts of horse events.  I took almost 3,000 photos in that time, of every horse/team from every angle, several times, just looking for the right shots of energy and conformation!  So far I've done 2 paintings, with so many more to go!  In that time I also got a few commissions, for Christmas.
To top all that, my piece "Prep for the Lesson" that was accepted into the Sanders Visual Arts Competition was sold!  Only sale in the show, so far.

I'm pumped!

Monday, October 4, 2010

some tiny pieces!

                                                                       the Blue Jay is 4 x 6

















These  4 are 1 3/4" x 2 1/2"
which is close to actual size



next step!

Well, my piece got in.  I'm pretty happy with that, and I got some good comments from the judges.  Nothing I didn't already really know, or feel in my bones!  It goes to show that you should follow your gut!  I should have put a larger, deeper fancy frame on my piece, like in the museums, to fit the style of the painting.  Next time, whether I've seen it done before or not, I'll do what I feel is right.

So, now to the next pieces!  I have so many ideas, and lots of little frames, and a couple of shows coming where small would work, so I'm doing a few small pieces.  Actually I did 4 last night... really small!!!  They're not even quite 2" x 3".  Still need to take their pics... will post them later.

Friday, October 1, 2010

wish me luck!

Well, I just took in my "Prep for the Lesson" to a juried art show.  I'm pretty certain it will be accepted, but I want to get to the next level and get a prize or recognition, something!!  When I took it in, there were a lot of huge pieces submitted... I hope size doesn't matter!  Good things come in small packages, right!?  Skill is one of the 4 categories for evaluation.  There were some pieces that were quite bad, sorry to say, but quite a variety of skill too.  I'm looking forward to seeing it all set up...I'll find out tomorrow!

On another note, I just finished my first piece of a Canadian Cowgirl.  Quite happy with it, but may make a few subtle changes, touch ups.  I like the splash of red that spices up the usual horsey colour palette, and am now planning one of the group in action.