modification of the Judge composition

Once I decided to use the arts & crafts technique, I had to analyze my composition with that in mind. So, since one of the reasons behind doing this style is that I am living here in Hawaii, I decided to put a building into the piece.

Here is a mockup of the modified composition. I am pretty excited with it and will get up early in the morning to start laying it down on the panel.

This image is copyrighted to the artist. NO COPY NO

The Judge is waiting in chambers

ugh heavy work week...I see the panel waiting for me as soon as I walk in the door.....sigh...I meant to do the (oops! I almost gave away a part that is going to be a surprise!) anyway....I really meant to come home and paint after I rode. But I had such a great ride, I spent too much time pampering Sypher and when I got home and showered, the daylight was gone.
I WILL work on it tomorrow! I WILL work on it this weekend!
A fellow guild member sent me to a hilarious website called LOL Cats because I asked if anyone had a cat photo I could use as a reference.....well, that site sucked hours out of my life! I highly recommend it!

I mailed off the panel to Le Cadeau du Cheval today. I am hoping to be at Spruce Meadows for the unveiling!

The Judge

I started this piece a long time back and lost interest in it when my dog became ill and distracted me.

It was begun with acrylics but I am switching to oils because I hate acrylics now.

So here is the original sketch, the acrylic underpainting, and my first day back on it with oil.

I am going to try to do this in the arts & crafts technique. I have always admired that style but never attempted it myself.

All these images are copyrighted and for those of you who don't speak english as a first language, that means NO COPY!!NO!!

Le Cadeau du Cheval completed panel

well, I think it is done. I am pretty happy with how it came out. And very happy that it has time to dry before I ship it out.

This photo doesn't show the true gradations of color, that is disappointing, because that is a big part of the picture.

The title is Evolution: War Horses (copyrighted by the artist 2008)

The inspiration for the Evolution series are the cave paintings of horses. They start the story .

On the far right is Bucephalus, the horse of Alexander the Great. Alexander loved this firey horse so much that a city was named in his honor.

The big grey is my interpretation of Marengo. According to my research, Napoleon rode grey arabs mostly. But there are no records of a horse called Marengo. Napoleon was known for giving nicknames, so it is probable that after his major victory in Marengo, he started calling his horse of the moment by that nickname.

On the far left is a US cavalry remount from the early 20th century. Fading back into the cave wall is Old Glory. The stars become handprints put there by an early civilization. A statement that "We were here".

There are lots of interpretations that can be extrapolated from this painting. But honestly, when I composed it and painted it, there was no hidden adgenda or message. I encourage you to let your imagination wander as you look at the images of great horses that are a part of great civilizations.

Comparing the original and today's work

I wanted to see the original and my image side by side. I think I am staying pretty true to the original color pattern and color. (I hope so anyway!!)
Would appreciate comments!!

taking a break---it is getting hot next to the window where I paint. think I will go get an iced coffee....and see my horse.

Day 8--lunch break post

Just stopping for some lunch, made some changes once I had good references to work with.

I think it will be finished this weekend.

At last!!

My long awaited reference book finally arrived today...yippeeee!! And was it ever worth it, the very first plate that I looked at gave me exactly what I needed!
whew---what a relief! I may be able to sleep tonight!

Day 7--the clock is ticking!!!!

finally my new paints arrived today, what a relief to see that package when I got home from work!

I gave Sypher the day off from work, just ran over to groom him, and then came back to slap at least a little paint onto the panel.

sorry it's not completely focused, I was running out of daylight.

Day Six of Mural Project

Haven't painted all week because of my "day job". Then had to prop my leg up Saturday because of an injury at work Friday.

Was in a really disgruntled mood. My french army reference book STILL hasn't arrived. My new paints STILL haven't arrived. errrgggghhh!!!

finally my left brain gave up and my right brain took control!I was reading with my leg propped up and realized that I was no longer reading but I was visualizing my panel. So I jumped up and painted before my left brain could interfere!Only a couple of hours but at least it is some progress!