Creature Comforts

I took advantage of great weather on Sunday and rode my Old Man. Then I watched Stephanie Burbach Weinberger jump my mare, Bebe (The Babe).

Bebe has not been jumping long and really enjoys it. Here are some shots of her.

portrait of ft riley horse

I finished this pretty much today. I will add his name and unit crest in the lower right corner.

The cavalry color guard are very happy with it. "It's better than a photograph!"

so I'm happy too!

two pieces this weekend

Spring is in the air. We had a blizzard (kinda sorta) on Friday,very cold Saturday, and today the sun came out to start melting the snow.

since I was stuck inside, I worked on this small watercolor and ink drawing. It is from a reference photo by Linda Schantz. size is 4x6 on paper.

the next piece started but not finished (and deadline is tomorrow!) is a memorial portrait of one of the mounts from the Ft Riley Honor Guard. He was found dead in the pasture a little while ago. He was a handsome 12 yr old Quarter Horse. His main job was to bring in flowers for the commander's wife. He always had one ear cocked back onto his rider.

Sypher in Hawaii

6x6 oil on hardboard (new material that I am trying-so far I like it)

using a photo of my horse that I shot in Hawaii. He is my favorite model.

got stuck with the larger pieces so hopefully this little one will pop the cork.

I do need to clean off my palette and squeeze out new paint.

worked on the figure more today. I like the color of the jacket now, the leg, head/helmut shapes are better as are the colors. still not content with the shoulders. I like the setting, and the colors and activity.

The Huntsman day 1 and 2

I modified the composition and began laying down paint over the Christmas weekend. I have been using large brushes to force me away from details.

I'm using the Daniel Greene palette. I watched his video before beginning and for the FIRST time, I am confident about what colors to use and how to mix.

I am happy with how it is proceeding, and so far haven't had the thought that "it is a piece of trash-what was I thinking-" a major step forward for me!

It is different from my previous works because of how loose it is. But still recognizable as my "style" because of the composition, I believe.

Some changes in my personal life have really motivated me to paint or draw everyday now. No more procrastination. So I have my studio set up and lots of different sizes of canvas, or paper so nothing stands in my way (except myself).

I will also work on my sculpture that has patiently been waiting for years.