Saturday, May 16, 2009

Small horse paintings







I did five small studies of these two horses. I wanted a chance to spend some time with them before I do the main painting. These small quick studies provide me an opportunity to look at color and value relationships as well as getting to know the horse's characteristics. The final composition will have both horses in the same painting. I look forward to working on that!

12 comments:

Kathleen said...

Love these paintings - very nice and free with great color!

Karen McLain said...

Thanks Kathleen!

Michele Melcher Illustration said...

Hi Karen! Thanks for commenting on my blog. I love your work and will check out more of your site when I have a minute! Thanks for looking at my stuff!
:)
Michele

MelodyTheArtist said...

Karen,

You certainly know horses! I especially love the freshness of the last one, almost a portrait, beautifully seen. I look forward to the finished painting you construct from the studies.

Karen McLain said...

Thanks Michele and Melody! Inspiration is the conception of every painting, and I am inspired by the beauty of horses.Show horse or companion horse, I love them all.

Anonymous said...

Karen
That last one is the spitting image of my first horse Brego. Wow. You are channeling doppelgangers!

Beautiful, all of them.

Gabriela said...

Hello,

Your paintings are fabulous!


~ Gabriela ~

Karen McLain said...

Thanks everyone for your kind comments. I'm glad these paintings connect with you!

Sharon Crute said...

The studies are so fresh and spontaneous with lots of movement. You've captured a candid moment in each.

Becky Ri said...

As a lover of dogs, horse, family & nature, I enjoy your paintings and the thought of complete freedom they enspire in me. Thank you for sharing your passion!

Karen McLain said...

Living in the moment and doing what we are put on earth to do is one of the best ways to bring joy to others. Thanks for your kind comments!

Cat Kindsfather said...

Beautiful, especially fond of number 4 & 6. Looks to be the same horse. Love the way the mane is executed in the bust of #6. Its an awesome little painting.

Dangerous surfing your blog galleries! lol