Current oil paintings and Adobe's sarciod update

During the past couple of weeks, I started treatment for Adobe's sarcoid that is located on the side of his head, between the left eye and bridle path. In the past two years, Adobe has had one type of sarcoid removed from this abdomen area, and one on his nose that turned into cancer. That one was also removed, and included chemo injected into the area. Both areas have healed completely and are clear of sarcoids. Please visit Janet Tobiassen DVM for more information on sarcoids, and a photo of Adobe's current sarcoid.

When Adobe had both of his surgery's, Comanche, my Percheron, would toss toys into Adobe's stall. I imagine that he wanted to play with his friend who was on stall rest. Once again, Comanche is doing his part to help Adobe. This series of paintings feature Comanche as my model. Instead of tossing toys, Comanche's effort will be to help defray Adobe's vet bills. Please contact me for purchase information on these paintings.

Horses, Mules and Dogs

My commissions come from the heart. They come from the heart of the person who commissioned the piece, (whether it is for them or a gift), and as an artist, I paint from the heart. I believe that is the place of origin for every painting. It is the emotional reaction we have to our subject that adds Soul to the piece. My friend, Shannon Grissom, is an artist who lives that to the fullest! In expression through paint, song and laughter, the elements of life and Soul are evident.

In the paintings I've posted today, the spirit of the owner and animal come through. I had the opportunity to do some on location paintings of some of these subjects prior to making the final painting. I really believe this adds a depth of knowledge and experience that pays off in every subsequent painting.

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!

How to make your own Plein air dry box

This is an easy box to make that will hold six panels. I make mine so they will hold two sizes, 6x8 and 8x10 or 9x12 and 12x16. But you can make them any size you need. The sides are made from door fascia available at Home Depot. You can see the six grooves are already there. The sides and bottom are made from door skin.

Cut the fascia 1/8 to 1/4 larger than the height of your panel, and the sides to fit the box with the panel easily sliding in the grooves. Drill pilot holes for small brads along one side of the box and attach that side. Flip it over and do the same on the opposite side. At this point, I slide two panels in and clamp the other side in place. This way I can make sure the panels will slide with ease. Drill your pilot holes and nail it together. The bottom is cut to size and nailed into place.

At this point you have a dry box. You may choose to make a lid for it, and paint it. Please let me know if you have any questions and how it works for you.

A horse with no name?

This 12x16 oil painting is of three of the horse we used at a friends ranch to gather cattle. They were great ranch horses in hilly terrain, and did their job well. I do know their names, but I'm not sure what to name the painting! Any ideas?

12x16 original oil $225.00 plus $4.80 shipping

Painting Horses and making Transitions

This Plein air painting is of "Bandit", a great trail horse with a quiet mind. I first met Bandit, along with his side-kick Smokey last Fall. Since that time, I've gotten to visit with the horses and owners while I have been Plein air painting horses at Goldfield Ghost Town. I depicted Bandit without his tack on, and wanted to show the warm and cool transitions in his coat. That is one of the primary benefits of painting horses from life. Seeing how the sunlight effects those colors is one of the joys of painting on location.

The Horsemanship Connection: Transitions are another element that has a connection between painting and horsemanship for me. Not only the transitions between the gaits, but the transitions in ground work as well. But the transition I am thinking about today is the one we have with our level of energy through feel. this is something our horses are aware of each time we present ourselves and our intent to them. This energy, feel and connection is also what I feel when I paint.