Painting the Great Basin Band

The process of this painting shows the use of a grid layout and the changes I made as I went along. In this painting, I wanted to show the horses emerging from the dust as they ran across the range. Every horse is effected by the dust and some of the dust color is incorporated into each horse. The depth of field is quickly engulfed in the atmosphere of dust.

The grid is laid out on the reference and the canvas. In areas of more detail, I added smaller grid lines.

A sketch of the horses.

I made some changes, especially to the rear horse on the right.

In the photo, the background horse was too large, effecting the composition and depth of field. I reduced it size and prominence. 

The dust was a major feature in this painting.  I wanted to show warm and cool areas.

Adding the horses.

All of the horses have some of the dust color added. 

"Great Basin Band"
Oil
24x36
$2,200
©Karen McLain

National Treasures Exhibit in Estes Park

"Bighorn Beauty" Sold

"Dryhead Stallion"
Oil on linen
9x12

I am thrilled to have five pieces included in the "National Treasures: Art Celebrating the National Park System" show at Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park! These are based on my Artist in Residence at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Assateague Island National Seashore, sponsored by Assateague Island Alliance (AIA). 

This is the National Park system's 100th anniversary and it is a pleasure to celebrate the beauty with this exhibit. 

The show and sale is July 1st-31st. Please call Cultural Arts Center of Estes Park, (970-586-9203), for purchase inquiry.

"Assateague Island Wild Horses" Sold
Oil on Gallery wrap
24x36

"Paint in Moonlight" Sold
Oil 
9x12

Wave Study.
Oil 
8x10

Assateague Island Wild Horses

During my Artist in Residence at Assateague Island, I had many opportunities to paint and photograph the horses. One morning, a small band was walking in the dunes, the light on the white sand and horses coats was beautiful. This painting was inspired from that morning.

"Assateague Island Wild Horses"
Oil on Gallery wrap
24x36
Sold

Vincent was "helping" me paint!

Wild Horse Bachelor Band

When I am visiting the wild horse ranges, I am always interested and often amused while watching the antics of small bachelor bands. This band was playing,and then stopped to rest-content to pause until their antics continued.

"Bachelor Band"

Oil 
24x36
$2,000

Picasso, Wild Horse Icon

 Picasso, is one of the most easily recognizable  Sand Wash Basin stallions. His bold markings and high ranking with other stallions has added to his alluring  presence. This past summer, I only saw him on two of the 14 days that I was at Sand Wash. This painting was inspired when I watched him pushing his band across the range. Little did I know, that he would later loose his band to another stallion.

"Picasso's Strength"

Oil

24x36

$2,500

"Picasso's Strength"-Detail