Painting horses from life

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Painting outdoors can be challenging. Painting horses from life adds another level to that. Unlike a human model, "posing" a horse with the expectation of them staying in that position for 20 minutes is not possible. Plus, the light is changing every seven minutes. My goal in painting horses from life is to capture the essence of the horse, the feel of light, and be as anatomically correct as I can get. There is nothing more invigorating than painting from life, and living in the moment is where horses live. If I can connect to that horse and make a statement with paint, I can remember that and take it into the studio when I work on commissions and don't have access to a live model.
When I approach a commission I consider the feel of the horse, within the context of light and the surrounding landscape. Bringing the personality, spirit, and essence of the horse to life is my goal. It has been an honor to paint each horse that I have, because the final spark in the chain of inspiration is connecting with the viewer.

Outdoor Painting Weather has Arrived!

The Fall weather signals a time to get outdoors in the desert. This is my favorite time of the year, the light, changing leaves, and the cool temperatures beacon me to grab my paint and "take it outside"! I have been able to get out the past couple of weeks and have been treated to sightings of coyotes, fox, javalina, and raccoons. This is the time of year when painting horses and the landscape from life is what I enjoy the most.

I also have several paintings at the SunDust Gallery in downtown Mesa. If you are in the area, please stop by for a visit. They can also be viewed online, and shipping can be arranged.
Today is also the start of the Plein air class I am teaching through Central Arizona College. I enjoy teaching, meeting new friends and making the painting process fun!

Auction to benifit Jeremy Cluff's Project Cowboy event

"Arizona Cowboy" Oil 16x20

Arizona horseman, Jeremy Cluff has been training my Percheron/TB cross for the trail. I had heard several friends talk about how much Jeremy had helped them with their horses so I gave him a call. He has done a great job with a big horse that could be challenging at times.

During one of Comanche's training rides, Jeremy told me about entering Project Cowboy, a competition event for trainers. The event held in Fort Worth, will require expenses of travel, entry fee, food and lodging. I told Jeremy that I would like to participate in sponsoring him. To this end, I am offering an original oil painting of Jeremy, titled, "Arizona Horseman". This 16x20 original painting is framed and ready to hang.

Auction terms: Starting bid is $100.00, with incremental increases of $20.00. Bids will be placed on the comments section of this blog and the ending time will be Friday, Oct. 1st, 8:00 p.m. mst. Payment is due within 72 hours at the end of the event, so funds will be available for Jeremy's trip. I am splitting the amount of the winning bid 50/50 with Jeremy Cluff. Please help me in support of his event and tell your friends too!

Mustangs, Plein air painting and new friends

Last week I traveled to Salida, CO via Cortez, CO to attend a workshop with Gabor Svagrik and Susan Diehl. On the way up, I stopped in Disappointment Valley and had the chance to observe, photograph and paint the Spring Creek Basin Mustangs. Thanks to TJ Holmes for the information on this herd. After leaving Cortez, I went through Del Norte and met up with Karen Bonnie. She is an artist I really respect for bringing color and life to her work.
The workshop was a wonderful time for learning and meeting new friends. To be able to paint outside this time of year was a treat. (It is way too hot to paint right now in AZ). Team teaching by Gabor and Susan was a delight that was infused with energy and information. I would highly recommend taking the opportunity to learn from these two modern masters.
With all of the beautiful reference I gathered, and new tips and tools acquired, I look forward to the paintings that will result from this week of Mustangs, Friends and painting!

Plein air at the Lower SaltRiver

Plein air painting on the Lower salt River.

Eagle in flight.

The two white specks in the center are Bald Eagles.

When I went out to paint this morning, I hoped to catch a glimpse of the small wild horse herd that lives along the Lower Salt River. I had my painting backpack, tripod and camera ready to go. After walking up and down the bank in the places that had a large quantity of sign, and seeing none, I looked for a place to paint. Although it had been several weeks since I had last been out to paint, I was surprised to not see any sign. The only footprint was from a raccoon.
Setting up with the sun at my back, I was looking down stream, and noticed a white speck on the brush. I got my camera out, and was delighted to see a Bald Eagle! There are a couple of nesting pairs in the area, and it was a treat to see not only one, but two just down stream from me. It seems like I spent more time watching the Eagles than studying the landscape, but i got a quick painting done despite the distraction. As I was packing up to go, one eagle soared overhead and gave me a nice in flight display. I am always rewarded with incredible beauty when out painting, and today was another unexpected blessing.