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Saturday, June 2, 2012

"Don't Be a Pussy"

I left off here, with a road map for shadows.

It seems I will be getting into some colorful shadows with this "white" rhododendron. I keep muttering my mantra ... don't be a pussy... don't be a pussy.  I tend to be a bit timid with my glazing. 

I've started the foreground leaves to give me some idea of how intense I can go with the shadows of the blooms.

Before
Studio light

Outdoor light
After ... I am also being less timid with Paulina. I lifted all the old shadow as best I could, made up a more appropriate color, and put it on w/w. I've also started getting some of the really dark ares of her hair.

I suppose we all do it; we become a bit complacent about everyday things. I've noticed the past few weeks, Bruno is getting uncomfortably feisty, almost aggressive, as I go into the ring. And last weekend, when my aunt was visiting, he tried to get between us, and knock her over when we were out in the field looking at the killdeer. There was an old broom not too far away, so I ran to get it, and came back to protect my aunt. He was more respectful, with me carrying the broom [though I did not raise it against him]. And yesterday after work, he was just plain dangerous, galloping around me, half rearing, and pointing his prodigious back-side in my direction. First, don't panic. Second, amble to tack room and get out whip. Amazing difference. Some respect. Anyway, just a short story of complacency. In painting, too, I notice I am going beyond my safe zones [ not just being nitpickingly perfectionistic ] trying different techniques, colors, etc. OK, I am rambling.

As always, I love to read your comments!

10 comments:

  1. Why do you think Bruno is acting out? Jealousy? Like kids when visitors come by who take attention away from them? that would worry me--but I'm not at all familiar with horses.

    As for you being timid with painting. Perfectionist, yes. Timid, no. You just proceed cautiously--not wanting to do anything you can't undo. I know about that--but not as much as you. Watercolor is unforgiving. This Rhode is going to come out as beautiful as all your other work. You are an accomplished watercolorist.

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  2. A day in the life of, Kathryn: training horses and artwork

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  3. Love those shadows and Paulina is looking great too! I am liking your bolder approach.

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  4. The multitasking here when you do a flower painting together with the portrait keeps you on toes Kathryn. The flowers (even they are realistic) are very forgiving and "abstract" if you will, the portrait on another hand is asking for realistic approach. When you get timid with the portrait painting, turn it upside down and look at your photo ref with the new eyes. It will allow you to "abstract" from realism and paint with no thinking about the details.. try it. I do it all the time when get panic that my portraits are not looking as the model.. (with photo's of course ;0), not real people)..
    Cheers!
    Irina

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  5. I love how your portrait is coming along, Kathryn! and hopefully, Bruno was just having a bad day.!

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  6. I really love how the flower is going, Kathryn! I could take a leaf out of your book and be more timid with my painting. I hope Bruno will behave better.

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  7. Proceeding wonderfully , the portrait is really gorgeous, looking forward to seeing the final result.
    How come that Bruno is so aggressive all of a sudden , is it a normal horse behaviour ? I mean , with YOU he shouldn't be that way . xx

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  8. Yes, I too have learned to be brave and go for it! I was a better Artist the moment I stopped being timid! Your flowers are going to be beautiful and wow, that Mona Lisa style painting is wonderful already :0))

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  9. These are both going to be wonderful, looking forward to more.

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  10. Sounds wonderful to me - a painting dilemma and a feisty thoroughbred horse! Wow - what more could a girl ask for?!

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