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Sunday, November 4, 2012

Odds and Ends - Horses, Chickens and a Monk

Trigger's painting, sitting under the spot where he'll hang in Kim's kitchen, where he'll be seen all the time.

I thought I was finished ...

The background wasn't right for Kim, so I said I'd try to really darken it, and neutralize the purples which were wrong for the intended setting. This is after two w/w washes of phthalo blue and indanthrone blue.

I am also warming his face and neck with very thin, carefully applied glazes of quin. coral, quin. siena and quin. burnt orange. It looked too cold and flat after darkening the background.


Chick is coming along nicely ...

This is from a photo of a friend of mine. I can hardly wait to get to it!!! The strength and serenity of his face are magnificent. I still have to plan the background.

I was very upset earlier this week when Trigger's mom called to tell me that the old boy had died on Saturday. It was very sudden and completely unexpected. Kim also asked if I could change the background in the portrait; she wants something almost charcoal gray, very dark.  I promised her I would try, or do another painting. So this is where I am right now with the painting.

As always, your comments are most welcome!

13 comments:

  1. Your horse looks great and actually the darker background sets him off even more. I like the way you warmed him up a bit. Looks good. Sounds like you had a bit of a downer week, I hope this week improves for you.

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear that Trigger died! But you've done a beautiful job on the portrait - I hope you can satisfy the buyer, who seems to change her mind now (I thought the first version with the purplish bg looked great on that green wall - just my opinion). Looking forward to your monk portrait!

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  3. Hi, Kathryn - what a shock about Trigger - so sad. It's amazing how different lighting changes color and value so dramatically. I commend you for striving to make your client as happy as can be. And your next two projects are awesome. You are so good at keeping several things going at once. I envy that ability!

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  4. Wonderful work...and, again, I just love that chicken! :)

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  5. Hi Kathryn,
    it is very sad but it is very impressing.
    Your works are always sparkling.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear about Trigger. I like the darker background, so kind of you to change that for your client!

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  7. Hi Kathryn, I 'm so sorry about Trigger. I thought he was lovely but he's still gorgeous with the darker background. Looking forward to seeing your new ones. love,Diana

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  8. Oh the problems with commissions. I liked the background too; it increased the depth. The death of Trigger is sad, but no good thing with regards to the painting. You can't bring the beloved horse back no matter how hard you work on the portrait. Be aware that this is a sticky wicket. Take time out and do the monk.

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  9. I love the dramatic lighting in the portrait of Trigger -- really sorry to hear its passing too. I think the darkened background and spotlight effect really emphasized the pristine quality of this portrait, and works well with the delicate shading of the white subject. Great job!

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  10. With darken background Trigger looks even more real. I am so glad you left a light area next to his face though.. It is very symbolic for me when I learned hit story.
    Thanks,
    Irina

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  11. That change of background has worked wonders for trigger. I think the whole grayness goes very well.
    And we are waiting for the chic. ;)

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  12. Hello Kathryn:( I'm so sorry about your loss of Trigger. I know how deep the love for an animal can go!
    Your client may be very satisfied with you. Every change you do as a pro! I hope she likes it as it is now. I loved the purple version very much, but hey, I'm not the buyer...:) The painting is beautiful, no matter what background!
    Your little chicken is so nice. I love the colors. Great job!

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  13. I hope the final version here has been accepted, it is absolutely stunning ! How sad to hear about Triggers sudden death, I know how fond you were of him . xox

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