Trigger's Saga

Reference

I used the study I had done earlier to play with the background. I thought this too dark.

I sponged off some of the pigment, and came out with this.

I also did a work-sheet, to see exactly how the colors would play out.

This is the portrait itself. I think it may be more intense in reality than this, but it gives you an idea of the background.  I used grayed hues of lavender, cooler at the top and right, and warmer below, hopefully to give it a sense of depth. Next I will go in to finish the horse image.
That's painting for this morning. Off to clean up the Big Guy's paddock, and go for a ride.

As always, your comments are most welcome. 

Finishing What I Started ...

Reference

There are a lot of "mistakes" in this one that I can't repair, but I've taken it to a decent conclusion.

I was going to leave this here, but glancing at it before I went to work yesterday, I thought to myself - there is no pattern, cohesion - try playing with the shadows. 

So I did ...

... and also glazed some of the leaves.

I have a habit, and I'm sure we all do this to varying degrees, of starting a new project with great enthusiasm, and then getting bogged down in frustration and disgust. I appreciate that my painting is technically OK, but often lacks a sense of unity and completion. That must be my impatient side! I'd also like very much to bring a bit more 'meaning' and emotional depth  into my work. This should keep me busy for a few years. :)

As always, your comments are most welcome!

"PENSEES" - Start to Finish

I started very w/w, with the board at a slant. I don't usually do that, but I really liked how the paint flowed for the beginning of the portrait.

The hair and the post were started w/w.

Thicker color, painted wet on dry for the definition of the hair.

Work on her features and the shadowing.

Almost finished here. This photo was taken outside, and gives a much better idea of the true colors.

Just a bit of fussy detail work around the eyes.

In general, I am quite pleased with this portrait.  If I were to have done anything differently, it would be to do more w/w  of the shadows and pink coloring of the face. To my eye, it looks a bit patchy, especially around the nose. But all in all, I am happy with it. And I am LOVING doing portraits!!!

As always, your comments are most welcome.

PS - If anyone is interested in it, the portrait is 10 3/4 x 8 1/4 in., and for sale.

ANY IDEAS?????

The dogs were not impressed.

The above photos are of my set-up. I had two neighbors drop by. Norma brought her sister, niece and nephew, and their new pup. They asked about training tips for the pup, and mentioned they'd like a portrait when she is full-grown. She is only 9 weeks now ... hmmm.
There was absolutely NO response to the signs I put out on the street.

Stages of collection - increasing response, over time with training, of the horse to the rider's aides. The aides are your seat, legs and hands, basically, and how you balance and use them.

This is a graphic visualization of the weight-shift of a horse, over time with training.

A few people asked for a bit more clarification of "on the bit". I could go on forever about horses. I'll restrain myself. Essentially, the purpose of training is to get the horse to shift its engine, from front-wheel to back-end drive. All the powerful muscles are at the hind end, and through training, we encourage the horse to use and develop these muscles. It is gymnastics/yoga for horses.

As for the "show", it was disappointing. I am running out of sly and cunning plans to get people to notice my art. ANY SUGGESTIONS???

As always, your comments are most welcome.

Sylvia Loch - On The Bit Dressage

Preparing for Another Show Tomorrow

I've made three 18 x 24 inch signs, and I will put them up on the "main" street, hopefully to catch the interest of people driving to and from the country fair. Last show, I made lovely invitations, and hand-delivered them throughout the neighborhood. One person showed up, responding to the invitations. Hmmm ... THAT didn't work! Wish me luck with tomorrow's advertising plan!

Other than that, I've been playing around a bit with these sunflowers. I haven't had the time to really focus on a portrait. Hopefully, on Monday.
And I've been working hard with Bruno, teaching him to come onto the bit. This is the sine qua non for dressage, and I'd forgotten how physically and mentally difficult it is to get and keep a relatively unschooled horse on the bit. AARRRGHHHH! But we're doing it, in short increments - 10 to 15 seconds at a time. We'll both gradually get stronger with this. The last time I went through the procedure, I was 20 years younger. And Bruno is no feisty 4-year-old. So we are both a bit stiff. :) But it will come, and we will both be better for it!

As always, your comments [and probably questions about "on the bit"] are most welcome.

The Country Fair

Pat and I walked over to the fair this afternoon ...

Loved the hawk, with his handler talking to him.

Lots of prepared food and produce.

And a fair bit of everything else.

There was even a ferris wheel this year.

Got some good photos of the inside of the old barn ...

... and some of the equipment.

I made a new friend - Diego.

I almost took him home with me. He was a mighty sweet nuzzler!

Harlequin rabbit - I'd never seen one before

A giant Flemish, with assorted other bunnies.

Pat, attempting to establish rapport with another llama.

On our walk back home, we saw a bride being photographed in the long grass in the park.
It was a gorgeous warm day - perfect for almost anything.

As always, your comments are most welcome.