Rearing Horse in Fountain

The JC Nichol's fountain is one of my favorite Kansas City icons to render.  Each time, I try to approach the fountain in a different way, looking for the drama. This fountain is certainly fill of the drama!  With rearing horses, creatures underfoot and riders fully involved - there is no shortage of drama!  I am using my fancy new glass dip pen - and the inking is effortless. I dip the glass nib in halfway, and the ink flows smoothly down the glass spiral as I draw.  It holds an amazing amount of ink, and I can complete the drawing in 3 dips.  Next comes a little water, and this particular black ink does not flow as readily as the others I have tried.  This paper is also a little more resistant, so I have to work a little harder.  Totally worth the effort - this is a magical place.  Painting number 1774 in 1774 days.

Rearing Stallion

Rearing Stallion
Oil on masonite, 9x12
Red X Paint Out - purchase here

This is probably the most unusual place I have ever painted inside of - the RedX in Riverside!  I know, it sounds crazy.  This is my first time in this hodge podge mix of a store - where collectibles, bronzes, bikes and groceries live in harmony with a fabulous wine collection!   After taking a quick stroll around the place, I landed near the bronzes - this one taller than I am.  What a great opportunity to paint a bronze in light that doesn’t change - so different than the ones on the Plaza, where all colors change as the sun progresses across the sky!  The red backdrop turned out to be a challenge, with the values so close to that of the sculpture itself.  I let my brush have free reign at last, and went a little crazy with the palette knife, letting in some wild color choices......oh the freedom is exhilarating!  Painting number 1019 in 1019 days :)

on location