Presto

Tonight finds me painting this beautiful horse for a dear friend.  Something about this image had me reaching for my acrylics, which I've not used for a while.  Starting with a fresh and limited palette, I started the layering of paint.  To sketch out the composition, I thin down the paint to a watery consistency.  While wet, I can easily adjust and remove lines with a damp paper towel.  I do start with a white surface when I work in acrylics, something I never do in oils.  My time with watercolors has me saving the lights even in acrylics.  The translucency of the medium calls for it.  I find it very hard to regain bright lights once a darker layer is beneath them.  It has been a joy to paint this gorgeous horse, they have been a favorite subject since elementary school!  Painting number 2144 in 2144 days.

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Firefighter Tribute

There was a special challenge for the Paint Parkville event this year, a collection of fireman's tools against the backdrop of the fire truck.  Using both brush and knife, I painted this in oil.  It is very meaningful to work on something like this for our first responders, who put their lives on the line every day.  Always great to mix things up, and a nice change of pace to get in the studio!   Painting number 2096 in 2096 days.

Award of Distinction Still Life
Paint Parkville 2018