This oil sketch on paper of a lovely pair of dark bays in harness is an experiment in greens and reds, still using the same limited palette from my last painting session. I was particularly pleased with how the excited expression in the horse on the left came through!
Doing these quick studies on paper helps me to decide if I want to develop them further on a board or canvas--this one is definitely a candidate! My goal at this point is just to relax and enjoy the painting process. Confidence and skill only comes with much practice!
The paintings below are from a trip to Spruce Meadows, one of my favorite places to be each summer. Here one can get close-up with the very best show-jumping horses and riders--a colourful, exciting, and world-famous venue. These paintings are a little more refined, and I have moved to 9"x12" canvas sheets. My brushes are hog bristle filberts, #4, 5 and 6. Same palette, and I'm getting more familiar with the colours I can mix.
