This work is inspired by a beautiful Andalusian and rider I saw perform at the Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle a few years ago. Such concentration and grace on the part of both that it just had to become a painting. This one is oil pastel on 24" x 32" canvas.
I have to let the paint rest a day or two before I can make further corrections as the upper layers are very soft and my oil pastel sticks will move the under layers instead of going over the top of them. So, on to another one. I have a show coming up here in Aiken in February and am under the gun to produce several more new works that have not been exhibited at this venue. I really like working in the kitchen, and I can't wait to get into my new space that is being added onto the south side of the kitchen. It will be sunny and cheerful with ceilings high enough that I don't bump my head! I have set the production bar high to make sure I deserve this wonderful new space, and I'm obligated to do my very best work and plenty of it!
This one is going fast and has been a lot of fun! I really like painting in my kitchen...closer to the snacks. Maybe I can finish it tomorrow.
Here is the start of a new piece in oil pastel. It's 36" x 48", a really large piece. It was too big for my attic space and low ceilings, so I moved my good easel down to the kitchen, got Marguaritaville playing on my laptop for cheerfulness, and it's coming along. I was inspired by the recent fall steeplechase races here in Aiken, on the backside near the start, as many of the riders let their horses go up to and see the first fence. This jockey had such a look of confidence in his horse, and joy in his job, that I knew I had to do a painting of the pair.
Here is the next step...a folding back of the leaders beside the wheelers in a four-in-hand team. Oops! Another layer to come tomorrow.
Here is the next step in Oops!..keep watching to see how this one plays out.
There are five rabbits hiding in the peacock feather grass next to a clearing in the forest. This piece is about 20" x 12", very mixed media and will be finished soon. I did another tiny piece, 2" x 2" but it didn't photograph well..more rabbits.
