Pet Portraits & Custom Paintings Archives

Watch the Custom Horse Painting Demo of ‘River’ | Stage 6

February 27, 2015 By Carol McIntyre

When we last saw ‘River’ in Stage 5 of his evolution, he was nearly completed. Based on input from Beth and my own need to tweak here and there (sometimes, we artists have a hard time of stopping….we keep seeing things in a painting that need a little of this and that), I believe ‘River’ is ready to depart my studio and head for home in Florida. What do you think?

‘River,’ 24″x28″x2″ oil on wrapped canvas

Beth wrote saying that I have “captured him beautifully!!” She had described her vision as one that arrived while she was practicing yoga and that River was telling her, “I feel great, I can run again!” Previous to his death, River had been quite ill, in pain and unable to run.

I, of course, could not be more pleased knowing that I have transformed Beth’s vision. I will miss him and his spirit in my studio. Way back in the beginning, the challenge was one that I was not too sure I could tackle, though I do love a good challenge. I am grateful for this opportunity and for Beth’s faith in me and my artistic skills.

Horse lovers, how did I do? Do you feel his glee at being set free in horse heaven?

Please share this post with others who may be interested in the painting process.

Watch the Custom Horse Painting Demo of ‘River’ | Stage 5

February 19, 2015 By Carol McIntyre

In stage 4 (see below)of this custom horse painting of ‘River,’ he was coming to life but still looking a little naked – definitely bald – without his tail an mane.

I had been wondering how the entire painting would alter in feel once they were added. However, before I added his flowing tail and mane (and it was difficult resisting from doing so. I wanted to see the cherry on top too! LOL!), I had to make several adjustments in the background and on his body. I like to call it fine tuning. By the way, fine tuning does take several hours. Much of the time is standing back away from the painting and assessing what needs to be tweaked. I also walk back and forth fairly often.

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Watch the Custom Horse Painting Demo of ‘River’ | Stage 4

February 11, 2015 By Carol McIntyre

As I continue this custom horse painting demo of ‘River,’ I have increased my horse language and learned all kinds of things about the unique characteristics of horses. I am glad that I have models across and up the street from me. The real model surpasses studying photographs.

When you have been around a horse, have you ever taken a few minutes and watched its ears swivel? Have you noticed how the ears can face the same direction simultaneously and the next second one ear turns to a completely different direction? They are similar to two separate radar satellites. It is entertaining to watch and make sure the next time you are around a horse, notice how his/her ears move. They could be telling you something.

As in every commission painting I create, I am always learning something – one the many benefits of commissioned paintings that I enjoy. ‘River’ has been teaching me a lot about his family of horses. They are complex and spiritual beings that, I believe, will always offer mystery to we humans. In fact, this intrigues us. They project strong contrasts – huge, powerful and intimidating, yet soft and gentle; quiet for most part, yet full of stories to tell and not afraid to let you know how they feel; lumbering when they walk, yet graceful and light on their feet when on the run.

At this stage of the painting, I have have begun altering the background slightly by adding some texture with my palette knife. I do this by lightly scraping thin layers of color across the canvas.

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Watch the Custom Horse Painting Demo of ‘River’ | Stage 3

February 7, 2015 By Carol McIntyre

Up to this point, River has been looking a little awkward – much like an adolescent. He needs beefing up and this is what normally happens as a painting develops. When you last saw him, see below looked a little anemic and not quite together — kind of like an overgrown colt…?? Please visit Stage 2 blog post of River to see earlier stages of the painting.

As I add more paint, I am developing the lights and darks on his body, which are starting to show off his muscles and his power. I also widened his head and moved his ears. Is he starting to look more like River?
I am also softening the background colors and below you see that these colors are starting to gradate or blend more into each other. Meanwhile, I have been playing Karen Carpenter songs as I paint. Apparently River loved her songs and listening to Beth sing them to him. How cool is that!

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Watch the Horse Painting Demo of ‘River’ | Stage 2

February 6, 2015 By Carol McIntyre

In stage two of this commissioned painting, I am building layers in the background while simultaneously surrounding River with paint. I am sure you can see River popping out. My diagonal and sweeping strokes are more obvious to convey that he will be coming out of something (we are not sure what yet….stay tuned!). Let me know if you like the direction this is going. Also, do I have the gold colors in the correct location? The strokes in that area were quite intuitive. custom horse painting demo

This custom horse painting demo continues with applying paint onto River. I am starting to make him look three-dimensional or have some volume.

Now it is time to start adjusting River’s ears, location of his eye and the action of his legs. I am also wondering if his head is too narrow.Specific input from Beth is welcome and needed at this stage of the game. Though it is not obvious in this photo, I continue to add thin layers of paint on the background.

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