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!
Regarding his eye, at the moment it is there for placement only. I need to know if it looks to be in the correct location before I work on it some more.
This is also the stage of this custom horse painting, where I need input on the details — his legs, hooves, muzzle, etc. River is also fairly colorful at the moment and would like to know if this is okay?
I know he looks a little naked without his mane and tail. They will be the icing and cherry on the ‘cake.’ They will add more action and spirit to the painting.
Were you a little nervous when you saw the previous stage? That is to be expected because no one knows what really goes on in artist’s head as we paint. And we cannot really explain it either. 🙂 From experience I know that there are weird stages of every painting, if not down right ugly stages. (By the way, it feels a little risky for me to show the publis these awkward phases of a painting.)
Your comments and input are welcome. Thank you for joining us and please share this with those that might enjoy seeing the artistic process.
