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.
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.
I want to point out that I always start with brighter colors because it is much easier to de-saturate a color(s) than it is to brighten a dull color. The background can also become much softer and cloud like as I continue.
By the way, his tail and mane will be added later. They need to flow over the background and I want that to be nearly completed before I paint them in. At the moment, River is not looking all that attractive, but that will change as the painting develops.
For fun, I thought it would be interesting for you to see my actual working palette. I use the two-primary palette which I love to teach to other artists. Soon, my online video color course will be available teaching color mixing and using the two-primary palette. If you would like to be sure to hear about this upcoming course, you are welcome to sign-up for my Studio News list to receive announcements. The sign-up is to your right in the column. 
How are you reacting to the feeling of River and the painting at this stage? Do you like the color palette that is evolving? What questions do you have about my process?
Please share this demonstration with others who may be interested. Thank you for coming along on the ride (pun intended!).
Hi Carol. Sandra here, Beth’s sister in Boise, Idaho. Watching you create this for Beth is pretty exciting. I knew River, and was sitting next to Beth in a yoga class in Utah last June when she had this vision, the day after River died back home in Ocala. I recall how crystal clear it seemed to be in her mind’s eye.
You asked whether River’s head was too narrow. I’d say yes. He was a big boy all around, and both his head and neck were definitely more robust than you’ve shown so far. But do ask Beth to comment on it. Whatever SHE sees is what’s important.
Thanks for agreeing to do this painting for her. It means the world. 🙂
Hi Sandra! Thank you for your comment. This is a challenge for both of us….her conveying what she saw and me trying to transform her vision onto canvas. I am just in the early stages of making River more robust and will solicit more specifics from Beth. BTW, it is much easier to start out too small and make him larger than the other way around. So far I have enjoyed trying to create him. Thanks for joining us.