Spanish Walk

Andalusian stallion El Apagon performing the Spanish Walk.  

"Spanish Walk"   24" x 30"   Oil

Thank you to Chon Macedo for posing his magnificent animal while in town for the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association's National Competition.

The Rearing Stallion In Progress

I'm currently working on a painting of the Andalusian stallion Apagon performing the levade (equestrian term for rearing up). Early on I couldn't resist finishing the eye and now it will be staring at me while I finish the rest of the painting!

Here's the painting in progress.  (An earlier false start is on the right.)

Rodeo

A recently finished painting of a scene I witnessed at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

"Saddle Bronc Rider"   12" x 9"   Oil

Saddle bronc riding is known as rodeo's classic event.  The cowboy's objective is a fluid ride and using one hand he attempts to stay securely seated in the saddle.   If he touches any part of the horse or his body with his free hand, he is disqualified.  It's an action-packed eight second ride!

Details

Details often get lost when a painting is reduced.  Here are three icons of Fort Worth Architecture found on the horizon of my painting "The Friesian" (pictured at bottom).

Casa Mañana Theater  (4" x 6"  detail from "The Friesian")   

Will Rogers Coliseum  (4" x 6"  detail from "The Friesian") 

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth  (4" x 6"  detail from "The Friesian")

     

"The Friesian"   36" x 48"   Oil

The Friesian In Fort Worth

"The Friesian"   36" x 48"   Oil

The official breed of the Friesian horse is always black, has a thick mane and tail, and long, silky hair on the lower legs.  It has great presence and carries itself with elegance.  And it is great fun to paint.

Black In The Sunlight

"The Friesian Stallion"  (detail - in progress)   36" x 48"   Oil

Artist and teacher Charles Hawthorne, in his book "Hawthorne on Painting" said that painting black subjects in sunlight was the hardest thing to do.  I'm inclined to believe him!  This painting (still in progress) of a black stallion in the sun has been a challenge - but a challenge that I'm enjoying very much.  I'll show you the finished painting soon.

The Black Stallion Is Moving Along

"The Friesian Stallion"  (in progress)    36" x 48"   Oil

I'm making some progress on this painting of the Friesian Stallion.  On the horizon (from left to right) is the Casa Manana Theater, the Will Rogers Memorial Coluseum, a hint of the Kimbell Art Museum and on the far right, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

The Friesian Stallion - Getting Started

"Friesian Stallion"   36" x 48"   Oil  (in progress)

I've begun a painting of a Friesian stallion that I saw at the Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Show a couple of months ago.  This horse breed originated in Friesland, Netherlands, and the ancestors of these impressive horses were in great demand during the Middle Ages as war horses.  Below are photos of my impressive subject, Keesje.

Stepping Into The Light

"The Andalusian"   36" x 36"  Oil

The finished portrait of an Andalusian horse and rider.  From the Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Show at the Will Rogers Auditorium.

Three More Steps

The canvas is almost all covered with paint.

 It's now covered and I'm beginning to make adjustments here and there.

I'm adding detail to the horses head but the rider still has a blank expression.

"The Andalusian"  (in progress)   36" x 36"   Oil

The finished painting coming soon...

First Three Steps

Darkest dark.  Lightest light.  Brightest color.  These are what I like to paint first when I start a painting.  This helps me to judge my darks and lights correctly and my colors accurately.  Starting a painting off well is so important.  As a famous artist once said, "Well begun is half done."

"The Andalusian"  (in progress)   36" x 36"   Oil

"The Andalusian" Beginning

"The Andalusian"  (just started)   36" x 36"  Oil

Color Study for "The Andalusian"   8" x 8"   Oil

Just getting started on this painting of an Andalusian horse and rider that posed for me at the recent Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Show at Will Rogers Memorial Center.  The rider is Mario Contreras and the amazing horse is Xiomaro.  I'm going to have fun with this one!

Horsing Around

"Keesje"   10" x 8"   Watercolor

The Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Show was in town recently.  These horses - from Spain and Portugal - are some of the most amazing and beautiful horses I've ever seen.  I painted this watercolor sketch of a Friesian stallion and soon will be starting a large oil of an Andalusian being ridden by a Spanish vaquero.

Thank you Lisa Diersen and friends from Saint Charles, Illinois, for all your help in posing your
Andalusian and Lusitano horses!

Fort Worth Music Festival

This past weekend we attended the Fort Worth Music Festival held on the tree-lined lawn of the Will Rogers Memorial Center.  It was a 2-day live music event featuring 20 local and national bands on two stages.  We heard some great bands including Seryn, Telegraph Canyon, The Orbans, Calhoun and Kermit Ruffins.  There was artwork for sale by area artists.  Several food trucks served up tasty treats.  The weather was perfect.  The crowd was enthusiastic.  It's great to be in Fort Worth!

Up Next

"Up Next"   10" x 8"   Watercolor

This competitor is next in line to perform in the World Championship Paint Horse Show.  She's checking out her competition as she looks down the pathway that leads to the arena where she'll soon be performing in front of the judges.

Practicing Jumps

"Practicing Jumps"   10" x 8"   Watercolor

The Will Rogers Memorial Center is hosting the Youth World Championship Paint Horse Show this week.   Outside the arena are practice areas where kids can warm up for their upcoming events.

Dog Show Fun

I got to meet some great dogs (and their people) last weekend during the Fort Worth Kennel Club's All Breed Dog Show at Will Rogers Memorial Center.  So much fun!  I wanted to bring a few (dogs) home with me.  Maybe I'll have a watercolor sketch to show soon.

There is always something interesting happening at Will Rogers.  They host a really wide variety of events.  (Too many to list here -- take a look at their schedule.)  Next weekend it's the National Cutting Horse Association 2011 Super Stakes, and I hope to be there.