Happy Colorful Friday!

"Colorful Cadence" dressage horse painting 8x10 oil on Ampersand Panel

Are you online shopping for “black Friday” art supply deals like I am? (As a color sensitive artist I feel like Black Friday should be more positive like Fuschia Friday!) Color name aside, so far I've  stocked up on basics like Centurion linen and Ampersand panels as well as a Silver brand Bristlon brush to try since this is the one that Carol Marine says she uses.)

Today, while frosty cold am very relieved to see the sun's return after a rather gray Thanksgiving. In addition to running some errands (need more Fitbit steps after pie!) I’m heading out to take photos. Speaking of photos, if you're looking for painting subjects and art inspiration this is a good time to review and revisit your photo files. 

As you grow and evolve as a painter you may discover a photo gem that catches your eye on second go round. That was the case with this painting of a lovely silvery horse I’d taken a picture of at a dressage show in late summer.  As a casual rider I’ve always admired the movement and precision of dressage—both on the part of the horse and rider.  It’s like horse ballet! Also there's something energizing about painting a warm sunny day when the actual weather conditions are less than ideal.

Before I get back to surfing for bargains, just wanted to remind everyone of my winter 2016 painting classes. Starting first week of January, I'm offering three affordable weekly Denver painting group classes on Tues, Weds, and Thurs. (And my Tues. class is ongoing in December.)

So if you’re looking for a way to add color to your life and stay inspired during the long winter months be sure visit my classes/workshops page. In the meantime, happy painting and holiday shopping! 

The Art of Painting a Zorse

Zorn Palette Oil Painting Horse Study 8x10 on linen

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Da Vinci

Happy March everyone! First, you may be wondering: What's a zorse? I'll get to that in just a bit...

Are you ready for spring? I sure am. In May I’m teaching a six week Confident Color oil painting workshop (where I’ll be sharing my thoughts to strengthen skills like color mixing, harmonizing, dominance, etc.). 

I’m always researching, reading, and thinking about color...I've been thinking a lot about color exercises that have helped me over the years. And of my favorites is exploring a modest limited palette—such as three primary colors (technically pigments) and white.  We juggle so much as painters—shape, design, edges, values---So using a limited palette helps at least simplify your color choices.

"Mosey Mare" 8x10 oil on linen

For today’s small equine oil studies on linen I chose the “Anders Zorn” primary palette—Basically an opaque warm red ( cad. Red light or napthol), a dull light yellow (yellow ochre),  and black and white (I used Utrecht Titanium which is oddly a mix of Titanium and Zinc when you look closely on the back but I still like it.)  Typically, I might have used this Zorn palette for a figure or fall landscape but I thought it would be good match for horses. I love the violets it creates...Anyway I’m calling these Zorn horses—or just zorses for fun. (Can you tell I’m a product namer on the side?)

I don’t know about you but I’m really looking forward to spring painting this year. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful spring’s right around the corner week!