This painting is quite large; 30 x 48". I set out to try something new and old. I have a fascination with raw canvas showing. Last few years I have obliged to standard technique and covered the entire canvas with a straight wash before the drawing. When I was in school I just started painting on raw canvas and if white showed, I left it. Quick expression rather than worked over gradients of paint offer more expression of my eye and intuitive view of balance. Yet I have to consider what most want as 'finished' and usually white showing through is not considered finished... and so the random washes become the happy middle.
In this case the washes actually had a purpose and were best suited to make the air glow around this flying Andalusian stallion. The dust rises with him against blue sky and turns the difference into a soft green. The freedom of the pooling washes suggests the energy in the air. His eye is so quiet in the middle of all this effort that he appears to be able to do jump into magic as he sleeps. Capriole is a job an Andalusian does not have to consider work.. it is his nature.
Some of it was done from above standing on a chair and that was fun. Made me consider the possibility of longer brushes and length of the arm adding to the curve of my lines. Painting flat these washes pooled randomly and made a nice texture.
This painting was juried for inclusion in Ex Arte Equinus! The show will be available in a hardback or softback bound book. On line show will be published shortly. Visit my web site for a link: www.equine-impressions.com
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