New Computer - WIP 3

Last Saturday my old computer finally died. I was not looking to get a new one just yet, but like TV used to be (maybe still is), -- can't live without it, it seems. It is taking me some time to get used to the new features and to the loss of some programs that I no longer have because they are incompatible with Windows 7. At least the timing of the need for a new computer has allowed me to skip Windows Vista. Also, quite luckily, I have been able to save most of my documents and photos. I have lost some in the previous crashes of my old computer. I am hoping I don't have to mess with this one for quite awhile!

Here is the latest WIP for this portrait of Buddy that is awaiting the name of "Contemplating Winter" or "Indian Summer". I have cropped it, the flank area was too close to the edge (I know better, but plunged on for awhile) and thus not working in the compositition. I have a ways to go on the background. I hope to tie in the yellow foliage better but still leave it as a symbolic halo for Saint Buddy. This is a quick shot from my drawing board, so the details and colors are not as clear as they could be with better lighting and a tripod. Getting a good photo for exhibition entry/documenting will be the next challenge. The deadline for the exhibition is November 15 -- I don't know whether I will make it or not. I will be working furiously the next few days to try to, though.

Thank you, very much, Donna B and Erik, for becoming followers of this blog. I am looking forward to taking some time really soon to visit your sites and learn a little about you.

Buddy, WIP 2

Here is an update after many more hours Tuesday and yesterday. I am going to work some more on him this morning. The deadline for the exhibition entry is next Sunday -- and between this afternoon and then, there are several things scheduled for me -- I need to see if I can streamline any of the chores and duties that will distract me. I also have to finish My Friend Chicken Farming, or something similiar for the title, for the exhibit. It does not have far to go, though, I think. The exhibition is a juried online exhibition with the Colored Pencil Society of America. The exhibition is called "Explore This". It must have some other media or a support which would make it ineligible for the annual international exhibition also sponsored by the Colored Pencil Society of America. The "Explore This" exhibition is in its sixth year.

Election Day, 2009

Here is a work in progess of Buddy that I mentioned in my last post, you can click on the image above to see a closer up version. I am working on velour board, 11x22. I am very inspired by the photo I took of him and my feelings looking at him a couple of weeks ago. There will be fall foliage in the background. The wind is blowing his mane and he has a heavy winter coat coming in. His gaze will probably appear inward. I worry about how he will do this winter -- he has had so many health problems this past year. The whooly worms and the horses coats seem to be forecasting a fierce winter. I think about the title as "Contemplating Winter". Maybe more me than him? I could call it "Indian Summer" as it was one of the last days the fall foliage had not fallen due to rain. It was breezy and balmy. The horses were having a great day.

The velour is giving me fits, and though it takes many layers, I still have to be careful to not over saturate it, as their is no taking off the colored pencil or pastel once it is laid on. I do have a vision for this piece, though. and will struggle on with it. It is a good week for working on art for me. Should have most of today, Thursday and part of Friday to work.

I cannot accept any constructive comments at this time as I am planning on entering it in an exhibition. The rules state "no collaborations". I have come to learn from reading on the net that means no online suggestions.

Thanks for Looking!!! To be Continued......

Accepted Entries and A Prize

Last week I mentioned that I was accepted into the Bryn Du Mansion, Granvile, Ohio, "Colors of Joy" Exhibition opening September 30, 2009. Today I am sharing the three images that were accepted. The one which has not yet appeared on this blog before today, is the image above, "Burning Bright" This is done in oil pastel on 9x12 Colorfix.

Also accepted was "Proud Heritage", 24 x 18 inch colored pencil on panel portrait of my Appaloosa horse, Buddy.




"I Am Looking at You", 14x11 inch colored pencil on panel, was also accepted. "I Am Looking at You" also just won first prize at the Animal Picture Show at the Ultrecht Supply Store located in the Short North gallery district of Columbus, Ohio.

Colored Pencil Art Exhibit and The Best Horse in the Whole World

This is my portrait of my horse "Buddy". This portait, in colored pencil (prismacolor and neocolor II), is 24 x 18 in size on Ampersand pastelboard. This portrait is appearing in Ann Kullberg's From My Perspective Tenth Annual Member Exhibit which just opened last night online. There are 100 pieces of colored pencil art in this exhibit. This exhibit is a real feast for the eyes -- check it out!

This portrait of Buddy is called "Proud Heritage" -- primarily because his coat is an early classic Appaloosa type of coat pattern called "leopard" and his pedigree dates closely back to foundation appaloosa stock. As well as being registered as the horse breed, Appaloosa, he also is registered in what is called the "Sundance 500" and "Colorado Ranger". Suffice to say, his lineage goes way back to the earliest Appaloosas.

The Appaloosa is currently the third most popular horse breed in America, right behind Quarter Horse, first and Paint, second. It does seem though that horse people either hate or love them. Alot of horse people who hate them can tell some story about about an evil Appaloosa bred horse. I have found that they, in general, tend to have the postive trait of not being flighty or high strung -- read that as "will not usually run away with you". However, this trait can be interpreted/experienced negatively as "stubborn". My experience is working calmly and determinedly with them makes for a wonderful team.

I leased an Appaloosa, before buying Buddy, who was great for me as a beginner to learn to ride safely in a variety of situations on. Buddy has always treated me well and we have learned alot together. He is getting on in age, as are we all, now -- he turned twenty-five this past May. He will forever be the "best horse in the whole world" to me.