HORSE IN OILS

I have always like portraits with dark backgrounds so I decided to have a go.

Stage 1. 

A box canvas 10" x 10" with background in black acrylic. I blocked the horse in in acrylics first because they dry quicker and I like to get as much as I can done quickly.

Stage 2.

Once that was dry I refined it all in oils.  It came together quite quickly but now it needs to dry before I can add the finishing touches.

FRENCH GIRL

CHAROLLAIS COW IN OILS

I found a photo I took of a Charollais last time I was in France and as I wanted to try out some new techniques, she seemed as good an option as any.

1st sitting:  Laid the background in acrylics and blocked in the first stage of the cow.

2nd sitting:  Added another layer of colours to tone down the harsh tonal differences on the first stage.

3rd sitting:  I decided to have a go at laying on paint impasto style with a colour-shaper tool, thingy. It was great fun and I really like the effect. See close-up below..............

Still lots to do but I am quite pleased with the way this one is progressing.

I have tweaked the cow some more and added in the foreground.  Now I've done that, I think the background is a bit flat and too abstract for the piece so I need to do some work on that next.

I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT THIS PAINTING WENT MISSING DURING MY HOUSE MOVE SO IT WILL NEVER BE FINISHED UNLESS IT TURNS UP AMONGST THE BOXES IN THE GARAGE OR SOMETHING!