(Almost finished) "Gypsy Falls," 10" x 12", portrait of a Gypsy Vanner mare, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panel, $529 to the first one asking nicely. (This would be a KILLER Valentine's Day gift!!) I've been doing some mid-winter spring cleaning in the studio, and came across this painting, which I had begun - but never finished - over 2 years ago. You can see how she looked this morning in the image below. That happens to me quite a bit. I get to a point where I can see the potential but don't trust completely in my ability to deliver. When this happens, I tuck it away until I can look with fresh eyes (and newly honed skills) and have another go. That's what's happened with this girl. And I thought she was done an hour ago, but I see now that I want the bottom of her tail pinker, like in the "before" version. I want the light on it to be warm and glowing, and the yellow, while beautiful, doesn't convey that sense. This is an easy fix. Then, a coat of varnish and she's ready to find a home. Meanwhile, thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim PS We're in the homestretch here with respect to this month's 10% newly booked commissions. The project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested! I booked 9 new portraits last week - let's see if we can't match that this one!!  Before This is a mare I met at an equine breed parade in the fall of 2008 - I shot oodles of photos of both her and her little filly. She is a Gypsy Vanner, a breed that I adore painting. Their dramatic markings, draft confirmation, and heavy feathering makes for fantastical subject matter. Add in some soft backlighting and it becomes almost too good to be true. |
The cover of "A Dog Named Blue," now available from Blurb publishers. When I first painted Amelia I never imagined that she would be re-christened "Blue" and inspire a book. In her defense, Amelia had a number of other partners in crime - animals who's portraits seemed to fall into a specific color category and prompt color-centric names. In typical ADD fashion, my brain started spinning 100mph. What if I turned those muses' paintings into a picture book for animal loving kids? I shared my idea with three friends in the industry, and they eagerly offered their expertise. I am truly indebted to them. Illustrator and author Matt Faulkner and children's book author and literacy expert Kristen Remenar edited an early version of the draft. They suggested key plot/conceptual changes that made it oodles better. Designer Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson worked her magic, pairing the images with perfectly color...
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