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Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Captivated by a Cowboy ... a Work in Progress

Reference drawing

Before we continue, here's a word from our sponsor, Maggie, wondering why I am not taking her with me. 

Back to painting ...
Thin washes of aureolin + quin. burnt orange for hat, cobalt blue for shirt, and quin. sienna, alizarin crimson and cobalt blue for skin.

Quin. sienna and alizarin for shirt, splashed in w/w.

More of the same ...

Some shadowing on the face and neck with a thicker mixture of orange, crimson and blue, and some extra crimson and orange for Scott's sunburned skin.

Shadow on front of hat and a bit of reflected red on the brim, too.

Deepening skin tones, and starting on moustache and goatee, using aureolin, crimson and blue.

Touches of detail on hat, and still deepening skin colors.

I am here right now. Scott's hat, glasses, moustache and probably ear need a bit of work, but on the whole, I am pleased with how he has turned out. 

Reference photo

About a month ago, I talked my farrier [he of the Two Bums painting "fame"]  into getting into his cowboy gear, and doing some modeling for me. I took at least 50 photos of Scott posing on the ground and on horseback with his dog, Sadie, and his girlfriend's horse [his own horse needed too much cleaning up]. I wanted to do a relatively small, fast painting to warm up before starting a large painting of him with dog and horse. And this is the result.
I have known Scott for about ten years. He has taken care of Bruno's shoeing needs, and that has been great, as His Highness has a penchant for removing shoes. Bruno was actually stabled nearby, at Scott's barn, when I first met him. Scott has also helped me with some heavy work around the barn. He is just a sweet, generous man - a good friend!
He really is a cowboy - worked in the rodeos for years until he had a whopper accident. He still does volunteer work with local rodeos.

Thank you for dropping by!


11 comments:

  1. Wow - Scott's painting is coming along beautifully!

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  2. One word describes this painting my friend - awesome! Scott looks like the perfect cowboy. I am so glad you shared this work. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to miss this one. As for Maggie - please relent and take that sweet gal with you! Hugs.

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  3. You did a wonderful painting of Scott catching the tilt of his head and the downward glance perfectly. How fortunate you are to have such a great (and authentic) model to pose for you. I am looking forward to your series of Scott paintings!
    Happy riding on Bruno - I have a feeling both you and he will work hard together in order to overcome those right sided weaknesses.

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  4. I can't stop looking at Scott, Kathryn! I think this is your very best portrait yet! Basically your done except tweaking a bit! Love, love it! Post again when you're finished ??!! You had an excellent reference photo!

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  5. This is fabulous. The details are amazing. Will wait for the big one.

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  6. He is coming alive before my eyes! Fantastic Kathryn!

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  7. Wonderful! How nice to have someone do that for you, it shows he respects you as an artist too.

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  8. Fabulous, Kathryn! Wonderful to see all the steps!

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  9. Scott is really coming alive ,and the resemblance is striking ! xx

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  10. Gorgeous Kathryn!! Such character you've caught him wonderfully.. WOW!! love,Diana

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