When Things Go Right, Don't Question It

I really don't quite believe yet that it's just past 3:00pm and I'm posting today's painting. I expected today would be a bit like yesterday, though when I knew I'd be taking Jubie to King City this morning I lined up help to do some of the stalls. I was actually back by just after 11:00am, which left me in good shape to start painting. I made a few adjustments in the barn, paid some bills, printed out my chosen reference, then got to work.

I've been looking forward to this one since I started doing the Queen's Plate horses. This is one all the 'home team' hopes and dreams are resting on, Stardust Ziggy. I took more pics of Ziggy on Monday, but while he's a very cute colt, I seem to have trouble getting good photos of him! I ended up using this one that I'd posted after his last race. I just loved the lighting, and there's something special about this part of racing, the minutes right after the race when you start the walk back to the barn, slapping your horse on the neck and saying "Good boy!", win or lose. While Ziggy didn't win this particular race, he ran well enough to earn his ticket to the big one. And none of us would have a problem seeing him break his maiden on Sunday. ;-)

This is 8 x 10 oil on shellaced masonite. I know I've struggled with this surface before, so I was taking a bit of a risk using it, but I like the result. By leaving the background as is, it added to the drama of the lighting.

Wow. 3:20pm. I feel like I have the whole day still ahead of me!