After what seemed like days on end of snow and cold, today was beautifully spring-like. It seems only fair to share the positive weather reports amid the whining! I had a vain hope of riding Monster today, but that fell apart. I did take the time to throw a ball for Swish, and did a stint on the treadmill before dinner and some painting.
Tonight, it was back to oils. I have this 11 x 14 oil on linen panel of the two chestnut boys nearly done after this evening's work. A little bit of attention to punch up the contrast in the horses, and another look at the fore and midground and I should be there.
It's always easier to paint a bright sunny scene than something fairly low-light like this one, mostly because the impact that is obtained through contrast seems to give a lot more satisfaction. This one has to rely on subtlety for the detail. And of course the cuteness of Medz and Mute. My title for this one is a little bit long, but it popped into my head that moment I saw them out in the paddock. "Here, Let Me Help You With That!" I grew up with two brothers, so the statement is very tongue-in-cheek. I want to translate the look on Mute's face as Medz grabs his blanket, surcingle undone, as, "Uh – please don't!" The funny thing is, Mute's had the last laugh on this one. It's Medz walking around with the torn blanket now.
I don't really want to look up the predicted weather for tomorrow because I just know it's not going to be as nice as today. This painting will go on the shelf for a while to let all that Titanium White dry a bit before I tackle the finishing touches, so something else will occupy the easel, and my attention, for a little while. I've kept busy painting, but that's a little deceiving as I recognize I'm still in a state of avoidance because I'm neglecting a few of the big WIPs. Time to get rolling again on those!
