Stevie, Misty and Jimmy

At last, an update! It's been such a busy week as I was at the Monmouthshire Show yesterday with my tradestand so Wednesday was spent preparing for it, mounting prints, sorting bits and pieces and then going over to the site to put up my tent. This was my first one day show and luckily it stayed dry and was really busy. It's always hard to gauge the results as I will have to wait and see if I get any business from the day but I sold some prints which at least covered the cost of the pitch. It was also the first time that I'd attended a show on my own, I normally have my husband with me - I won't be going on my own again!! Because it was so busy, and I don't like leaving things unattended, I managed one toilet break and didn't get to eat anything until the show ended at 6.30pm! I'd become so used to going to quiet shows with hubby where it's easy to wander off if needed so this was quite a shock! Stevie, Misty and Jimmy also came with me to the show as I worked on the painting whilst there and they were admired by everyone. I've nearly finished Jimmy, just a few tweaks needed and made a good start on Misty. I've given myself just next week to finish this painting, having also forgotten it's a bank holiday weekend, so fingers crossed! :-D

Trio

Today's update. I went over a lot of yesterday's work, tidying up sections and putting in slightly more detail and have made a start on the neck.

Trio

Okay, so who's bright idea was it to paint these dogs wet? Oh yeah, mine! There I was thinking that wet coats would make the curls a bit more uniformed and easier to paint..... but I was wrong! There are so many colours and tones to fit in but at least it's making it an interesting challenge!! I've made a bit of progress today and hopefully it's looking okay so far.

Stevie, Misty and Jimmy

Hmmm, today's painting didn't go quite according to plan! Although I must admit that I'm not sure what the plan is! I painted on some dark under layers and then went and painted over the bits I'd painted over, therefore cancelling out what I'd already painted. Hopefully it will start coming together and I'll work out what I'm doing! lol! No painting tomorrow though as the in-laws are coming to visit.

Yesterday....

So, what was I up to yesterday that meant I couldn't concentrate the day before? I went to London to visit the Osborne Studio Gallery where I had set up a meeting with the owner to show him some of my work in the hope they might be interested in taking some of my paintings to sell. He had seen some of my images that I had sent via email and was still interested enough to see them in person so we drove all the way to London yesterday, paintings at the ready. Unfortunately, however, the gallery owner had completely forgotten about the meeting and gone off to do a valuation!!!! Luckily his partner at the gallery was able to have a look at my paintings and kept a couple, Waiting and Denman & Kauto Star, to show the owner when he got back. I'm not sure if they'll want to keep the paintings or will be able to sell them but to even get such a gallery interested in viewing my paintings in person was fantastic! It's also EXTREMELY hard finding galleries interested in equestrian art but this has given me the courage to continue my search, although I might stick a bit closer to home next time!!!

Stevie, Misty and Jimmy

Here is the beginning of the painting of Stevie, Misty and Jimmy. I haven't got very far so far as I have a big day tomorrow that is starting to take over all my thoughts and I'm finding it hard to concentrate! It's an art related thing that's happening tomorrow but I won't say what exactly until I get back from it as I worry about jinxing myself!! I am the original pessimist!

The colour in this photo isn't particularly strong compared to the original due to lighting when taking the photo but I try to get the final photo as close to the original as possible.

Stan - Finished

Here is the final version of Stan, awaiting approval so fingers crossed! I was even able to get a decent photo without too much trouble because the sun is actually making an appearance today! This summer has been absolutely crazy with hardly any sun and far too much rain, but it has given me an idea for a painting should I be brave enough to venture out in the rain with my camera....

Stan

I think I've finished the painting but I will be able to come back to it in the morning with fresh eyes and will no doubt find a few bits and pieces that I will want to tweak. I've really enjoyed doing this painting, Stan is extremely handsome and been an absolute pleasure to paint.

Stan

I'm slowly getting there! I've attached two photos from today, the top showing how I put in darker areas before adding the lighter layers on top. I still need to build up the lighter layers a lot more as there are some lovely highlights on Stan's face.

Stan

Stan's face is starting to take shape now, with his ears and eye details finished. Please take no notice of the two pieces of paper towards the bottom of the photo, these are just to make sure the painting doesn't stick to the easel!

Stan

I really should realise that Mondays are not a good painting day! Because we tend to be away or busy most weekends, I end up catching up with house work and other chores on Mondays and today was no different. I managed to do a bit of painting and you might notice that the background has changed colour! When I painted the green background, I had run out of one of my favourite greens so tried to recreate it with others but I wasn't happy with it and finally decided to change it for a beige background today and I'm much happier with it.