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.