Painting of the Week

Painting of the Week – Belgians

Looking For Subject Matter

One fall day a friend an I went out to shoot photos of subject matter. I said to her “Look at those big horses. Let’s go ask if we can take their pictures.”

The ranchers wife was agreeable and led us out to the pasture but warned us, “whatever you do, don’t act intimidated or they will bully you.” There were eight big Belgians way across the field. I took a few photos and wishing they were closer called out “Here Horsey Horsey”. They stopped grazing, looked up at me and then all galloped together towards me. ‘Help me God!’ I thought as they thundered towards me, slowed down and circled me.  The ranchers words  ‘don’t act intimidated…’, came to mind. One of them started nibbling on my hair. Turning towards him, I said firmly “Back off”. Miraculously, they lost interest in me and instead meandered around near by striking various poses. This painting was accepted to the Watercolor Art Society-Houston 2017.
Making a camera date to gather pictures for painting is not always this exciting, but it is a good idea. Adjust for lighting or weather. Noon for me is not a good time, the sunlight is overhead and the shadows are the most boring. I generally prefer to take pictures before 10:30 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m. Choose your drama level. Shadows get longer and more dramatic closer to sunrise or sunset. If you see something lit up in an amazing way and don’t have your camera, note the time and come back another day. Regarding color, morning light is cooler and afternoon light is warmer. It’s nice to have a friend along and a good idea to get permission to take pictures, particularly with horses. Take a photo release along if you want to photograph people.

 


Watchful Eye was recently accepted into the Watercolor  Society of Alabama’s 79th Annual Exhibition,  April 3rd -May 30th, 2020 at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, Alabama.

I picked up my Dad and we went for lunch in Perham and then we drove out in the country finding a herd of Herefords Cows with their young calves. I have used the photos for several different paintings. It was a fun way for us to visit.

 


Come visit me at:

Spring Festival an Arts & Crafts Affair

Canterbury Park, Shakopee, MN | March 27-29 Friday 11am-9pm | Saturday 9am- 6pm | Sunday 10am- 5pm
500 booths with fine artists, gourmet food and fine crafts.

 


 

You can call 701-235-4241 to hold your spot in class with a $75.00 deposit or sign up online. Class sizes are limited to 15 students.

2020 Workshops Schedule

With Instructor Ellen Jean Diederich TWSA, RRWS, WSA

Building Transparent Layers in Watercolor

Workshop Tuesday-Friday April 14-17 9:00-3:30 p.m. Fargo, ND

2-Day Flower Painting Workshop

Workshop Minneapolis – April 30 – May 1 9:30-3:30 p.m.

Acrylic Landscape Painting

Workshop June 2-5 9:00-3:30 p.m. Fargo, ND

Beginning Watercolor Workshop

Workshop July 21-24 9:00-3:30 p.m. Fargo, ND

 


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