One of my new year’s traditions is to start, and maybe complete, a new artwork on the first day of each year. This year I have had a painting commission in my work que for, sad to say, almost a year now. The first day of 2009, I sat down at the drawing table with all my notes and reference materials and completed the second sketch of the proposed oil painting. I have not painted anything architectural for a long, long time. The saving grace is there will be horses in the painting. This time I think I worked out most of the kinks from the first preliminary sketch and have a more satisfying “cartoon” to base the final painting upon. The customer has some changes she will be sending and I will post the changes as I complete them. I have to admit, now that I have this started, I am anxious to continue and put some color to this work. Lots of warm colors offset by the cool shadows of the trees on the lane. Can a northern gal pull off a Santa Fe painter look?
Since I removed some trees from the side of the house, I understand there is another window that will be showing. I also need to straighten up the doorway lines it seems. They looked off, but held up well when tested.
It is something with the shadow on the door that needs the correction.
The horses will be redrawn to match actual individuals. The painting will be large enough, I hope, at 14″ x 18″ to include all the detail the customer is hoping to see. I got the impression this work was more about a memory and a feeling than the individual details, although the details seem important.
I can never remember for sure. Is it God or the devil that is in the details?
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