Yesterday, I decided I would paint this little barn very near my home in Wylie. The colors were intriguing and the day was gorgeous. I was going to paint the horses in the forground as I decided on a composition. I lost the telephone wires in the forground and decided to make the scene a late spring composition.
I sketched the scene onto a masonite panel, gessoed with 2 coats of gesso and toned with a warm Raw Sienna wash. I simplified the scene by removing the mish mash of fence parts and trailers that were scattered about. I added the hay bail that the horses were using, as well as adding a horse that was standing alone. The drawing was very loose and free.
I began adding color to the sky. the day was a bit over cast with some nice cool blue undertones. I began laying the the background trees and the distant barn. I was still debating what to do with the horses. I didn't like the way I had started them, and my animal painting skills are suspect at best.
As I built up the colors and layers, it was quickly becoming apparent that the horses were not going to work out. The barn colors were coming together, but the perspective was off. I was going to have to deal with it, which I did by adjusting the right side of the roof.
Here is the finished painting. I lost the horses and adjusted the roofline. I tried to keep this as simple as possible, in and out before moving to the next passage.
9 x 12 on masonite panel, water soluble oils, en plein aire.
That looks like a great subject. I would have chosen that too. I would love to paint those horse trailers.
ReplyDeleteI liked reading your description too.
Good job.