A Photogenic Pony and Triadic Colour Scheme

Toby Study #1 - 8x10 oil on canvas, gallery wrap

Late this  summer I had a farm-call to London, Ontario to meet a wonderful woman named Karen who happened to stumble upon my website.  On top of purchasing my Analogous Eye Study, she commissioned two portraits. One of her horse Samson, the other of her daughter’s pony Toby.  Both to be completed ‘Alla Prima’ in a loose, lively colour palette. I of course was up for the creative challenge. Toby the Pony, had a fantastic photoshoot !! So much so, that I ended up with more than one painting that I was inspired to paint.  I decided to produce four paintings, and offer my client first choice of the four.

Toby Study #2, 8x10 Oil on Linen Panel

As most of my readers know,  I’ve been exploring colour…how far I can push a colour range? What colours makes other colours zing? what schemes work for certain colours of horses?..the list goes on and the possibilities really are endless. I chose to make this an opportunity to focus on one scheme and one palette. With those four paintings, I could broaden my knowledge within this specific range of colour.

Toby Head Study, 8x10 oil on canvas, gallery wrap

I chose a triadic colour scheme, using Cadmium Yellow Light, Phthalo Blue, and Alizarin Crimson + Titanium White.  I guess you could also call this a limited palette, because basically it consists of the three primary colours ~ red, yellow and blue.  Into the first study, I was quickly reminded of the tinting strength of Phthalo Blue! Alizarin is strong too, but not nearly the tint power that Phthalo Blue delivers.  As a result, I did not end up completing these studies in one sitting, but left most of my blues and violets to dry before attacking the lighter values.

Toby Trot Study, 8x10 Oil on Canvas, Gallery Wrap

While these studies are drying, my client is choosing which one to take home. It’s hard not to play favorites with these studies, but I will leave that up to my client and my readers..do you have a favorite??

Thank you for reading – I also want to remind readers that if you are on Facebook, I encourage you to become a ‘Fan’ on my page, where I can keep you in the loop of all things going on in the studio ~ before it hits the blog!  click Facebook – Equestrian Artist Jennifer Pratt

Gran Gesto Presentation Night

 

She looks pretty happy..?

Hello Readers!  I want to share photos from the presentation of my Gran Gesto commission to Canadian Team rider, Jacqueline Brooks. As suspected, there was some wine/cheese and a party for the paintings arrival. It was like Christmas when Jacquie ripped into the packaging of her painting.  She was thrilled with the painting and commented many times how it was ‘just him’. It will hang in the Brookhaven Lounge, at the end of Jacquie’s indoor ring. She can see the painting clearly every time she rides down the centre line.

It even matched the lounge decor, perfectly!

 

Many people have asked me lately, ‘ is it difficult to let go of a painting that you work so hard to complete?’  To answer that I say, No it isn’t ever.!.When I finally give any painting I do to the horse owner/rider and see them connect with that work of art in a special way, the moment is truly priceless!

 

I gave the preliminary sketch to Lindsay Kellock, her groom for the games. Her parents accepted for her.

One final look - the painting looked so great on the wall.

Group Shoot - Jacquie and I + the Dutch Masters Construction team!

Lastly, I know I’ve said this before, but I have to thank Gary and the Dutch Masters crew for making the commission presentation to Jacquie so special. Truly, what a great day it was!

Stay tuned..I recently did a 36 hour painting marathon…But i’m too tired to type about it now..lol..I will give you a hint…my paintings + clients home + top home decor magazine + February…

Half a Horse…and the Radio

Back in the studio.. I’m still enjoying the excitement over finishing my last commission of Olympic Dressage Horse, Gran Gesto.  The painting will be delivered this week.  I honestly can’t express in words how excited I am for the moment.  I will post some photo updates when Jacquie finally gets her painting..word on the street is that there is some sort of party planned for it   Stay tuned…. 

Beau

For now, I would like to introduce you to my next commission ‘Beaudelaire’. We will call him ‘Beau’ for short. I’ve met Beau twice now and have an excellent feeling for his size, temperment and colouring. His owner and I have worked together before and forged a great friendship over the course of the year. The painting of the sweet and feminine filly Fleur was completed for the same owner, Erin McLaughlin, now Editor of Canadian Gardening Magazine.

colour range for Beau painting from Farrow and Ball paint deck

Just as the Fleur painting, the palette for Beau revolves around traditional paint colour line, Farrow and Ball for inspiration.  I do love these colours!! I have to say I never realized how much my background in Interior Design would play a role in my painting career, until I met Erin. I now embrace the concept that I not only paint, but ‘design’ each commission painting I deliver to my clients. 

Throughout the process of working with Erin, I’ve kept her personal style and taste in mind. The works I’ve created are not only of her horses, but they also support my thoughts of her stylish living environment.  They are tailored to her individual taste ~ yet infused with my character as an artist .  The paintings in the end, look like they were meant to be in her home. 

Beau ~ in Progress! 24 x 36 oil on Panel

As you can see, I’ve made great strides with the hind end of Beau and his wonderful grey dapples. And YES! I will be painting him in his entirety! The head/neck/background of the painting is roughed in at this point. Unfortunately it is neither wet or dry, so I’m sidelined until the painting firms up.  The end result I can clearly vision in my head. It is just a matter of execution at this point.

One last tid-bit  – On Sunday I was featured on Erin Radio, 101.5FM, Art on Air with Daisy Divine. It was a great opportunity to talk about horses, art and my process. Please have a listen!! You can download a clip here

Summary of Links of Interest: Click to view.

Fleur Painting Blog Post

Equestrian Inspiration Blog Post by Erin McLaughlin, Simply Country

Canadian Gardening Magazine

Daisy Divine Radio Interview – click on the ‘Jenn Pratt’ box to play interview