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

Gran Gesto – Complete!

I have very good news! I finished the commission of Canadian Dressage Team horse Gran Gesto..aka ‘Sammy’, last week. The painting was dry enough to put on the scanner today, so I can finally share it with you…

Gran Gesto...aka..'Sammy', 16x16 Oil on Panel

I’m notoriously hard on myself (as are most artists I know) and can honestly say I’m really, very happy with this painting. I again used the palette from the Sargent workshop and the result is so soft and gentle in feeling and mood.

The subject also really connects with the viewer of the artwork.  I spent many days modelling the eye, to get it to read just so. After years of doing eye studies, I’m always amazed how subtle shifts in colour and highlights can change a horse’s expression in an instant.

Rider Jacquie Brooks input played a key role in the creating this work.  She wanted something that portrayed “Sammy” as she knows him in the barn. A horse with a puppy dog personality, who despite competing under bright lights and cheering crowds, remains calm, quiet and ready to get the job done. She wanted an unconventional pose and having done many, many traditional poses, I was happy to oblige! I’m overjoyed to report that Jacquie felt ‘I got him exactly’.

I want send a BIG ’Thank You’ to Gary VanBolderen of Dutch Masters Construction. He is Jacquie’s sponsor and commissioned this special piece of artwork for her. It is, as always, a pleasure to work with you my friend!

I will have this painting on display at the Orangeville Fairgrounds for the Headwaters Stable Tour, October 4th, 10-4pm. I hope you can make it out to see it in person!

Links of Importance:

Headwaters Stable Tour

Dutch Masters Construction

Jacqueline Brooks