Horsing Around: Painting at the Paddock
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Painting "Sticking Together"
I was dying to paint this subject ... and loving every moment in front of them. This is still a work in progress, created en plein air. I'll finish it up in the studio with photo references and the memory of the day as my guides. My goal will be to define some of the horses' heads that were almost always hidden from my view and to make sure that the ratio of legs to bodies is 4:1. When working speedily in front of a varying number of horses/animals, funny things happen. Six and/or eight-legged horses are just one of those possible results.
It was a dream of a day. Gorgeous weather and I got to paint exactly what (horses) and where (Kidwell Farm in Herndon VA) my heart desired.
My Spring Plein Air class that I teach on Wednesdays has not been as charmed as in seasons past. With only six sessions, it has rained for three of them -- so yesterday morning's sunshine seemed particularly blessed. All were grateful to be outside. The spot was Kidwell Farm where students painted the chicken coop, outbuildings, a Chevy truck, the merry-go-round, the farmer's market and expansive scenes up and down the farm's lanes. And, horses.
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| "Stepping Out," 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2012, private collection |
Right beyond Kidwell Farm is a field full of equines, snacking on hay, rolling in the mud, grazing on grass, hanging out together. I would never have known they were there ... if Bob Gilbert hadn't explored and set up overlooking them the day before. There was no question that I'd go back.
One of the few problems with Kidwell Farm is its sparse bit of shade. It's farmland and pasture, not forest. But today I found shade, a perfect fairly close up view of these beautiful creatures, and a painting heading constantly in the right direction. That happens once in a chartreuse moon.
Trying to capture living, breathing, moving creatures (humans, animals) from life is equal part challenge and thrill. What's amazing is that it's possible ... a lesson I learned through my 100 Faces in 100 Days project (when I painted a person a day from January 1 through April 10, 2011 of anyone who volunteered to sit -- not still -- for me). As artists with access to the technology of digital photography, it certainly seems more practical, easier to use those images as our models. They are so cooperative. Yet, the excitement, experience, knowledge of your subject that comes from spending time in front of him or her is missing. What shows up on your canvas reflects that too.
So how do you paint a field of horses who move around? You exercise your visual memory, use your brain to gain information even if the horse decides to face the other way, paint the trees and ground if they all move to the other side of the field, remain flexible and just go for it. Trust yourself. Laugh at the funny accidents. Pat yourself on the back for having the guts to give it a shot.
Another Warm Welcome
Even though my painting spot was far from out in the open, there were many who saw me at the easel and extended their hand and spirit in welcoming me. It's an amazing feeling to know that just as you're doing what you love, someone else is inspired, uplifted that you're creating right in front of them. Today, I was appreciated by the Kidwell Farm staff, and the volunteers and participants in the SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program.
SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program
Turns out those horses I was painting are a mix of rescues and donations trained to provide therapeutic riding programs for children and adults. So, they are beautiful inside and out.
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| "Horsepower," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2013, private collection |
Coming to Pittsburgh, PA
Perhaps I'm a bit worried about a busy schedule -- but still looking forward to a summer of adventures, now with one more on the calendar. I will be participating in Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street (Pittsburgh, PA) on August 23 & 24, 2014. This is one of the top 100 art festivals as ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Can't wait. My plan is to paint in many of these art festival locations -- along with attending the booth. I so hope that the plan works!
Coming Up
- June 13, 14, 15: Columbia Festival of the Arts, Columbia, MD
- June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
- July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
- July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
- July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
- Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
- Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
- September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
- October 5: McLean MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Art Festival, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
- Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
- Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
- Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
- See the Events page for more info/updates
With all these events happening in new places, and my being the "new tent" in many towns -- I really hope you can attend some or let me borrow your friends in these spots. Please spread the word. Art fairs are a gamble of sorts. I foot the expense of tent, travel, accommodations, pack up what I hope visitors want to see, put up the tent, talk art, bring my very best attitude and work, cross my fingers. Your help, advice, recommendation will be GREATLY appreciated.
See more of my paintings of Furry and Feathered Friends in the Bird, Animal and Wildlife Collection on my web site (here).
Thanks for reading,
Jill
