Just a quick update of the 3D horse for “Horsing Around
Langley”. This has been a major
undertaking. I’d rather not
consider how large a canvas this would have been but I’m thinking it was easily
a 6’ X 10’ canvas if it was laid flat.
You can image the challenge of painting what should look straight from a
distance but over an undulating surface – a lot of stepping back to make sure
the viewer has the right perspective and the angles make sense.
My horse and I have spent many hours in our dining room (the
only place large enough to paint it) getting the Langley scenery just
right. Here’s a collage of the
“final” version of this rewarding project. Some minor adjustments still to come.
The greatest difficulty I had doing this project was when
curvatures on the horse’s body were encountered. Trying to do a straight line was almost impossible. Working with watercolour ‘Wash Out
Tape’ which is transparent and gummed on one side saved the day.
After lots and lots of pigment, combined with Golden GAC-200
Medium which increases film hardness, helps with spread by reducing tack and
improves adhesion, the horse is ready for varnishing. After this it will be given an automotive clear coat for a
more protective finish.
It was a challenge both physically and creatively to meet
the requirements for such a large undertaking. I lost track but I think I spent a good portion of eight
weeks completing it. The
undertaking was an experience I won’t forget both for the work involved and the
fun too.
I hope everyone enjoys viewing the many aspects of Langley I
tried to capture on my horse.
