A Horse is a Horse, Of Course, Of Course . . .

. . . unless you ask me to paint an abstract horse.

Then there’ll likely be problems. Very likely.

I’ve painted for 20 years, and in all the wall murals and canvases I’ve never once painted an abstract. So what in the world possessed me to tell a dear friend, “Abstract? Sure, no problem!”

Whoo boy.

Not to mention that the only horse(s) I’ve painted were “Disney horses” in a playroom where each little girl picked out her fave horsey.

ahem

My friend/client emailed loads of paintings of abstract horses that caught her eye, but not one was “perfect”. Her one desire was strong contrast – either dark horse on light background or the reverse.

I chose a white arabian on black background using gouache paints. Gouache are similar to watercolors in that you can add water at any time and manipulate the paint. They are opaque though, which was what I wanted.

side note: I started the painting when I was living with my grandson. #enoughsaid

another side note: I posted the above pic on Facebook and people fell in love with it. #hmmm

So, armed with a little Facebook confidence – as well as my grandson’s – I started throwing on colors.

Lots and lots of colors.

Not my favorite painting, by far. The client’s neither.

I don’t remember how many times I painted this dang thing but we finally pulled the plug on Abstract.

This was the one and only time in my art career I wasn’t able to please a client and it really bothered me. Santino, of course, said “Gramma, you’ve finished that horse a bunch of times!” sigh

The next attempt was when I’d moved to my friend, Penny’s house. No chaos, little ones, etc.

I learned a lot about gouache paints on this horse because every time I’d try to white or black out, the colors would all mesh together.

I debated whether or not to finish the white and black first, then come back and add colors – making two options.

Penny convinced me otherwise because she’s in love with the horse as-is.

So, yeah, a horse is a horse, of course, of course so I named him Mr. Ed. (who’s old enough to remember that show?) #nojudgmenthere

Just in case you’re interested, the original is available in my shop.

another side note: I apologize for being silent the past 3 months. I’ve thought of you all, hoping all is well in your life. I’m getting better each day. Thanks so much for staying with me. xoxo

Colleen

about Colleen

 

16 x 20 Canvas

White gouache paint

Black gouache

Paint Brushes

Affiliate Link Disclosure:

Just Paint It is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.