Ash Wed. Horse # 47 plus Copper Relief

One of my favorite horse breeds.  The American White and American Cream come in any breed, including the draft horse.  

About 95% of the copper 'tooling' is complete on this piece.  Next I will cut away the areas for the faces and possibly the hands.  The copper will then be placed on a wooden board and the faces (and hands) will be painted with oils.  The copper will then be flipped over and the hollow areas will be filled with putty or spackle as to  help prevent denting later.  The copper will be mounted on the board and the oil areas will be finished.  One of my favorite ladies at my church, Visitation, requested this piece.  I had done one of the exterior view of the church as a gift to my RCIA director when I joined the church.  I am delighted she requested this.  Ironically, her name is Peg!

#45,46

This was from a photograph, and the back horse only shows 3 legs!  I have since, added a slight indication of a leg in the painting.  It just looks too weird with out it.  I also changed the riders.  The left horse's rider was not a cowboy, but a racing person with a long flowing jacket and small cap.  The other rider didn't have on a hat.  Now that I study this photo, I need to revisit the chest on the left horse!  Ah, what did we do before digital photography?  

# 22, 23

Mother and Daughter
Photograph by Sherry Farrell
Horses belong to Denny Luttrell

#16

#16  I have decided horses are darn hard to paint!  But by the time I achieve 50 they will surely be better!  After 100 I am certain I will have my confidence.  This is a copy of an artists painting.  I scan the web in the evening for the next victim.  I would rather paint from a photo.  I think it's real easy to screw up the horses anatomy, and I would rather trust a photo.  And yes I realize if the picture isn't taken properly it too will be incorrect.