Watch a work in progress, part four

Here is the finished piece.

I added more ink detail, and the underpainting was amped up a few notches with some deep violet, chestnut and siennas. The background was added with dusty rose and light terracotta. More black and cobalt blue was added to the mane and forelock. More violet and brown was added to the eye, and I dabbed color and water to create luminosity.

Watercolor likes to be left alone to create shapes and textures with the passage of drying time. That's one of the many reasons I love watercolors.

Now, the official details:

"Titan," 2006. 9 inches by 12 inches. Winsor and Newton watercolor paints, Caran D' Ache watercolor pencils on cold press, acid-free Canson watercolor paper, 140 lb.

Watch a work in progress, part three

I added more layers of color, and added some color to the mane and forelock-- black has undertones of rich cobalt blue. Titan's forelock also has auburn highlights; very handsome!

I also added more color to his eye--raw sienna and purple.

After this layer is completely dry, I will finish the mane and forelock, then I will add some more crimson and chestnut tones to his coat color.

This piece is now a little over half done. When the color is done, more ink detail will added as well as background colors. The dimensions of this piece are 9"x12".

Sidenote: I just finished another illustration for my upcoming arabian book--watch this space for details and sneak previews...

Watch a work in progress, part two

Here, I am working on Titan's bright bay color. I have added some chestnut tones, and added some deep purple and crimson to build on. Look closely next time you see a bay horse--you will see undertones of violet and crimson in the coat, especially when the sun hits it.
I have also added detail to his eye. In order to get depth, I add color--burnt umber, some black and cobalt blues/violets and I apply it lightly with wet fine pointed brush, then as the color settles on the paper, I remove some of it with a cloth--dabbing it lightly. The end result is a subtle highlight that allows the eye to shimmer.

Watch a work in progress, part one

This is Titan.

Studying his photos, I can see a glint of playful curiousity in his eyes. His owner describes his personality as "intelligent, naughty and will only allow you in his inner circle if he fully trusts you."

The preliminary drawings were fun to do, and I settled with a drawing that showed a hint of playfulness. I asked Titan's owner how Titan was around her--was he curious? Did he follow her intently with his eyes, especially if he knew she had a treat? All answers were a definite YES! So, I chose this playful prelim drawing and proceeded to outline with ink...

I rely heavily on personality descriptions, as photos may only tell half of the story. A reference photo is only a starting point. What I need to know is how your equine friend acts when you are around so I can capture that look in the portrait. Photos can provide information on color, shapes, markings...but words can paint the whole picture; words provide the character and expression in the equine portrait. Words give the portrait life. Tell me all about your equine friend and spare no details...