A horse is a horse, of course

Probably dating myself here - (Mr. Ed was a long time ago!)  This is my finished horse portrait - inspired by a photo on my friend Valerie's blog.  Her artwork is wonderful and so are her photos.

I really tried to work with a looser hand here - I love the fact that he looks like he just heard a really terrific joke.  He was probably just trying to charm a carrot or apple out of the photographer!  I wasn't sure what to call this painting - Keep Smiling is what I'm leaning toward right now.

The background was originally the same turquoise, pink and naples yellow acrylic paint marks as the horse - I painted a light coat of gesso over them and then used Pan Pastels (love them!) in 2 different blues and some purple to create the background.  This board had 2 other painting starts on it as well as this painting.  I'm letting the paint completely cure before I apply varnish. I also used this time to see what I needed to do to feel that this painting was complete.  Rushing is my usual pace so I really slowed down - inspired by this blog entry.

I am linking to Paint Party Friday, a  wonderful gallery of art work, hosted by Kristin and Eva.  Thank you ladies for this terrific place to share our art.  Thanks so much for visiting - have a blessed and creative day.