New Sketches

Trot Study - Quiz D'Orange, 8x10 water-soluble graphite on Arches Cold Press

I did three new sketches in water-soluble graphite last week…Well, actually, I did more than three, but out of the pile, these are the three that have made ‘the cut!’ 

As with my oil studies, the key to a good piece often lies in its simplicity. As I come from the land of detail, it usually takes me a few goes at these studies to get into the zone of not detailing to the extreme. So in reality, even though these sketches appear to be simple and quick, they are very difficult to produce.

The line weight I find especially important. Some lines I want to read bold, while others just suggest a hint of shape.  Of the three, Quiz is my favorite, it is slightly whimsical in its line quality and character. It will be tough on me to sell this one

Broodmare Head Study - Golden Sunrise, 8x10 watersoluble graphite on Arches

Hanoverian Walk Study - Fellini, 8x10 water-soluble graphite on Arches

Quiz D’Orange – Grisaille

I have completed the under-painting for Quiz D’Orange. She is the full sister, one year younger to PS I Love You. Customers to my studio have commented that she looks ‘like she is under a spotlight’. So I am on the right track, just the feeling I was trying to evoke. Now, on to the transparent colour layers in oil!

Reference for Quiz D’Orange

Since the process of layering in oils is slow, waiting for layers to dry, it is helpful to have more than one painting on the go at a time. This is the reference of Quiz D’Orange that I will be using for her painting. I want the end result to capture movement and illustrate the swing in her trot gait.

Quiz is the full sibling to the stallion PS I Love You, one year younger. Just like PS, she can move! Given the talent her older brother has, I am sure she will see just as much success in her future.