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Trust me when I tell you that at this point last week, this particular painting was deep in the uglies. I had been trying to finish it in time for submission to an exhibition, but I was in too much of a rush to listen to what the painting was telling me it needed, and came very close to ruining it. Around 11pm last Friday night I realized how lost I was, painted out all but the horse, and turned it to the wall.

When I peeked at it on Wednesday, I was surprised to see that in my moment of desperation, I had solved the piece’s biggest problem. A fencerow that had zig-zagged across the pasture competed with the horse’s’ silhouette, and ruined the composition’s simplicity of line. Once it was removed, I could clearly see the direction the painting needed to be taken.

So that’s what I did today, repainting the background and tweaking the horse’s withers just a little. I think I’ll still play with the grayed greens in the background, and add more depth to that cloud, but will take it outside to fix those details while I can look at the real things.

“Double Horizon,” 28” x 16”, equine painting in acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas (that means I’ve painted the image right around to the sides of the canvas, so no need to frame), $899. Inquiries to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .

There’s nothing like the feeling of taking something I thought was trash, and breathing life back into it. (This feeling is even better than warm brownies, believe it or not. Which makes me think perhaps I should throw a batch into the oven and maximize my afternoon…….)

Thanks for patiently allowing me to indulge in horses this week. My fingers and toes will be crossed that all have a safe trip at Churchill on Saturday.

And thank you also for sharing these paintings with friends and family. It is very much appreciated.
Kim


PS Don’t forget to tune in for Shelter-Rescue Week next! I’ll be profiling animals from Michigan shelters and rescue organizations, with proceeds going to their respective hosts.

Kimberly Kelly Santini
http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/
distinctive pet portraits
& 4-legged paintings

http://www.paintingadogaday.com/
come. sit. stay.
enjoy the art.

Founding member of the Canine Art Guild
http://www.canineartguild.com/
the gateway to canine art on the web

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