by Mary Wilson

I finally finished this painting, which had been requested about a year and a half ago. There were many issues for me. 

The person asking for the image had owned five horses over a period of years and wanted a commemorative representation. I worked from several different photographs of various ages, including one photocopy of a picture. I had to collate different poses (without people or halters) to get the right facial profile for each one.  

I have done pets, birds, wildlife but no horses. These animals were friends to the person. What if I got them wrong?  

I started on a wonderful natural linen canvas that had been given to me, along with a spectacular frame.  Perfect! No background painting, just images: only I couldn’t get my tracing to go onto the linen and I am not a good enough line sketcher to do the images by eye.  

Hours of work and frustration later I used a simple 9 x 12 inch canvas with several coats of Gesso, and the three layers of base coating for the background.  These horses span approximately 35 years.  I have the varnishing to complete, and I can tell the person it is ready.

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Collectif members, we want to see your work! Send JPG images of work completed since March 2020 to cagac.ca@gmail.com with up to 100 words per image describing what you did, materials used, inspiration, etc. Maybe share how you’re feeling more than a year into the Covid experience & how/if creativity helps. Give us informative, inspiring show & tell. Writers, send us poetry, lyrics, a short piece or excerpt and try to include a suitable illustration of some sort. For all images please include size (height by width), title & media. Thank you!