Beyond the Brush: The Anatomy of a Connection

I think there’s a common myth that painting is "easy"—that we just sit down and magic happens. But the truth is, a piece like this 9x12 mother and foal entitled "First Steps," started long before the horses ever appeared.

For this one, I wanted to step away from canvas and return to my roots in wood. I spent hours sanding this panel to get a finish as smooth as glass, then gessoed and prepped it specifically to hold the weight of acrylic.

The Secret Layer: You’ll see in the progress shots that I didn't start with my usual sienna undercoat. Instead, I used a vibrant pinkish-red. Why? Because I wanted these two to "glow" from within. That undercoat breathes life into the roan coats and captures that tender, warm intimacy of a brand-new mother watching over those first "wobbly steps."

Every choice—the wood, the grit of the sandpaper, the undercoat color—is intentional. It’s how I capture the soul of the bond, not just the image of the animal.

🎨 "First Steps" | 9x12 Acrylic on Wood Panel | Completed June 2024 Available for your collection—message me for details.