Winter Dance

Winter Dance

16 x 20 original acrylic

copyright Carole Rodrigue 2010

As promised, here's a completed painting. I call this one "Winter Dance" because photographing this beautiful Percheron was almost like a dance between the two of us. The horse was far out in the pasture when I spotted it. It would approach ever so slowly, and as soon as I would look, the horse would stop.

After waiting around freezing, -this was in February-, I'd had enough and decided to "dance". So, I would turn myself sideways and wait. The horse would take several steps. I'd look, and it stopped. I would turn sideways again, shuffling my feet, shivering and waiting, and the horse would approach some more. We went on like this for a good fifteen minutes, with my boyfriend patiently waiting in the truck. God bless him for all his patience with me! I had patience for the horse . . . 

Anyway, after our "dance", the horse was finally close enough for me to get a decent shot. From then on, it just seemed to pose for me. I could tell it was still nervous but curious, so I took as many shots as I could, and returned to the comfort of the warm truck. My poor buddy seemed disapointed!  After that whole dance, I just abandonned it, just as it had enough nerve to want to know more. But it was just too cold and I really wasn't dressed for shooting in the winter. I was even wearing high heeled boots! Now that's dedication to my art! Anything for a shot . . . Well, not quite. But I'm glad I had a chance to dance with this beauty, and I might drive back another day when it's warmer.

The shot of the painting is on the dark side.It's actually much brighter and lighter. Now, back to some still life! I have a few I'm working on and need to finish, as well as a series on mining. This is Sudbury, after all. Then, I've been asked to participate in painting a Muskoka chair for charity, to send kids to camp. I'm looking forward to getting my chair. I have an equine theme in mind, and pretty much know what I want to do. And I'll be helping to send a kid to camp!!! Yay! I'm excited about this project and can't wait to get started. I'll keep everyone posted on everything, of course.

Hope you all have a great holiday weekend, and a safe one too!

Instructional DVD's

Hi everyone, and no, these DVD's are not mine.  They are created by Derek Wicks I highly recommend them! I bought "Touch of Gold" and "Creating Snow Textures". I have to admit that I learned more about painting snow and blurring backgrounds effectively in those 2 DVD's than I have in all my years of painting! You can check out all of his instructional DVD's http://www.powertopaint.com/ .  Derek also has reference material DVD's. 

While you're there, you might want to have a look at Derek's art also at http://www.derekwicks.com/ . Derek is a wonderfully talented wildlife painter and I know you won't be disappointed! He is supposed to come to the Sudbury area this summer to offer workshop and I certainly am looking forward to it.  I'll keep you posted on this.

Drop in again really soon. I'll have 2 paintings ready to post soon, one within the next couple of days.  Until then, take care and thanks for dropping in!

Solo Show

Hello everyone!  No completed work to post yet. I'm still working on a few pieces and struggling to find extra time to get things done. But they will get done!

I though I would drop in for a quick announcement, and that is in regards to my first solo show. Yes! I will be having my first solo show this summer from June 15th to July 31st, at Northern Flavours on Beech St. in Sudbury. Northern Flavors is a small local eatery and food store promoting northern products, and excellent ones might I add, as well as promoting local artists. Various artists have had shows there and I can't wait to have mine! Painting will include a selection of still life and equine art. I don't have the evening for the grand opening selected yet, but I will keep you all posted as things get finalized and the time for the show comes nearer.

It would be great to meet some followers of my art and meet any art lover at the show! So, stay tuned for the final details. And thanks for dropping by!