Oak and Morgan Stance

This piece is a Commission for Wendy LeGate, owner of OGO Old Growth Oak Morgans. She purchased many pieces from me with the first being, "Capriole, Vienna", the Lippizan horse Limited Edition print, before she approached with me the proposal of painting something that she could use as a logo for her Morgan horse ranch. It was a real pleasure working with a patron whose passion for what she does with Morgan horses matched my passion for what I do with paint. In fact, she sent me so many reference photos of these absolutely beautiful animals she works with, that it took quite a few composite sketches just to decide which beautiful horse and interesting oak to choose for the final painting.
OGO is in San Jose, California area and we wanted to incorporate the magnificent oak trees that make up the landscape and decorate her property. This painting was a one year process-almost to date, from conception to completion with progress photos being emailed to Wendy all along the way. I must compliment her on her trust, as many of the photos probably did not make sense to her, because of the painting style and technique, in which I work. Many transparent layers are laid over and over again. Each layer must be allowed to completely dry, before the next wash of color is applied. Often times, the initial colors are not what a viewer would associate with the subject or item being painted. On top of it, you have the technical aspect of portraying perspective and saving the final details for last. This is often when my paintings 'come alive'.

Oil on canvas
Studio work, 2004
24" x 18", $5,250 - SOLD