Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Mule in Progress: First Pass


20 x 60 oil on canvas

The first pass on the mule is complete, with the exception of the background. I still haven't decided on how to deal with that aspect just yet. I like where this is going, and have been having a good time with it. Now it's on to the second (and most likely, "final") pass. I'm looking forward to getting into the details of this painting, and there is a lot of detail in this composition. It's my favorite part of the process. I will probably hold off, and wait until the painting is done before I post another image.


16 comments:

David Malan said...

Beautiful. I don't know where you want to go but I love the flat gray.

Anonymous said...

Holy smoke! That thing breathes!

Anonymous said...

wonderful painting already! love the contrast between the complex nature of the work on the mule against the clinical grey.

Nina Mateyunas said...

Definitely keep the gray background! Amazing!

DennisCrayon said...

I really like the composition and the way that you cropped the mule. I like the grey background can’t wait to see it finished. I hope someday to see one of your works in person. If they are this good on the web they’ll be unbelievable in person.

James Neil Hollingsworth said...

I really appreciate all of your positive responses to this painting. I hadn't really thought about it, but so many have suggested that I leave the background grey, that I've decided to give it a try and see how it works.

Fay Akers said...

all I can say is wow... it so wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Neil, I would use a kind of grey background too. It looks marvellous, moody in a way and still cheerful. What I love here especially is the unusual crop. This makes the painting - besides the fabulous details - even more appealing and interesting. I almost hear the sound of his hooves...
greetings from Munich,
Petra

Dean H. said...

Absolutely amazing, Neil!! Thanks for the great progress shots.

Audrey Bunt said...

The first pass! Wow From where I'm sitting it looks done. I love the harness. Really makes this guy look like a wannabe stallion. Great work.

Steve PP said...

Love the composition and format! Good work,Sir!

Amy said...

I have to agree with Audrey, I first thought it was done. It looks great. I agree with the gray- the contrast in color and the simplicity against the very detailed realistic is breathtaking. I love it.
I love seeing other artist's work in progress. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I can't even begin to describe how happy I am to have found your blog! Your work blows my mind and is SO INSPIRING!!!!

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SKIZO said...

I enjoyed your
work very much

Amarjeet said...

hey! I love this post.


vintage oil painting
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