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:

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

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  2. Anonymous9:25 PM

    Holy smoke! That thing breathes!

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  3. Anonymous6:34 AM

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

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  4. Definitely keep the gray background! Amazing!

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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.

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

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  8. Anonymous12:21 PM

    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

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

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  10. 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.

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  11. Love the composition and format! Good work,Sir!

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  12. 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.

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  13. 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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  14. I enjoyed your
    work very much

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