Painting Eyes

A rich black mixed from Pthalo Blue + Alizarin Crimson is used for the harness. A touch of white added to the mix makes the blue highlights on the patent leather. The golds for the hames and harness decorations are made from Cadmium Yellow Medium + a little Cadmium Orange + MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + White.

The white blazes of the Clydesdales are painted with a variety of grays. If you will study a white object in natural light you will notice it is actually several shades of gray. Only the highlights are pure white. It’s the old rule, You can’t have light without dark. I will come back in the next step and add the pure white highlights. A pink mixed from Cadmium Red Light + a little MUD + White is added to the horses’ muzzles.

The highlights have been added to the blazes and now it’s time to paint the eyes. The shape of the eye is first painted with MUD + Liquin, making certain to cover the entire area.

Using a fine liner brush dipped in a little of the “medium value” bay paint I make a crescent in the eye. Since the light is coming from above on the left, the crescent is on the lower right of the eye. With a “lighter value” bay paint I lighten the center of the crescent. This is because light shining through the globe of the eye illuminates the iris at this point.

The final step is to make the catch light in the eye. This needs to be very small and close to the upper lid. If the catch light is placed in the center of the eye in the pupil the animal will look drugged.

Best Buds       20″ x 24″       Original Oil Painting

Bridles, blinders, bits, buckles, bearing reins and pretty ribbons finish out these Best Buds! I love the title Jack came up with. He is the official “Namer” in our operation and outdid himself this time.

And, last but not least. Is that Little Sissie one happy kitty or what? Have a great day. Hugs, Mikki Senkarik

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