Today I’m painting the cattle milling behind Chunky and Craig. My standard Double Primary colors are lined up across the top of my palette. But I’ve pulled out some hues I don’t normally use: Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna and Ivory Black. #1. Ultramarine Blue + White. #2. A couple of mixes of Burnt Umber + White. #3. Three shades of Burnt Umber + Burnt Sienna + White. #4. Variations of Ivory Black + White. By the way, if you’d like to learn more about the Double Primary Color Mixing System that Jack developed CLICK HERE.
I’ve added some extra Ultramarine Blue into the mixtures for the steers against the fence. This mutes the Sienna, making them recede. Please remember as you read through my blog, you can click on any of the pictures to see them larger.
The two steers immediately to the left of Chucky are made with the Burnt Umber and Ivory Black mixes. They will provide a nice dark to accentuate this pretty boy’s bright sorrel coat!
More dark steers are in the background to the right. Again, their muted colors will make the horse stand out.
Light streams across the arena, coming into the painting from the left. The dirt is made of mixes of MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Yellow Medium + White.
I’ll wait to finish the dirt kicked up around Chucky until I paint him. Then I can make the flying dust soften the lower part of his legs. I’ve allowed a shadow to fall across the front of the painting, this acts as a Threshold. Think of standing outside of your home on a warm summer night. The front door is open, revealing the brightly lit interior. Your eye is pulled across the expanse of darkness, over the Threshold of the opening to the bright light inside. It works the same way in a painting. Your gaze will be dragged over the foreground shadow to the sunlight illuminating Chunky, Craig and the flying dust. This helps to do two things, focus attention on the main subject of the piece and also add depth to the painting. As Jack would say, “That’s your lesson for today!” Thank you for following along today. Hugs,
Mikki Senkarik 
February 11, 2016 at 8:43 AM |
When I feel depressed I only open my lab and look at your posts to enjoy seeing your paintings and get relieved.
This blue touches on the steers back are fascinating. With all my love.
February 15, 2016 at 12:45 PM |
Thank you Wafaa. The blue sky above influences the highlights on the steers, hence the blue touches. You are in my prayers. Big Hugs, Mikki
February 12, 2016 at 10:05 AM |
Laying around sorta down and out after having knee surgery, seeing your paintings makes it better. Thanks always Mikki for sharing what you do.