Horse and Rider

I imagine most of us are like you in that respect - I never know if a painting's finished, whether I should add a little something extra, and whether that little something will throw something else out, so that I have to keep coming back to it.... Which is really why I took up watercolour - you've GOT to stop with those, or will definitely ruin it. I like this, particularly the way you have a non-realistic background and yet the horse's back hooves are sending up dust, or whatever it is; doesn't matter, the fact is the animal and rider relate to the background, so the whole thing is believable.

A very striking and dramatic image, well painted. I agree with Robert that the background works very well with the horse and rider, and I like your use of lighting. It's always difficult to know when to stop, but I think you've hit it just right. Thank-you for your lovely comments on my work.

This stunning painting looks as though It's come straight out of a Spanish feria with the rider on an elegant Spanish horse dressed in traditional riding costume.

Thank you Robert, Lesley and Ronald for your valued comments, it is a relief to hear that I have finished it! It's always very intereting to hear what other people have to say about one's work, gives you a chance to look at it from another perspective. I live in Spain Ronald, and horses and riders like the above are at every feria. I can't see enough of them, especially the beautiful horses, although it distresses me to see the brute force that is used sometimes by some of the riders.

Lovely painting you have done here love how you have got the beautiful sheen on the horses coat full of life very beautiful horse that you have painted i would be very proud of myself if i had done piece of work to this high standard. Background colours work very well together with the horse and rider for me the best part of your painting is the horse itself how the enegry and movement can be felt coming out of the painting. I never know when to stop with my paintings and when they are finished but sometimes i find that the people around you who look at your work can be a great help if there is only good things to hear about your work then maybe it is finished .Large painting as well so i can imagine how much work has been put into it this piece. Can i ask you a question do you use liquin with your oils as i really would like to know how you got that beautiful sheen on your horse i think with lots of talent really well done take care happy painting

Such a lively and dramatic painting! Wonderful! I have looked at your other paintings too. I especially like the guitar player.

Thank you Sonia and Helen for your valued comments, gosh you've done my confidence a power of good. I had Carmen playing whilst I was painting this, maybe I need to take more interest in the music that I choose when painting, and not just stick any old thing on! It's seems to have worked for this one. I use the old fashioned 50/50 mix Sonia of good turps and linseed oil, I don't know liquin, presumable it's a medium to use with oil paints? How did I get the sheen? More by luck than ability I'd say! I put a little white with a touch of yellow (or blue) where I wanted the sheen, then gently rubbed over it with a paper towel, and repeated until I felt I was there. I finished with the tiniest touch of the white mix to add the final highlight. A couple of times I was too heavy handed and had to start all over again. I wish I could give you a text book answer but I don't have one and hope that what I have said helps you. Happy painting :~))

Thank you for your advice on getting the sheen really like your work hope to see more , my daughter really liked this one you did in fact her words were Wow MUM look at that one. Happy painting not just luck you have its talent lala.

Lala, Your horse and rider is very good, I love the red, fiery background. Well done. David

Thank you David for your comment and I'm glad you love the fiery background. I find red such an energizing colour, though it's not everyone choice. For all the fiery energy I found the movement of the rider and horse very tranquil to paint