Close encounter by Marjorie Firth

Fantastic lighting Majorie. Very loose and painterly. I love it.

I look forward to seeing the larger painting. Don’t overdo the details though.

Looking good Marjorie.

Looking good Marjorie.

A cracker so far Marjorie.

A superb painting Marjorie, love the cattle .

Thank you all - yes, Chris, the challenge will be keeping it loose.

Great work as usual Marjorie but ambiguous title (in a way)... :)

Looking good so far Marjorie.

This looks like an early morning scene, when the animals outdoors wait for the warmth of the early morning sun on their backs, I've seen this posture many times, however, as an artist you may see something different. Either way it's a lovely painting.

Love the ligh5 and the shadows from the cattle

Can’t wait to see your larger painting Marjorie.

Like the others who have commented I too am looking forward to the larger painting. I wouldn't like to be facing off that gang though!

The play of light and shadow through the legs, the glowing of the fur in the opposite light and a lot of movement. Good luck for large painting. This "preliminary" sketch has its own beauty.

Good idea to do a sketch before trying a full-scale work, and often one's pleased with the sketch and never gets around to that bigger work .... sort of, I've already said that, why repeat myself? But I hope you're not handicapped by such thoughts, because I'm really looking forward to seeing the big painting. Cows can be a bit intimidating, not to mention dangerous - rather than try to walk through this assembly, I'd just give them a cheery wave, a word of encouragement and greeting, and - find another route.

Like this a lot !!

So much to like about this - the composition, brushwork and great sense of light

Like the sketch Marjorie particularly the front left cow and the background shapes. Was this a “Close encounter of the herd kind?

This is going to be good Marjorie, super sketch

Great idea, Marjorie! Going to be really special!

It’s going to be a good one if your sketch is anything to go by Marjorie, can’t wait to see the next instalment.

Ha! Should have kept quiet, the pressure is on now! ( I’m looking forward to trying really). Close encounter is because of the accompanying dog. Maybe Guy meant “ Close encounter of the third kind”?

Penny just dropped after Martin’s witty riposte…..very good!

Back lit fur is often a winner Marjorie. I look forward to seeing the full blown work.