Storm! by Stephen Michael Law

This is really dramatic, Stephen! You can actually feel the fire in the beast - well done! More!

A lovely picture

Horses are hard, hard work to get right; I've managed the occasional donkey, but as I've never painted a horse, I'd need to study its anatomy for a long while before doing so. I wasn't very taken with horses, until, when I was on a walk in the country, one ambled over to me and clearly wanted a chat: so we communed for a good twenty minutes, me stroking his muzzle while he gradually closed his eyes until he was more or less asleep on his feet! I've rather warmed to them since: and must paint one. I like the idea behind this, and the threatening sky ... I think you need the sort of practice that I need too at painting horses: I don't mean to be insulting when I say I've seen a lot worse! But I'm not convinced by the front legs beyond the knees - I get the impression they wouldn't properly support him; maybe too the head's a bit small: although of course, horses vary. You can always trust me to find something to criticize ... but I do so knowing I'd have a big problem myself with a painting like this. Perhaps we could both do with consulting a good book on horse anatomy, and to study the paintings of Stubbs: if you're going to model yourself on anyone, after all, choose the best there is.

Thanks for your comment...it's my first (and probably ) last attempt and I tried my best. I just copied a photograph for reference and added a dramatic sky. I don't particularly like horses, but just wanted to do something different. As I'm only into my second year of painting I want to try so many things. What next I wonder?

Oh don't make it your last.... although your idea of trying many things is good: many of us get stuck painting the same thing over and over again; might make us good at whatever that thing is, but you're right to want to try going beyond the boundaries. I don't know what your next one will be, but you always try something different, and I look forward to seeing it.

Well since your first comment I looked at my reference photo again, but everything seemed in proportion to me. I did make the slightest of changes (but won't repost). My next painting will be of a lighthouse in Whitley Bay. A friend who does gardening on the side, was there recently and took some photos, so he's doing gardening for me ( cutting down and removing some trees) in exchange for a painting. Hope to start that tomorrow and have it finished by Monday. Then I have an Italian project to attend to. Don't see a horse on the horizon at the moment. Hope everything is well with you.

Stephen, don't forget that whatever I say or anyone else says, it's just an opinion; an impression; and I'm extremely short-sighted so I might so easily be totally wrong! All you, or I, or anyone, can do is to paint things as we see them - I might not see them in the same way, but then you should see the thickness of my lenses...... Don't let me put you off from trying the same sort of subject again; and remember, I've never painted a horse in my life! So if you've studied the photograph, and you think you got the proportions right - well then, you're more likely to be right than I am! You don't have to accept criticism if you think it's wrong - I don't mind at all if you tell me I'm talking complete rubbish, because - sometimes I do! And so do we all. Good with your latest paintings - there's nothing like a bit of barter - and don't forget to post them. All best, Robert

Good luck, that should have been - told you I was short-sighted...... They call me a "High Myope": sounds very impressive, until you realize it just means "blind as a bat in a coal cellar".