Horse On the Hill by Tessa Gwynne

Like this Tessa , it’s great they your trying out the acrylic’s again.

That was quick Dixie! Thank you. I feel I’ve forgotten how to use them. 🤔

Simple and very effective brushwork

Love the looseness Tessa.

I like this Tessa. The looseness is very effective.

Thanks so much Heather, George and Fiona. Glad you like it. 👍

Like the loose style Tessa.

Lovely Tessa.

Thanks a lot Stephen and Denise.

Very effective, love your lose brush work. I agree about acrylics. I rarely use mine, either!!

Thank you Thalia. Glad you understand! I’m not really pleased with this but should probably persevere as I feel acrylics could be easier for Plein air work?

I have the same feelings about acrylics...how is so much fantastic work done with this tricky fast-drying medium? The 'how' escaped me. I like your painting, good strong brushwork and the horse is well done.

Thank you Lewis. It’s a relief that others find it tricky as well! As you say there is some wonderful work out there in acrylic, and some of it looks like oils at a glance, but very different to use.

I have two horse riding schools round to, these animals are so beautiful, I'm always amazed while watching them... Nice painting Tessa, great effort to combine colors and match them nicely 😉

Good mark making Tessa. The fast drying of acrylic is a blessing and a curse but great for plein air I find

Thanks Art. Yes they are lovely creatures but tricky to draw!

Thank you Martin.

I just love the composition of your painting Tessa and also the effects you have created with the paint and brush marks. I can’t get on at all with acrylics, unless it’s for a base of a mixed media painting, and I don’t have the patience to persevere with them. I much prefer oils despite the drying times.

Many thanks Fiona. It’s a relief to find that others struggle with acrylic. In our art class I am the only one who paints in oils, and those who don’t always think it must be very difficult and different, but I found it the other way round. I know I’m out of practice and like you I don’t think I have the patience to persevere! Worth a try but frustrating. Also I look on the drying time with oils as an advantage.

This is a beauty of composition and the capturing of emotion through loose brushwork. I like your balance of vibrant colors with the greys.

Thank you Lynne.

Re: regular oils vs. water-based oils in response to your question. I have been painting in regular oils for years, then discovered water-based oils about 12 years ago. Water-based is less toxic and cleanup is easier. I use a lot of Winsor Newton Linseed oil to add fluidity to the paint and to slow drying time, as this paint dries quickly in comparison to regular oils. I use Winsor Newton Brush Cleaner which also makes for nice wiping out of paint when something isn't working. I would never go back to regular oils.

Thanks lynne for taking the time to explain. I started using WS oils because I went to a class for a few years where the tutor used them for health reasons, so I understand the pros and cons. I did find them ‘stickier’ than real oils and as you say quicker drying. I may have to try again!