"Percheron Pals", oil on linen panel, 10x8
"Colour Commentary", watercolour, 1995
It was many years ago that I painted these two characters in watercolour. The title of the painting was "Colour Commentary", (appx. 30x22 inches). I've included a photo of that watercolour (above) along with my recent oil painting of the same pair, "Percheron Pals", oil on linen, 10x8.
I painted the original watercolour in 1995 during a time that I was showing my work in the Calgary Stampede Art Salon.
In the past year my work came full circle, in a sense, while creating a body of work that is very reflective of my rural roots. It's been a wonderful reconnection; first with my affinity to my prairie roots but more importantly, a continued connection to my father, a true horseman whose gentle presence guides me as I retrace my journey.
While I've been painting almost exclusively from life in recent years, the old box containing my reference photos has been gathering dust in a studio cupboard. Seeing them again is like seeing old friends; a reminder of a very pleasant time in my life.
I clearly recall the day I took this photo and remember these two old mates like it was yesterday. I spent the day with artist Adeline Halvorson at a working horse pull event. Adeline is, undisputedly, one of the finest equine artists working today. When I see these big beautiful horses, I am pretty much reminded of the day we spent in rural Alberta.
As you can see, I was more of a "colourist" when painting in watercolour. As an oil painter, I consider myself to be a "tonalist", but I am still strongly inspired by these same stately creatures.
