12 x 9" Original Pastel © 2012 Trish Stevenson

This pastel painting went through a bit of a metamorphosis as it was developing. Originally I had planned a somber background like a subtle greyed-down yellow ochre-ish wall of some sort. Since this subject was mainly in shadow, my aim was to pop out highlights on the outer edges of the vest, shirt and saddle, etc. As things developed, I became disenchanted with that idea - the painting was speaking to me - "I need a hot, sunlit dusty background!!" - it was shouting to me - so I listened and agreed. The highlights ended up blending off with the background. I also had fun trying different color combinations within the shaded areas to enrich them.  

Longhorn Colors

"Longhorn Colors"  - 9"x 6" Pastel ©2011 Trish Stevenson

Longhorn cattle are such a classic icon of the West and they are really fun to paint because of their horns and colorful markings. As I was painting this one, I kept adding more color to the background, it just felt like a little more pizazz was appropriate for this guy. Click here for purchase information.

Blue Roan #1

Blue roans - what a unique color in a horse  - and what fun to experiment painting them!
SOLD

Two Paintings at Browns Gallery in Boise

Brown's Gallery has been in Boise for over 40 years. They are hosting this year's exhibit of the Pastel Society of the Northern Rockies which runs throughout the month of July. I have these two paintings in the show. the juror of award is one of my very favorite pastelists and equine artists, Dawn Emerson.

Lanky Cowboy at the Rodeo

I love the excitement and action of rodeo, but I also pay attention to the sideline activities of fans and contestants, looking for painting opportunities. I started to paint a much larger oil of this one, which I have abandoned for now, seems it lost something in the translation from the smaller size. I think I would almost have to use a palette knife to get the same feeling I have here, something else I have yet to try! For purchase info click here.

Big, Black Longhorn

Longhorn cattle are so cool to paint, they have many different colors and of course, the horns are so unique. Each one seems to be an independent character on its own...maybe that's one reason why they are such an icon of the West. Click here to bid.

Rainy Day Buffalo

I am really just discovering buffalo (bison is their official name). What an icon of the West!

To bid, click here.