Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Two nuzzling horses, Eagle Lakes BLM
These two horses seemed to be nuzzling and vying for dominance at the same time. Whether in states of play, love or aggression, there was always some kind of competetive interaction. It was fascinating to watch. This image started as a loose line drawing at the BLM. It was transferred to a plate and etched at the Graphic Arts Workshop in San Francisco. Etching /monoprint.
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Friday, February 20, 2009
Facing horse
First of the Black and White series. Acrylic, gesso on canvas mounted on pine support. Sold.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
This wild colt was drawn at the Palomino Valley BLM. Once I commit to the long drive out, I will usually spend an entire day sketching at this horse holding facility. I go from paddock to paddock, choosing my spot carefully, finally pulling out my chair and utensils. It doesn't take long before a band of bachelors will make its way over. This guy led the pack. He is typical of the breed - extremely intelligent, very curious and ready to bolt at a moments notice.
Etching and dry point on zinc plate. Printed on White Rives BFK. Edition of 50.
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Monday, January 19, 2009
Facing off
This image is from a drawing done on site at the Litchfield, California BLM. I made the eight-hour drive to this satellite facility only to discover that the staff left early and not a soul was onsite even though I had made it there well within business hours. Under the watchful gaze of the security camera, I had the place to myself. Despite the smaller size of this facility, mustangs packed every available corral. I strode to the outer corrals and found a wild bunch that reacted to my approach by snorting, pawing and posing most elegantly for me. I stood my ground by taking a dusty seat and drawing them. This image is of one of the pack leaders in the wild outer corral bunch. Original drawing transferred to zinc plate. Etching, drypoint and softground.
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Sunday, January 18, 2009
The original drawing of this nibbling colt was composed during my first visit to a BLM horse management facility in Burns, Oregon. His surroundings in captivity, a treeless valley in eastern Oregon, seemed bleaker still that it was early spring, gray and drizzling. After this initial experience I visited three other BLM facilities just for the privilege of being close enough to draw these so recently wild, always majestic animals.
Red Horse grazing -etching
I like the simple, graceful shapes that form this horse. This little etching was created using a few different techniques. The horse was developed in dry point (cross-hashing the plate with a sharp tool), which gives it a velvety appearance when burnished. Soft ground (pressing a cloth to the ground then etching) was used to give the background texture.
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Saturday, January 17, 2009
Sniffing the air
Another BLM drawing turned etching. Though most of the horses I draw at the BLM have been in captivity for months, the instinct to worry and react remains strong. This proud young horse braces himself against the wind while checking the air for possible signs of predators. The other horse nips a scratch on his leg. Etching, drypoint. Printed on Arches buff paper. Edition of 15.
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