Tuesday, January 20, 2009

My kingdom for a horse...


I've always loved horses. Guess there's a lot of us that can say that, right? I've always been interested in drawing and painting them too. About six years ago I got fired from my part-time job (oops!) and decided to start painting for real. I've learned a lot and am starting to define my individual style. It has to do with vintage papers (80-120 years old) and horses. Not only is it fun to do, but the adventure of uncovering these old papers buried amongst the 'stuff' in antique stores is reminiscent of hide n' seek when I was a kid! And I just love the feel of the papers. I'm excited to do many more paintings on vintage sheet music, old newspapers, books, etc!

Here is the second painting I did on vintage paper. It's from a 1927 Oregon Journal. I found an ad for the brand new Buick Regal automobile... hence the title "Regal in Name'! Her real name is Julianne, but I call her Jewels. She is a very Baroque Friesen with lots of mane, tail and feathers.
Signing off from my very first blog ever! Diane

I love this quote from Giorgio Morandi: "A sincere artist is not one who makes a faithful attempt to put on canvas what is in front of him, but one who tries to create something which is, in itself, a living thing."





5 comments:

  1. What a wonderful painting - I love it! I do have to ask though if you are worried that the paper isn't acid free so the longivity of the original is in question? Or is there something you use to protect it? It would make great prints.

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  2. Hi Karen,
    I'm happy you like the piece. Regarding your question... I encase the old papers in matte medium to preserve them. When I'm done with the painting I use Golden Archival Varnish to protect it. I'm assuming that will keep it from yellowing. Yes, it makes a great print and I've sold more of this image than any other.

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  3. Hello Diane.....I am one of your biggest fans and look forward to more of your original and fabulous creations!!!!

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  4. Diane
    I love it! I actually have a Friesian mare and I can see my horse in your painting. Did you paint with oil or acrylic? It almost looks like pen and ink. I think you have a real niche and that is so important today with regards to marketing and selling your work. Good Luck!! Debbie C.

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  5. Hi Debbie,
    So glad you enjoyed the piece! Your mare must be Baroque as well. I think they're magnificent and truly could paint them all day! 'ha' I use acrylic for the whole process, including encasing the old papers in matte medium. I use a think acrylic was and work it in a loose, sumi kind of way.
    Diane

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