Before the painting process begins creating a few sketches helps determine where detail will be needed and how the painting will be rendered on the canvas .

Working from photos to create this painting took a number of adjustments. As shown in the photos rather than only paint from the original photo on the right I chose to do a full body length portrait which involved adding saddle and feet which needed to be at the proper angle with body position used in final painting.

After doing studies from a number of photos I am ready to start . Drawing a grid on both the photo and the canvas are the first steps. I then do a simple line drawing within the grid lines on the canvas ( not shown ) making adjustments for the best composition.I have also created on paper areas with more detail and then transfer them onto the canvas ( Saddle and hand shown )

1st painting sessionbeginning under painting

~ layers in oil ~

2nd sessionaddition of another layer of oil paint

and new undertones added

Session 3New undertones

and addition of another layer of oils that start giving depth and richness

Session 4More colors and highlights added

Another layer of oils building the depth of the under painting

Session 5additional parts of painting developing

once again another layer of oil to entire painting

6th session~minor adjustments made ~

some detailing beginsand additional parts of painting developing ~ more thin layers of paint added

Session 7Beginning details

8th sessiona thin layer of oil paint to entire painting

begin face and hands

9th sessionfirst layers of undertones to face and hands

more detailing to painting

10th sessionadding more detail

More detailing

11th sessionadditional layers of color for depth

more detailing

12th session changes made to horses ears

and other minor adjustments to painting

Completion of “Cowboy”

Finished with 2 layers of walnut oil over entire painting to help preserve it

for many generations to enjoy

Copyright 2015 Marylyn Bubash

Wiedmaier

Barefoot Artistry

Layering oil paint to achieve a rich and deep painting takes time. After each layer of oil there is a wait time for it to set before the next layer is added. Working different areas at a time will help keep moving things along

Painting classes are available if you would like to learn this technique.

All copyrights 2015 belong to Marylyn Bubash Wiedmaier

at Barefoot Artistry

Prints are available