Tuesday, December 6, 2011

A Noble Face SOLD

A Noble Face  SOLD
6" x 6" watercolor

Every so often I paint a portrait, whether it's human or animal, that does exactly what I wanted it to. I've captured one small aspect of who this person (or horse as it seems to be in this case) is. It's something I really try to do, but not something that always happens. With this portrait of Troy I think I've captured something of what I felt about his personality.

There's something very noble, and gentle about this horse. I've seen a picture of him reaching his neck out so a child can stroke his face, and another picture of him standing in the sunshine with his head held high, looking exactly like royalty.

This was one of those paintings that flowed from the first moment I set brush to paper. I love it when that happens as flow is such a tempermental little beast. :)  Here one minute and gone the next.

This last fact was proven to me again yesterday afternoon when I sat down to paint while my youngest son napped. Argh. The flow was just not happening.

And I was all out of cupcakes too. Double Argh.

Ah well. Today is a new day. :) 


This beautiful boy's name is Westmoreland's Come Fly With Me, AKA Troy, and he is owned by Shannon Johnson. Thanks Shannon for the use of your reference photo!

26 comments:

  1. This is absolutely beautiful Crystal, you've captured him - I love it.

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  2. Excellent job, Crystal! And I must say, I prefer him to cupcakes ... but you know me.

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  3. Crystal, this is so majestic and dramatic!! Don't you love it when it just works they way you want it too!!! Another stunner:))

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  4. OMG! HE, THIS, YOUR WORK *yes I am shouting* I was so captured by your painting I Googled Troy and what a beauty and such a mover. I love his blue eye and pewter stands moving through his mane. You've captured him so well.

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  5. Oh he is truly GORGEOUS!! I LOVE his beautiful mane - I could run my fingers through it, it looks so real! Did you know that over here in the UK, we call Cup-Cakes 'Fairy-Cakes'. Ours aren't nearly so generous with the toppings though! :0)

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  6. Wow, this is exquisite. I can see his nobility and gentle grace. The colors are so pleasing to the eyes. Beautiful job. I am always so moved by your work.
    Thanks for your inspiration.
    Kelly

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  7. stunning, bold and so beautifully done crystal, as always. i love the pose, he's just exquisite! the flow with return i'm sure.

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  8. What a beautiful job you did, Crystal! He looks like such a sweet manly-man. I also Googled him, and he is a gorgeous horse. Silver dapple bay sabino with those beautiful blue eyes :).

    Every time I see one of your equine paintings, I think: "Crystal needs to be entering the AAEA juried shows!" Seriously consider that.

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  9. This is fantastic, Crystal.
    P.S. Your ACEO is on the way :)

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  10. This is a stunning painting. I have come to notice horses a lot more closely only after seeing you paintings. You do them really well.
    Best wishes.

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  11. Incredible! Your work just amazes me! Love the statement about flow, so tricky but you handle it wonderfully!

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  12. I can feel that flow from here. You've done a beautiful job of capturing his spirit. Love him

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  13. You have such an unique style, I don't think I have ever seen another watercolor artist paint like you. Beautiful horse and isn't it great when a painting just flows off the brush! Perfection as always...

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  14. What a horse, what a twinkle in his eye you've painted!
    Who needs a cupcake when you have something as delicious as him to feast your eyes upon?! :) xx

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  15. I love the limited palette and how it helps pop Troy's personality!

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  16. Noble of course.. And those bell rings in the last post just took my breath away..

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  17. I bet this was a joy to paint, what beautiful rich colors. Such nice work Crystal.

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  18. I can't believe this is only 6x6. Excellent!!

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  19. The personality comes through. Beautiful! Love the way you handled the mane. And I'm sending you a virtual cupcake ; )

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  20. Yes, it does look so effortless...very natural,excellent work.

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  21. lovely bright colours...the texture of hair is amazing!

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  22. Absolutely gorgeous piece, Crystal!!

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  23. Beautiful, so flowingly vibrant and natural. And I love the angle!

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  24. Crystal-
    He is beautiful and, as you always do, you made him absolutely glow!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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