Acrylic vs. Oil Paint

November at Lake Massabesic.  I enjoyed walking with a friend along the Audubon trails through the woods to the lake. I took a few photos. Acrylic paint on gessoed board, 16" X 20".  This was an experiement on a Richeson hardwood board (panel), not on canvas. I used two coats of gesso and sanded in between.

I have to admit that I am getting a little frustrated learning how to use oil paint. I took a break this weekend and started a scene with acrylic paint. I still have a long way to go, but I didn't feel the level of frustration with waiting for a layer to dry before I could proceed. On the other hand, I missed the way the oils mix and their texture. I guess I'll continue to use both at different times. I have three more classes this semester. I won't be taking any painting classes during the winter since we will be traveling during the month of March, but I expect that I'll continue to paint. I have books and DVD's and a few good artist friends to inspire me.

This was play time for me. I used an old piece of Japanese Masa paper which wrinkles well, a brayer (a type of roller) and acrylic paint. I used a brush for the letters.

I have packaged up some of my cards for my next fair, Saturday, December 12th, 1000 Elm Street, Manchester, NH, 10-2.  I usually sell quite a few cards at this holiday market. I'll bring some small original paintings with me too. Last year I was happy to sell one of a very happy horse (Mug Shot).

I think this painting of Gregory and his mares is almost done. I'm not sure if I'll change anything before I call it "finished". It's always hard to know when a painting is finished. Gregory is a palomino Missouri Foxtrotter (good trail horse) who is a gelding, but he still watches out for the mares.  He lives in Mojave, California for now with family, but may be moving to Idaho next year.

Another example of not knowing if the painting is done. The small painting of the Canadian "Mounties" was done with oil paint and palette knife so the oil paint is very thick. I'm letting it dry and I'll think about it some more. Just a cute image from my trip last June. These mounties were guarding the gift shop at one of the tourist sites (to the glacier).

Thanksgiving was very enjoyable this year since I only had to cook a few things to bring with me. Next up is Chanukah on Sunday evening, Dec. 6th. I will be cooking for that one with help from my hubby and family. Happy Holidays to all. Merry Christmas to my Christian friends.

How about a kiss?

Mug Shot
The link above goes to my website where you can get more information about this image. I used water mixable oils (Winsor & Newton Artisan) on canvas board, 8" X 10".

I was visiting family in Mojave, California. I am not a rider, but I talk to the horses and pet them. This mare is very friendly and was looking for a kiss, or a carrot. I'm not sure which. I thought about titling the painting "How about a kiss?" She came right up to the camera. I thought this would be good practice for me as an example of foreshortening.

I started the painting with an underwash in raw sienna, then underpainting in acrylic (below). This helped me get the drawing and values in. (Similar to grisaille)

Then I did a layer of oil paint (below).

I let it dry and continued with another layer and touch ups of the oil (below).

I am still a little frustrated with the oil paint since it takes so long to dry. As I was trying to correct the sky, the brush removed some of the paint.  I had to let it dry for several days before attempting the correction again.  The final result is the first painting above, which I have titled "Mug Shot".

Running Horses

Just a quick acrylic sketch from a photo of Joe's horses last spring. I think I like this one enough to actually make a real painting on canvas. Hopefully I'll have more time to do this once my business is sold next year and I retire. This was acrylic used like watercolor (used with water, not medium) on acrylic paper instead of canvas or board.

Joe's horses live in California with his daughter Sharon. Desert area, all sand. There are more photos of them on this blog (use filter on left for horse). They are beautiful animals (and no, I don't ride them). I love to watch them run. They are Missouri Fox Trotters, trail ride type horses, not show or race horses.

California poppies

These are the poppies that we saw at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve in Lancaster while on vacation. Eschscholtzia californica for the scientists out there. There were acres and acres of the poppies plus walking trails, some uphill. We had a good time.

More photos at: Mojave photos - horses, grandchildren, poppy preserve and this one that I found amusing, 52nd Street sign in the desert.

Gregory and his harem

Gregory is a gelding (not a stallion), but he loves his mares and they love him too. It looks like he is guarding them in this picture.  It was very windy the first few days we were in Mojave (California) on vacation and I saw him in the corral many times standing over the mares. They are all Missouri Fox Trotters and belong to Joe (my husband) and Sharon (our daughter). They are used for trail rides for the family.  We had a wonderful time with the grandkids on vacation last week and I will post some more pictures when I get a chance.

Sculptures

An enjoyable afternoon spent wandering the sculpture garden at the Mill Brook Gallery in Concord, NH. Beautiful gardens and flowers, interesting sculptures. Gallery inside with paintings, mobiles.

There were some real horses on the adjacent site, but Joe didn't get to play with them this time. He's still doing some horse sitting and training, but the economy has put a damper on that part of his retirement. Many people are actually giving their horses away because they can't afford to feed them. Very sad.

Vermont and Upstate NY

Took a quick trip over the weekend through Vermont (Quechee Gorge, bottom photo) to an area near Lake George (top photo) to help a friend. Also went to the racetrack in Saratoga (trotters). The jockeys looked very uncomfortable. I wonder if they get back problems from leaning in that position on the cart. Anyway, I lost on a horse named "Jacob" but won on one named "Michael". It was an interesting experience.

Best road sign (seen on a church): "There are some questions that can't be answered by Google."

Joe's filly

I'm not sure if this piece is finished. I may add some more shadows, but it was fun working on it. I posted it today because I realize that I have been so busy (no surprise for me at this time of year with my bookkeeping business) that I have not been doing any posting. Anyway, I hope to get back to posting more as my business quiets down. The filly is now grown up (almost 2) and lives in Mojave, California with Joe's daughter & family. I did the pen and ink sketch from a photo I took when I was out there. All sand & scrub brush, but the desert has its own beauty.

We can see some bare ground in spots, but I know we'll have more snow before spring arrives. The birds have been chirping away and I enjoy watching them and listening to them, but I can do without the skunk smell in the early mornings and evenings. It is their mating season now.

Where Can You Be Reached? Part Five of Five

Locations, phone numbers, cell phone numbers. Would you care to be called if you are away for an extended period of time? This should all be part of the contract that you both have copies of.

The client should have the phone number to always be able to reach the sitter if they have a question they are concerned about. Example: I had a client contact me in the middle of one day; she was out on the west coast and had heard we were having tornadoes back east. I assured her we were having severe thunderstorms but no tornadoes. I told her the horses were in their stalls; however, if she was truly concerned I would drive out to her place and make an extra check for her. She said, “No, that’s okay. I just needed to know for sure.” That evening, after I watered and fed them, I called her before I left the property and advised her they were okay and everything was fine around her home. She was a relaxed lady after we spoke.

I SINCERELY HOPE THAT YOU HAVE ENJOYED THIS INFORMATIVE SERIES.

You should have a written contract (Part four of five)

Details of the duties of the sitter should be written out in the contract. Beyond watering and feeding, turning in and out, for some clients I provide grooming and hoof cleaning. This also provides a full body check each time it is done.

In the summer fly masks might be needed and in the winter blankets might be needed. Stalls need to be cleaned and shavings or sawdust need to be replaced.

Some clients don’t believe in daily grooming, so that is spelled out. It also allows for a lower fee.

As a sitter, I also provide exercising for horses. If exercising is to be done that needs to be listed as to what the time durations are to be and how often the horses are to be exercised.

PART FIVE WILL POST ON MAY 22RD

Can your horse sitter identify if your horse is not well?

What you should expect from your Horse Sitter (Part Three of Five)

When did your horse have colic last?

Just as horse insurance companies want to know the answer to that question. It is important for the sitter to know if your horse is prone to colic.

I always ask a client if they have made previous financial arrangements with their vet and their farrier if they need to be called when the client is away.

The client agreement, we sign together, authorizes me to pay for these services if no previous arrangement has been made. The client will then reimburse me.

I feel this is one of the critical areas that need to be addressed in horse sitting. Emergencies happen and expert help needs to be brought in immediately at times. To worry about who is going to pay the bill only delays effective treatment for your animals. My vet always has my credit card number on file.
PART FOUR OF FIVE WILL POST ON MAY 8TH

Mojave April 2008

Too many photos to show. Go to this site to see them. Lots of horses, desert, grandkids.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/z-best/sets/72157604591507448/

Mojave 2008

The first picture shows Joe, Sharon and Jamie exercising all five horses. The second one shows the two yearling fillies. (Missouri Fox Trotters)

We are back from vacation. Flight was delayed and we arrived at 2:00 a.m. Too tired to write. Just posting some horse pictures. We had a great time with the kids, grandkids, horses & dogs. Will send more photos to the Flickr site later today or tomorrow.

Continuing comments on horse sitting

What you should expect from your Horse Sitter (Part Two of Five)

Next a sitter should show you a written contract that indicates they are insured. I am also bonded. This contract deals with a number of issues. You should be held harmless if the sitter is injured while taking care of your horses provided you made them aware of any particular vices your horses might have. (Vices to be addressed on another form) It should include, the dates of the services and the location. The different services the sitter will be performing. My contract points out that the client needs to call me when they return home. This is to assure both of us that the horses will be taken care of even after the closing date on the contract. Planes get delayed, traffic accidents can happen or who knows what else could delay someone getting back home. Horses are sensitive animals which could have health problems if drastic changes occur to their feeding schedules.

A sitter needs to know everything about your horses. Their feeding habits, grains, amounts of hay, supplements, how much water they normally drink, can they have room temperature carrots or apples? My animal record sheet lists the times of both feedings as well as medical information and vices of each animal.

A sitter should be willing to return at no-charge for a walk through feeding to become familiar with your methods. Horses enjoy and feel safe with consistency.
PART THREE WILL POST ON APRIL 24TH

What you should expect from your horse sitter.

(Part One of Five)

A professional horse sitter will not just agree to take care of your horses. They will want to come and visit with you and your horses free-of-charge.

The most important issue for an owner at this first meeting is to see how that person mingles with your horses. You want them to get inside the corral or the barn to touch your horses in a gentle way. See how they talk to them and most importantly see how the horses interact with them. If they are hesitant to do this, then you as the owner shouldn’t feel bad to say, “I don’t think this is a good mix.”

Should your horses be inside their stalls due to bad weather, when I arrive. I always go in the stalls with them, and then ask permission to lead them in and out of the stall for a short walk. Afterwards, I tell the prospective client whether or not, I am willing to sit their horses.

If you feel the mix is good, then you and the sitter begin the planning process.
PART TWO WILL POST ON APRIL 10TH

Happy Purim

Happy Purim. We will be going to a party tonight. Joe plans on dressing in his western clothes, complete with stetson type hat. I’ll add a bandana to my hair. That should be festive enough. For those who wonder about this Jewish holiday, it is based on the biblical Book of Esther and we have fun dressing in costumes. We read the story, sing songs and eat a festive meal too.

While it is still winter here (despite technically being the first of spring), we are looking forward to our trip to visit our grandchildren in April. Last year “Lucky” was born on my birthday, just a few hours before we arrived. This photo from last year shows her nursing. She’ll be all grown up when we see her again.

Meanwhile, I thought I would post another poem. This one is old, from my first poetry book, but I still like the image of the early spring flowers. It will probably be another four weeks before we see them here in New Hampshire.


Dressed in lavender and pink
spring arrives
like the long awaited bridesmaids
slowly marching down the aisle
stately in demeanor
anxiously awaiting
the show to begin.

copyright 1990 Linda H. Feinberg from "red poppies and green clover"

Reducing your anxiety about your horses when you're away

What do you need to learn about having just anyone sit your horses?

What did I hear you say, you can’t take time off because you don’t know who you can trust with your horses? Maybe, you’ve had bad experiences in the past with others you have hired. I hear these statements often and some sad tales as well.

Possibly you are not doing your homework. Possibly you are unaware there are individuals available who are experienced professional horse sitters.

There is a way to reduce your anxiety about leaving your horses when you go away, by finding a reliable horse sitter.

One key way is to check with veterinary offices, feed stores, farriers, boarding stables, newspapers where a professional sitter may advertise, or even website links for their postings, for those who service your area.

Starting in two weeks, I will post a series of information, providing what horse owners should expect from a professional sitter. I hope that you enjoy them.