Living in Colorado presents vast opportunities to photograph wild and domesticated animals.  I am so fortunate to have a wonderful place to photograph Texas Longhorn in their pasture on their ranch.  Naturally friendly animals, they make for some really beautiful reference in my art.  Much or all of my time with them is spent following them, studying their behavior and allowing them to become entirely comfortable with me.  I look for just the right attitude, best lighting, angles and compositions until I am confident I have new and exciting reference for my art.  It is such a huge honor to represent Longhorn in my art.

 

Stages 1-3 - The foundation starts with burning in the eyes and continuing from there throughout the entire subject.

 

Stage 4 - refining the entire burn, adding value for more depth and realism.  This stage is my favorite, as the subject really takes on a life of its own.

 

 

Stage 5 - playing with paint to create the surrounding habitat.  I prefer to add the color organically, letting me take it where it will.

 

 

Stage 6 - Refining the color, grasses and details until the work is completed.  Here is Have a Little Faith.