Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Wrangler Series

Monica, this one is for you…(lucky girl)

The evil webmistress sent me this photo and I just had to paint it! What do you think? Responses from the women in my life, be they 9 or 90, have been overwhelmingly positive. I wonder why? What’s the saying, “Cowboy butts drive me nuts!”

Much thanks to my teacher, Jim Strong, for his unerring advice on how to tackle this bad boy. I decided to focus in on the “important” aspects of the painting. Keep the colors simple, vivid, and primarily primary! Careful blending was important to achieve that subtle blending in the wranglers and the folds of the shirt. The texture of the chaps and vest in contrast were very easy to achieve. A quick block-in of yellow ochre with some burnt sienna and burnt umber, then a quick, light, dry scrubbing of umber and sienna to achieve the texture. Were it always this easy!

I so enjoyed painting this that I have decided to do a whole series of Wrangler butt paintings. Imagine my delight at haunting rodeos and photographing cowboy hind ends! There’s also my husband to photograph. He sets the standard for me when it come to prime Grade A cowboy beef. The hubby has also encouraged me to expand my series to include cowgirls and kids. Imagine a painting of a little girl wearing those Wrangler diaper covers with pink lace—just too damn cute!
So expect more of the Wrangler Series as I get those photo ops. I’ve entitled this painting: The Wrangler Series 1: “All Mine” and it’s an original oil on 20”x20” linen. I’ve framed the original in a copper frame that highlights the copper rivets and the silver buckle. Giclees are available as well as beautiful prints on archival water color paper.