A Horse a Day Challenge #35 - The Horse in My Mind

I had planned all along to draw whatever came out of my head today. Then my mom saw that the Kennedy Center Honors were on tonight, and I definitely wanted to watch. So, I pulled out my clipboard, grabbed some pencils and went and watched. I'm so glad I did. We always enjoy the show. You get to see some of your favorites, and some you've never really heard of who are also great. It's a wonderful celebration of entertainment! I feel like I broaden my horizons some:-) And wouldn't it be awesome to be in the audience? I never have an urge to be in the audience of an awards' show, but that one would be the exception.

Anyways, I happily drew through singing and through commercials. Of course, what emerged was another Arabian horse. They just come naturally, and I so appreciate that they do:-)

Well, I can't believe 2008 is on its way out! It's been an eventful year for us, to say the least. Amazing, sad, hopeful, and ever onward... Right now, it's onward to bed - it's 12:50 a.m. here!

A Horse a Day Challenge #34 - Pegasus

Just realized I hadn't blogged yet! This drawing is for 12/28 & 29. It took two days to finish, so it can stand for two days:-)

I've finally learned from someone how to size my photos so they meet Etsy's specs yet aren't so enlarged they lose detail. So, for now, I'm copying and pasting the blurb for this drawing:

This little gem was actually completed late last night (it was drawn over two days). However, between the size and the contrast with the color (a blend of 5 layers of Prismacolor), I wasn’t able to get a good scan. Instead, I waited for the right light, and took photos outside today. The results are definitely better, but not as good as real life, I promise:-)

This card was a true challenge for me, as I wanted to see if I could fit a whole horse on a card. I knew it could be done, just didn’t know how small I could draw. I found out – pretty small! Although he appears much larger here, in real life from the tip of his nose to the ears measures just 1/2 inch.

I thought I’d add to my challenge by making this a Pegasus – the beautiful flying horse of Greek mythology. I’ve loved them since I was a child, and used to dream of riding one. I don’t think I’ve ever drawn one, though, at least not as an adult. So, here he is in all winged glory!

A Horse a Day Challenge #33 - Belgian Horse

I actually started on something else earlier tonight, and realized that I'd need more time to finish it. So, I did a horse I've been wanting to draw for a while now - the big, brawny Belgian:-)

Here's part of the breed info:

"The Belgian is a heavy draft breed, weighing around a ton and stand up to 17 hands (or higher). It makes sense that they’re amazing horses for pulling heavy loads. Even today, they’re still used for farm work. They’re easily recognizable, too – they’re usually sorrel (red/orange) with a flaxen mane and tail. They can also come in roan (solid color heavily mixed with white hair). In addition to their awesome power, they’re known for being kind and gentle animals."

A Horse a Day Challenge #30 - Kiger Mustang

I like thinking of more unusual horses to draw, and the Kiger Mustang definitely qualifies! Here's some of the info from his Etsy blurb:

"He’s a Kiger Mustang – a wild horse, but also an established breed. They were discovered in the 70’s in Oregon, and found to be breeding true through DNA (it also turns out that they’re closely related to the original horses brought from Spain to the U.S. in the 1600’s). The BLM separated them out into their own groups. They're usually dun colored (light tan to golden with black points) with a dorsal stripe down their backs and zebra-like stripes on their upper legs. We once pastured our horses with a mare who was believed to be a Kiger, and she was so beautiful! Heavy-set, but such a lovely color and had that really long black mane. She was very shy, but gentle and a pleasure to be around. Like my last subject, the zebra, I hope for the opportunity to see the wild Kiger mustangs. What a beautiful sight to see!"

Tomorrow I'll be working on some photos I took today of my mom's sculptures. She's just joined the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy, and is entering their next contest. I think this is so cool, and I know it's a big thing for her. In fact, I think it's the first contest she's ever entered her art in. I'll have to put some photos here, too:-)

I'm behind on real writing here, so promise to get back to it soon. This is supposed to be a multi-subject blog, and not just about the horse challenge. So, more to come soon!

A Horse a Day Challenge #26 - Gypsy Vanner Colt

Yay! A little earlier tonight! And another cute baby:-) I decided that I should do some of the other breeds, since I've given more time to Arabians than anybody. Since I love Vanners, I thought I'd try a little Vanner colt tonight. They're cute little fuzz-balls, so much different than Arabians, but just as adorable.

This one's on Etsy, too. Hope you like him, and his fuzzy little chin:-)

Going to try and make it an earlier night, so need to get on over to Etsy and Flickr.

A Horse a Day Challenge #22 - Aye, Eye!

Okay, so I did, I missed a day:-| I hadn't gotten very much sleep Friday night, so wound up being zonked by Saturday evening. I started, but it wasn't going anywhere. So, I did the smart thing, and went to bed:-) I also slept in, and then we went for a drive... My plans for two drawings for 12/14 didn't come to fruition, but I'm still happy:-)

This is the eye view from the front, from a photo I just took today! On said drive, even... We met a horse and donkey in a pasture, pulled over, and donkey came up to the fence. He was a little spooked, so it gave just the right distance to focus really close on his eye. Here's the reference.



Of course, after deciding to post the photo on Flickr earlier, I felt more challenged by my challenge, lol! I knew everyone would be able to compare the two. I also know that they're different. I don't use rulers or anything, so it comes out as close as, well, it comes out;-) I can see that mine's much rounder... Anyways, I think I have enough eye ACEO's for now!

As an added bonus, the person who buys the drawing will also get a copy of the photo ACEO. At this time, both are on Etsy.

Okay, it's 1:10 a.m., and time to wrap this up. It's also pouring down rain, and has been for hours - surprising for here (dry central Cali), but this is our 1st December, so might be normal.

Until later today:-)