Freedom the Purple Heart Carousel Horse

To view the video "Freedom the Purple Heart Horse" click on this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fz48qNpIas

Spar Varnish

Today the third coat of spar varnish was applied to Freedom. Tomorrow the fourth and last coat will be applied then I will go over it with 0000 steel wool and bowling alley wax.

Clay Sculpture

Yesterday I started a clay sculpture of a winged horse. Prang air hardening clay in white is the medium. Began with an armature made from pvc tubing, wire, wood lath and a glue gun. This was covered with about 1/8" of clay. It is starting to dry out rather well after 24 hours. When this is dry I will add more clay to gain the overall final form but hold off to allow enough clay to be added that can have the defining features sculpted. As the horse is developed I will posts photographs. Hoping that this may lead into a full sized carousel horse.

Painting first layer of color

Yesterday I finished the first layer of painting. When completely dry the second layer will add darker glazes and highlights to accentuate the lighting. All the painting will be done with artist's oil paints over three layers of gesso.

I have named the horse "Freedom". Children and adults at the carousel watching or riding the horses and listening to the music soon become free of all distractions. The carousel and the horses are Americana. America is a very free country. The soldiers of the country have given us that freedom and many were wounded or died. The Purple Heart Medal is the inspiration for the color scheme.

Sculpting this carousel horse has been one of the most rewarding things I have done.

Sculpture

I have long wanted to work with sculpture. Last month I started on a carousel horse. Within a few weeks the carving should be finished and the painting will begin. More on this as work progresses.

Plain Air Painting

Today I did a painting at Clinton Beach, CT and Sunday one at Meig's Point Beach, Madison, CT.
Have joined the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society and will attend a paint out in Roxbury, CT. on Monday the 11th, May.

Retooled

Just about finished retooling my pochade box to handle 14x18" panels. Now I can use 9x12, 11x14 and 14x18" panels. Have been looking forward to using a larger panel outdoors.

Like so many others I enjoyed a workshop with Charles Sovek. His passing is indeed a loss to the art community.