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.