Week 71

I grew up in a small town, one known best for it’s wine, peaches, art and antiques. I meet lots of people who visit there and love Fredericksburg. I love the city too, but it’s a bit different for me. I love the Main Street not so much for the quaint window shopping, but because I remember running into the Nickel & Dime store to buy invisible ink and rock candy. I remember the cold days ringing the Salvation Army bell outside the bakery, where I could see my hot breath and smell the German pumpernickel kolaches I knew my dad would treat us to later. And the parades. There is nothing like a small town parade where the floats are handmade and you know most of the participants. This image comes from the mounted Parker County riders, coming down Main on the Annual Fourth of July parade.

We decided against including the busy background of Main Street in parade. It was a move I wasn’t sure about, but seems to give him more presence. The technique we used incorporated almost no texture, something that has been somewhat of a staple in these impressionist works. It is thin and smooth, to show the depth of colors in his coat. There are so many colors in his hide and reflected in his kind eyes. The thin fibers cast the shadow of his fine hair laying over his mighty physique. There was a lot of dry brushing; something we usually can’t afford the time for. He, even though a bridled beauty, seemed to me to still be the driver, the leader and the last say in the partnership.

“Chestnut Bridled”

28 x 28 | Oil on Hardwood Panel