Back in the Saddle

Back in the Saddle
Charcoal on pastel paper, 9x11

Drawing again from reference photos I took during our civil war reenactment, this is one of the soldiers (Chris Stockton) riding with Quantrill on their way to Lawrence.  This old charcoal medium lends itself well to these historic renderings.  I am using the powdered charcoal for most of the background work and the early shading on the horse.  For tight areas, I have used a charcoal pencil and small paper tortillions dipped in the charcoal for applying the powder exactly where needed.  I have always preferred graphite for these drawings, largely because of the very refined finish I can achieve with it.  But, as I work with this darker, messier medium, I find I like the earthy coarseness of it.  It somehow adds a rawness and deep dark shading that graphite could never reach.  I also used a color of pastel paper that has an aged look to it, almost a pinkish tan - and I like it.  I toyed with using a sepia tinted charcoal pencil, but decided against it as the powder would simply not match (and I am still playing with my new supplies!).  This drawing makes 449 pieces if art in 449 days.

Almost Home

Almost Home
Oil on panel, 16x12
Quantrill's Raiders Reenactment
Cass County, Missouri

Sometimes, I get excited about just starting a painting.  I was able to give this a solid two hours before I was interrupted to pick up Michaela from TSA.  I was really in the zone - and it is SO hard to lay down the brushes at such a time!  Then, an unexpected trip carved out another 2 hours from my painting time.  That drive to paint that lies at my core was chomping at the bit to get back to it!  When nearing completion, another unexpected trip with an hour delay.  I should have been done by 6:00, but it was not to be.  I think I am finished with this one - painting number 228 in 228 days.  I hope tomorrow runs more smoothly than today :)

Encampment at Morning

Encampment at Morning
16x12, Oil on panel
Quantrill's Raiders Reenactment

The first artists were stirring around at sunrise.  Recognizing one of them, I went out to greet and show them where the encampment was.  The troops were starting their campfire for breakfast preparation, and getting water from the well.  As people trickled in, I was able to set up my easel and sketch out my landscape.  I was called away, to return to block in the local colors.  Again called away, and back to finish up as more people were arriving.  The day was full of fun reenactments, beautiful horses, soldiers on horseback, shooting of civil war era firearms, finishing with a campfire complete with vintage songs.  A day well spent.  Painting number 226 in as many days.