I decided to do things a bit differently this time around.
For starters I kept my brush at 100% Opacity.
Secondly, I only used one brush (the Horse Main brush from the Impasto Brushes from the GrutBrushes.com).
Thirdly, I choose my color palette prior to starting this painting, which felt weird, but I had already chosen the reference image and had some inspiration. So, my color choices were based off of those feelings and ideas.
Lastly, I did my best to think before placing each brushstroke, focusing on if using a vertical or horizontal or diagonal stroke would be best then choosing the appropriate color, then making the stroke.
All in all, I didn’t waste as much time and energy fixing mistakes or changing things and I felt like the painting as a whole came together far smoother than previous paintings. I can’t wait to use this technique again.
-Jesse
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
jesse vanwagner 
Great idea and it really paid off. I really like setting guidelines or rules before starting projects, I think it can be so valuable, I did some black and white value sketches recently and it really forced me to actuallu look at my reference and try to actually ‘see’ what I was painting and not make things up like I usually do!
Yes, having a framework really helped me to concentrate on a specific result for sure. There was still plenty of wiggle room to be playful and create, so it didn’t really feel like work and I think that is important, especially to a free spirit like myself.
Value is such an important aspect to creating realistic volume. It is a super useful tool and is good to simplify the reference by removing the distortions and distractions that color can sometimes create.
The thoughtfulness of your brush strokes really shows in this one :) how long did the whole painting take, start to finish?
I appreciate it.
I think it was about an hour and a half or so. I lose track of time because I’m listening to an audiobook while I paint.
Yup. Mad skills. No clue how you do this, but you’re doing great Jesse. I.M.
Thanks Laura!!!
Recently I’ve found it helpful to lull my mind to a waking sleep with a good audiobook. ;)
Jesse, me too! I’ve been doing this for years, wouldn’t know how to get to sleep without it (well, almost). Glad it’s helping you also.
Yep, gonna have to start upgrading my audiobook collection for sure now. :D
Don’t forget to check out the library – hoopla and overdrive apps are free and work great! -I.M.
Wow!!! You are amazing Laura. I checked out those apps an there are a bunch of gems at my local library. I decided to get my CO license so I could get a library card and take advantage of it. Still in the dmv at the moment though I feel bad for the people that work here. It’s almost 6pm and there are more than forty people still here. I’ve been here since 3pm myself, but it’s almost over. \o/
Wow, that’s crazy. Yes!!! So many free downloads! Might as well save yourself some green (for art supplies, of course!) lol Glad you’re finding stuff you can use. I hope you get out of there before midnight lol.
OMG I almost forgot how AWESOME the library is, thanks for reminding me. ;)
I felt so bad for them, I left at 630pm and there was still at least 20 people there. :'(