Karen McLain Studio

Wild Stallions Display of Action

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 11 May 2013 15:14:00 +0000

One cool, breezy morning I was out painting and watched several bands of horses come to the river. The breeze combined with the water made for playful interaction. This painting, "Stallion Moves" was based on what I saw that day. I was lucky enough to capture some of the action on video.

"Stallion Moves"

Oil

16x20

$700.00

The action that inspired this painting:

Wild Horses, Expressing Dramatic Action

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 04 May 2013 23:30:00 +0000

One of my goals when painting wild horses, is to bring as much of the experience to the viewer as I can. While out painting, I captured some video footage and wanted to paint the very dramatic and quick encounter of two stallions that happened.

"Two Stallions, a Mare and a Foal"

Oil on primed mat board

8x10

$150.00

I really wanted to give the feel of movement of all four horses, along with the spray of water during the encounter. Here is the video and dynamics that inspired me.

Purchase price for this expressive study is $150.00

Wild Horses and the Bond they Share

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:56:00 +0000

The bond is very close in a wild horse band. The stallion works hard to get a band and keep his band together. The closeness of relationships is very tender and inspiring.

"The Bond"

Oil

18x14

$500.00

Painting a new Foal from Life.

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 23:40:00 +0000

Spring is such an exciting time for those of us watching for new members in a wild horse band. To see a young colt begin to move from the wobbly leg stage to the tearing around doing big laps and jumping up in the air is down right fun! This mare and her new filly were resting on the other side of the river from where I was sitting. Every few minuets they would move around. I wanted to express the feeling of movement in this piece and how close this little one stayed by Mom's side.

"The Newest Foal"

Oil

8x10 Painted from life.

$150.00

The Anatomy of a Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:28:00 +0000

So much goes into the completion of a painting. I go through several stages to collect my reference, make field studies, value and color studies, then a final studio painting. Each painting in the process has it's own appeal and a valuable place in my process.

The process for "Family Ties" started last August. I painted the field study early one morning.

Before I begin painting, I always take a couple of quick photos of my subject.

"The White Mare"

6x6

Sold

This is the field study I did that morning.

Photo by Robin Knight

Painting "The White Mare"

"Close to Mom"

4x4

Sold

A small color study.

A value study.

"Family Ties"

Oil

14x18

$500.00

The painting process is one that involves as much authenticity and connection with my subjects as I can get. Through that process, I hope to bring to the viewer as much life and introduction into each piece as I can.

Stallion Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:43:00 +0000

Painted from life, "Stallion still Water Reflection", depicts one of my favorite Arizona wild horses. "Robin", (Batman and Robin had a large band up until several months ago), is one of my favorite stallions. He was the first wild horse I saw out here in May 2010, and I have watched him over the past 3 years, learning so much about wild horses from this stallion. When I caught up with him on this morning, he was napping standing in the shallow edge of the river.

"Stallion still Water Reflection"

Oil Painted from life.

8x10

SOLD

Wild Horses Dramatic Communication

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:37:00 +0000

Wild horses have distinctive ways of communicating. They are often dramatic interactions that only last briefly but are full of pawing, squeals, rearing and chasing. This interaction was a brief conversation stating, "Keep away from my mares". When planning this painting, I considered the negative shapes, and freely used brushwork to express the action and movement of the horses energy.

"The Stallion Conversation"

Oil

18x24

$900.00

Benson, Band Stallion

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 20:07:00 +0000

Last summer, during my visit to Sand Wash Basin, Benson was very happy to pose for me while I painted or photographed him. He was such a ham! He would hang around the waterhole waiting for other bands to get a drink so he would have someone to "play" with.

"Benson at Noon"
Oil on birch
4x4
Sold

Portrait of Strength~Wild Stallion

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:00:00 +0000

This is one of my favorite wild stallions, Corona. He is a strong and brave stallion to his band at the Sand Wash Basin, CO.

"Wild, Forever!"

Oil on Birch

6x4

Wild Horses, "Free as the Wind"

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:11:00 +0000

This painting of Corona, one of the icons of the Sand Wash Basin, expresses what I feel about the power and beauty of wild horses. May they ever be, as free as the wind!

"As Free as the Wind"

Oil on cradled board

16x20

$700.00

The Nature of a Wild Colt

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 20:51:00 +0000

I was remembering some of the antics around the waterhole when I was visiting the Sand Wash Basin. It seemed like after their thirst was satisfied, the younger colts would be ready for a game of tag and chase. It was so fun to watch the playful freedom.

"Playful Colt"

Oil on Birch

4x6

$70.00

Phantom, Wild Stallion

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 17:19:00 +0000

This old stallion has always been one of my favorites. He is one of the first that I saw and he carries such a distinctive blaze that he has passed on to many horses.

"Phantom"

Oil on Birch

4x4

$65.00

How to Recycle a Laptop to a Plein air painting box

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:26:00 +0000

Looking for a light weight, easy to use Plein air box? Recycle a broken laptop for the job. When I am in the field, I often carry 100 ounces of water and walk 2-4 miles, so I carry the minimum of supply's. I had made an 8x10 box, but wanted something larger. A friend gave me a broken laptop for the project.

**Please use eye protection and gloves when working on this project.

1. The first step is to remove all the screws, (there are going to be a lot of them), and separate the shell from the components. Save the screws and set the shell aside.

2. I used a Dremmel to cut the extra plastic out of the mouse area, and filed the edges.

3. One of my criteria was for it to be a light as possible, so I removed as much of the plate in the screen area that I could. Cutting and filing again.

4. I like to use glass for my pallet surface, since the bottom is not flat, I found felt washers to rest the glass on. Cork would work well too. I gessoed the bottom of the glass and used clear epoxy to glue it in place. Around the edges I used thin plastic to make more of a complete box for the painting area.

5. At this point I reassembled the box. The sizes I usually paint on are 6x6, 8x10 and 9x12. So I placed my hooks, clips and one hook with a spring in such a way to hold those sizes. Some were held with the screws that held the back plate on, and some were held in place with wire.

You are now ready to take your new box out and paint!

Have fun!

Wild Colt-Tecate

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:53:00 +0000

"Tecate" is last Springs colt in Corona's Band. His dam is Lona. I was able to see him last summer. He was very cute and curious while the band came in for a drink of water. I hope to see him again this summer.

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. This painting is part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"Tecate"

Oil on Birch

4x4

Sold

Ridge Line Stallion

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:15:00 +0000

This stunning stallion was standing watch over his band. His very striking silhouette was captivating and spoke volumes about his role as band stallion.

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. This painting is part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"Ridge Line Stallion"

oil on birch

4x6

Sold

Yearling Colt of the Sand Wash Basin

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 14:33:00 +0000

This yearling colt was full of personality and life. I watched him hang out and play at a waterhole with his band members.

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. These paintings (approximately 4x4), are part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"Yearling Colt"

Oil on Birch

4x4

$60.00

Wild Horse Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 12:49:00 +0000

There is so much beauty in nature and in the wild horses. The expression of color, form and reflected light is one of the things I was thinking about with this piece.

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. These paintings (approximately 4x4), are part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"Blaze Beauty"

Oil on Birch

4x4

$60.00

Corona, Wild Horse of the Sand Wash Basin

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 14:15:00 +0000

Corona is one of the most beloved stallions of the Sand Wash basin. He takes great care of his band and is simply a stunning stallion. I was thrilled to see him and marveled at his beauty. I enjoyed working with the warms and cools as I painted this piece.

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. These paintings (approximately 4x4), are part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"Corona"

Oil on birch

4x4

Sold

Buckskin Stallion, Wild Horse

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:44:00 +0000

Buckskin horses are among my favorites to paint. So much is said in the color and transition of their coat. I wanted to capture that here and express the wild nature with the massive forelock.

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. These paintings (approximately 4x4), are part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"Buckskin Stallion"

Oil on Birch

4x4

$60.00

Wild Horses on the Skyline

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 14:08:00 +0000

There is such a feeling of excitement seeing a band of wild horses on the horizon. That is just what I felt when I saw these horses at the Sand Wash Basin. The joy, and thrill of seeing them is what I would like to pass on to everyone!
In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. These paintings (approximately 4x4), are part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"Skyline Band"

4x4

$60.00

"Blazer" Wild Stallion of the Sand Wash Basin

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:44:00 +0000

"Blazer" is one of the stallions I met last summer. He had one mare with him. I remember when I saw him, I had just came up over a small hill and saw four Pronghorn who looked at me a quickly went on their way. It was a delight to go a little further and see this stallion and his mare ahead of me. I felt so much freedom out their vast home. I spent a little time with them before saying "Thank you" and heading down the road.

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. These paintings (approximately 4x4), are part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"Blazer, Wild Stallion"

4x4

$60.00

The Road into Wild Horse Country

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 22:39:00 +0000

When I turn off the road into any location that holds the prospect of seeing wild horses, I feel relaxed and excited. This painting is a view that is anticipated by many people, it is the road into Sand Wash Basin, in Northwest Colorado.

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. These paintings (approximately 4x4), are part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"Road into Wild Horse Country"

4x4

$60.00

WildWind, Wild Horse of the Sand Wash Basin

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:05:00 +0000

Last summer while camping and painting at the Sand Wash Basin, I watched WildWind and his band. This popular stallion is stunning and his mane flows in the wind.

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. These paintings (approximately 4x4), are part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

"WildWind"

oil on birch

4x4

$60.00

Wild Horses and the warm Arizona Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:59:00 +0000

It seems like I wait all year for beautiful days like today. The temperature was in the mid-60's and it is clear and great painting weather. I hiked around for a while this morning until I found a small band of horses. I slowly approached, and keeping my distance, I sat down to paint, "The Sorrel Mare". As you will see in the time lapse video, she stayed in place long enough for me to get the outline in place before moving on. After that, I had to work from memory. The ability of these horses to move off at any time is part of the charm and challenge in painting them.

"The Sorrel Mare"

oil on birch

6x6

$80.00

The New Colt

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 13:59:00 +0000

In sharing my paintings I am also sharing the journey that I take to create. What I feel, hear, smell and taste on these adventures are what I want to express. These paintings (approximately 4x4), are part of that dialog between the beginning of my journey and where you wish to travel as you view them. Much of the detail is left out, allowing you to complete that part of the journey as you wish.

I saw this new colt last summer at the Sand Wash Basin. He was in Barcus band.

"New Colt"

Oil on Birch

4x4

$60.00