Karen McLain Studio

Painting the Budweiser Clydesdale's

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 22:05:00 +0000

The Budweiser Hitch made an appearance at Country Thunder in Florence, AZ. I did not want to miss an opportunity to paint these incredible, beloved horses.

These are the two paintings I did from life of the Budweiser Hitch and their handlers. This was an energetic and thrilling morning. The paintings were completely spontaneous and done from a distance to avoid interfering with the tasks of preparing for their public hitch appearance.

When I arrived, two handlers were each walking four horses around the grounds to allow them exercise. I followed and quickly set my easel up and sketched the gesture as they were returning to the stalls. They had 10 horses on this tour, and 8 were past the point to capture in this pose. I was lucky that another handler took the remaining two for a walk. While they were heading out, I quickly found a place out of the way and set up to paint. When they walked past, I further defined my sketch, then completed the painting from memory.

The second painting, "Bath Time", I was afforded a relatively stationary scene. Editing out everything but the essence, the composition tells the story of getting ready for their public appearance.

The quick gesture sketch.

Getting as much information as I can, then working from memory.

The finished field study.

"Morning Walk"

The quick gesture sketch.

The completed field study.

"Bath Time"

They are incredible horses!

Looking forward to 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 22:25:00 +0000

What a wonderful year 2018 has been! It was full of painting, photography, teaching and travel. My trips included two Mustang Walkabout's, visiting Sand Wash Basin, McCullough Peaks, Great Desert Basin, Cedar Mountain and Assateague Island. I had the opportunity to teach two workshops at Assateague Island this year. Trips to New York with museum visits, hiking and painting were also highlights.

The year ahead includes working on, "Anatomy for Equine Artists", with Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography. Trips to the horse ranges out west as well as spring and fall workshops at Assateague Island.

Here are a few photos from 2018:

Painting a demo at Assateague Island.

Painting at the Great Desert Basin.

Meredith photographing the Sand Wash Basin horses.

Meredith teaching photography elements at Assateague.

The Horse Painting and Anatomy Workshop.

All smiles while visiting the horse ranges.

"The Horse Fair", at The Met.

A large group of horses.

Painting Picasso.

The "Starry Night" with Meredith.

Sand Wash Basin horses.

Assateague Island Painting and Photography Workshop 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 21:32:00 +0000

The 2018 Assateague Island Painting and Photography Workshop was wonderful. The workshop sponsored by Assateague Island Alliance is one of two workshops conducted during my Artist-in-Residence. A one day Landscape Painting Workshop and a two day Wild Horse Painting and Photography Workshop. Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography conducted the photography sessions, giving participants insight into reference photography and editing.

The Horse Painting and Photography class.

Meredith Hudes-Lowder giving photography instruction.

Discussing photography for artist reference.

I'm giving a quick demo before it starts raining.

Meredith playing her harp at sunset.

Enjoying the beauty of Assateague.

Here are a few paintings that I completed during my stay.

"Stallion in Light"

"Morning Nap-young filly"

"Morning Light-Filly"

"Bay-side Sunset with horses"

"Assateague Dunes"

"After the Rain"

Mustang Walkabout 2018 - Photography, Painting and Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 23:04:00 +0000

This summer, I was able to take two wild horse trips. This field experience is an invaluable time for painting and photography. I picked up Meredith and Ben Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography and we traveled to Sand Wash Basin and then to the Great Desert Basin. (Earlier in the summer, we visited Sand Wash Basin and McCullough Peaks).

Horses pass by our camp.

Painting at the Great Desert Basin.

The Great Desert Basin.

Bestie Adventures.

Phenomenal Photographer, Meredith Hudes-Lowder.

Painting Picasso.

At camp with Meredith and Ben.

The Bears Ears during the full moon.

Ben Lowder in action.

Sand Wash Basin horses.

Painting at Sand Wash Basin.

These extended on-range stays are the best way to learn. Being able to paint field studies, and take photos, while living there, is ultimately communicated through my studio paintings.

Painting the Great Basin Wild Horses

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 14:23:00 +0000

The Great Basin herd originally captivated me in 2009. They were the beginning of an inspiring and adventurous journey into the world of wild horses. I have traveled across the west and as far as Assateague Island to paint and photograph them. Each time I watch them thundering across the vista or quietly grazing, I see and learn more.

"The Basin Chase"
Oil
30x40
$3,000.00

Sharing the beauty, power and drama of wild horses.

Stallion Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 13:29:00 +0000

2017 was an incredible year, painting and spending time with wild horses on the range. Field study is the foundation of my work, learning from in-depth observation. Investing time painting from life allows me to confront the challenges of communicating a moving 3-D subject onto a 2-D format. I strive to capture the essence and life.

"Stallion Reflection"
Oil
20x16
$800.00

The Mustang Walkabout with Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography was the most exciting one yet. Seeing new horses and following their lives through the years. We also returned to Assateague Island to teach painting and photography. These experiences have instilled a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity I have to follow my dream.

I want to thank my collectors and friends for making this an amazing year! All the best to you in 2018!

Assateague Island Workshop 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 18:00:00 +0000

The Assateague Island Alliance sponsored workshop, Painting and Photographing Wild Horses was a resounding success. The talented participants were adventurous and engaged. They enthusiastically approached the process of painting unrestrained horses that move on their own timetable. We covered painting in oils, quick watercolor sketches and gesture sketching. The Photography and editing sessions with Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography were educational and insightful.

Many thanks for Assateague Island Alliance, Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography and our awesome workshop participants!

Karen McLain Studio

Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography

Mustang Walkabout 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 18:41:00 +0000

This summer's Mustang Walkabout was successful, educating and inspiring. Karen McLain Studio and Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography visited Sand Wash Basin, CO and the Great Basin, UT. The opportunity to be on the range with Meredith Hudes-Lowder, scientist and phenomenal photographer was wonderful. In addition to the Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography website, she maintains a blog that covers equine genetics, coat color, and pertinent research topics.

Sand Wash Basin, CO

Painting Picasso.

The Free Meet and Shoot at Sand Wash Basin.

Camping at the Great Basin.

Meredith Hudes-Lowder, and extraordinary photographer.

Morning waterhole visit.

Quick movement studies.

Meredith, playing her Harpcicle harp.

A watercolor with reflections.

Goodnight from the range.

I look forward to going through the photos, videos and painting. Follow me on Facebook and be inspired by the wonderful photography of Equus ferus on Facebook as well.

A Different Perspective-Using remotely controlled cameras

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 22:28:00 +0000

Several years ago, I was intrigued with the question about how horses behave when we aren't around and also how they behave after dark. That's when I first started using Trail Cameras. These cameras collect still and video, (some even record audio), and are motion activated. First, I experimented at home and was rewarded with images of urban wildlife that stopped for a drink.

After trial and error, I learned about where to place the camera for the best shots. (I quickly learned to avoid placing it near bushes that would trigger the camera.) I began integrating these clips in my short videos. This sequence was all captured on a trail camera.

This short nocturne was fun to capture.

This video taken during my Artist-in-Residence at Bighorn Canyon, incorporates the trail camera with my Canon.

My interest also included how I could capture horses from a lower perspective. During this time I began experimenting with the GoPro.

This short video resulted in a dramatic painting.

"Mustangs" 24x36

This GoPro video features horses from Assateague Island.

In the video below, I combine GoPro footage with multimedia. Notice the photo with the GoPro at the 30 second mark.

This video of the Salt River Horses included the waterline.

By using the motion activated and remote controlled cameras, I have a new perspective on horse behavior. I will add to my collection of videos during the coming months. Please visit my You Tube Channel to see additional wild horse videos. Please visit Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography to see photos from many wild horse areas.

Inspiration from The Metropolitan and Wadsworth Museums

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 17:11:00 +0000

Last week, I visited my best friend and extraordinary photographer, Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography, in New York. I spent a day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a day at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum. Both museums have wonderful collections. The Wadsworth is the oldest continuously-operating public museum in the U.S. It also holds the largest collection of paintings from the Hudson River School. Every time I visit museums, I learn from the masters and am inspired to paint and grow!

From the Wadsworth Atheneum collection:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art:

We had the opportunity for some day trips and hikes. I painted and Meredith played her Harpsicle Harp.

It was a wonderful week packed full of art, adventure and fun!

Sparring Stallions at the Salt River

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 14:39:00 +0000

Last spring I watched two stallions chase each other and eventually have a short, yet dramatic sparring session. Although it was intense, neither stallion was injured. This is common behavior when stallions are trying to win a band of their own or steal mares from other stallions.

As I painted this, I wanted to communicate the energy and action with the dust and loose brush strokes.

"Stallion Spar"
Oil
24x18
$900.00

Painting the Great Basin Band

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 14:23:00 +0000

The process of this painting shows the use of a grid layout and the changes I made as I went along. In this painting, I wanted to show the horses emerging from the dust as they ran across the range. Every horse is effected by the dust and some of the dust color is incorporated into each horse. The depth of field is quickly engulfed in the atmosphere of dust.

The grid is laid out on the reference and the canvas. In areas of more detail, I added smaller grid lines.

A sketch of the horses.

I made some changes, especially to the rear horse on the right.

In the photo, the background horse was too large, effecting the composition and depth of field. I reduced it size and prominence.

The dust was a major feature in this painting. I wanted to show warm and cool areas.

Adding the horses.

All of the horses have some of the dust color added.

"Great Basin Band"
Oil
24x36
$2,200
©Karen McLain

Anatomy for Equine Artists

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 14:03:00 +0000

I am thrilled to announce, "Anatomy for Equine Artists", with Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography. We will examine the anatomy of a horse from an artist's perspective. A strong background in and knowledge of anatomy are critical for artists regardless of discipline. A fascinating in-depth examination of these magnificent animals and provide deeper understanding and appreciation. We will begin the series with the SHOULDER and will include skeletal, ligamentous, tendonal, and muscular aspects with an emphasis on movement. The anatomical regions will be presented from numerous angles, differing coat colours, and lighting circumstances. We will provide photographic, anatomical, and artistic examples of both genders and varying ages of the mustangs. The entire ANATOMY FOR THE EQUINE ARTIST will be available for purchase as a DVD with hundreds more photos and examples. Examples of painting technique for each area covered. The influence of light, shadow, form, and atmosphere will be discussed.

Illustrations and photography by Meredith Hudes-Lowder.

3-D modeling by Meredith Hudes-Lowder

Follow Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography and Karen McLain Studio on Facebook.

Watercolor Travel Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 21:25:00 +0000

Carrying a small watercolor kit is something that I do on every trip. I also take it with me to local parks, quick outdoor painting sessions and even when I get the truck serviced. I paint while waiting for the flight, on the plane, in the field looking for horses.

My kit is very light and minimal. It all fits in a small fanny pack. I use a Moleskin watercolor field book. Ninja Water brush, Rosemary travel brush, Nalgene water container, empty Metal Watercolor box, which I fill with full pans of colors that I use the most. I also use a Sucret's tin for additional colors. I also have a couple of brushes, pencils, a small sponge and cotton cloth that I can clip within easy reach. I keep a few business cards in my pack as well.

Please let me know if I can answer any questions. Keep painting!

At Assateague Island.

The Museum of Natural History.

At Sky Harbor waiting for my flight.

Bear Mountain, NY.

With Meredith Hudes-Lowder and her travel harp.

In flight.

A lay-over.

A local park.

Assateague Island National Seashore.

Assateague Beauty - Wild Horses with the Ocean

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 16:39:00 +0000

Assateague Island has a wonderful combination of ocean side and bay side views. The warmth of the sun and cool ocean blue is a wonderful balance to the warm coat colors of the horses.

"Assateague Beauty"
Oil
18x24
$800.00

"Assateague Beauty", combines the beauty of the ocean and horses that makes it such a magical place.

Assateague Island Alliance Painting and Photogorphy Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 13:33:00 +0000

The Assateague Island Alliance sponsored workshop, Painting and Photographing Wild Horses was a wonderful success. The participants were talented and engaged. They eagerly approached the adventure of painting unrestrained horses that move on their own timetable. We covered painting in oils, quick watercolor sketches and gesture sketching. The Photography sessions with Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography were educational and full of insight. Students learned to make the most of their DSLR, point and shoot and smart phone cameras.

Many thanks for Assateague Island Alliance, Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography and our awesome workshop participants!

Karen McLain Studio

Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography

Assateague Island 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 13:21:00 +0000

We are getting ready for the Painting and Photographing Wild Horses at Assateague Island. Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography will lead photography sessions to assist participants take better reference photos; and I will be teaching painting horses from life. The three day workshop is sponsored by Assateague Island Alliance.

Contact Assateague Island Alliance for registration information.

Workshop dates: October 28th-30th. $300.00

2016 Wild Horse Painting Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 19:29:00 +0000

The 2016 Wild Horse Painting trip is over and I am back in Arizona. It was a wonderful trip to see herds of horses that I have visited every summer as well as the first herd that I ever saw. The light was stunning and the weather was perfect.

Painting from life is the best way to learn and grow.

Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography chronicled the trip with short videos in addition to teaching a workshop and taking amazing photos. During the trip, Meredith played her Harpcile Harp, which was delightful for myself and our friends.

It is always a treat to see Picasso.

At the end of the trip, we drove to Las Vegas for the Star Trek's 50th Anniversary.

Thank you for following the Adventure!

Summer Wild Horse Painting Trip--Pre-Sale Event

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 15:24:00 +0000

During the last six years, I spend time each summer painting different mustang herds. Every year, I strive to visit new herds and learn more as I observe and paint. This summer, as I have done in the past, I am pre-selling paintings that are based on this adventure.

Pre order a 9x12 painting and receive 30% off my standard price.

I will travel to the Sand Wash Basin, McCullough Peaks, and Pryor Mountain, with additional stops at the Great Basin and Cold Creek herds. During this trip, I am meeting Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography. We will present a free open photography workshop at Sand Wash Basin July 27, 2016.

Painting at Sand Wash Basin, 2015.

I am leaving in July for the range to paint as many field studies of the horses and landscape as I can. When you pre-order a 9x12 painting based this trip, I will take 30% off my standard pricing.

How it works:

Original 9x12 oil painting ~~$225.00~~ Quantities limited
Pre Order Price: $157.50 plus shipping. Two payments of $78.75 plus shipping.

Payment on the first installment needs to be made before I leave, and the second payment is made when I return and you choose your painting. Choice is awarded in the order that you take advantage of the offer. (So make the first payment now!) You will be able to choose your painting in August. If you want to make other arrangements for payment, please email me.

Offer ends July 20th.

Join my e-newsletter and hear about my adventures, sign-up here.


"The Paint Box" 1972 Shasta

To see more photos from my Adventures visit my "Go There, Paint That" page.

New York visit- The Met, Natural History Museum and the Hudson Valley

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 13:45:00 +0000

Last week I had the opportunity to visit my wonderful friend Meredith Hudes-Lowder in New York. While she was at work, I visited the Met and the Natural History Museum. We also visited the Weir Farm, the Catskills, Woodstock, beautiful waterfalls, West Point, Bear Mountain, the Monastery, and a session of kobudo.
While I worked on quick watercolor paintings, Meredith played the harp, enjoying the beauty of the Hudson Valley.

Sky Harbor Airport

Sketching Rosa Bonheur's "The Horse Fair"

Museum of Natural History

Meredith playing along side Catskill waterfalls

The Weir House

Bear Mountain

Meredith's Kobudo session

The China Pier

Museum of Natural History

The layover

Visiting the Met and Painting the Hudson Valley

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 13:46:00 +0000

Next week, while visiting my friend, Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography, I will have the opportunity to see collections at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art and Museum of Natural History are a few on my list.

Anders Zorn

The opportunity to learn from viewing the work of masters is something that impacts my painting on a deep level. I look forward to seeing Rosa Bonheur's masterpiece, "The Horse Fair", which is 8x16 feet and completed when she was 33 years old.

In addition to visiting museums, I will have the opportunity to tour and paint the Hudson Valley, where the Hudson River School was based and inspired. These artists left a legacy of paintings that express depth and light in an amazing way.

I am looking forward to the week of learning, painting and fun ahead!

National Treasures Exhibit in Estes Park

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 14:43:00 +0000

"Bighorn Beauty" Sold

"Dryhead Stallion"
Oil on linen
9x12

I am thrilled to have five pieces included in the "National Treasures: Art Celebrating the National Park System" show at Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park! These are based on my Artist in Residence at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Assateague Island National Seashore, sponsored by Assateague Island Alliance (AIA).

This is the National Park system's 100th anniversary and it is a pleasure to celebrate the beauty with this exhibit.

The show and sale is July 1st-31st. Please call Cultural Arts Center of Estes Park, (970-586-9203), for purchase inquiry.

"Assateague Island Wild Horses" Sold
Oil on Gallery wrap
24x36

"Paint in Moonlight" Sold
Oil
9x12

Wave Study.
Oil
8x10

Classic Stallion

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Mon, 16 May 2016 22:59:00 +0000

The horses that call McCullough Peaks their home are stunning. Most are large-boned and range from bay, to black, duns to paints. Last summer, I was struck by the beauty of a stallion as he watched his band. He had a classic mustang appearance and I knew I would paint him.

Creating Energy in Paintings

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 22:07:00 +0000

When I paint from life, I have a limited time, (as well as moving subjects), to complete a piece. Because of this, there is an energy, vitality and authenticity in them that I am always seeking to replicate in the studio. One exercise I do in the studio is completing paintings within a short period of time. This is usually 30-60 minuets. When I work on larger pieces, I often start them in this timed manner.

Beginning the painting with a random multi-colored wash also results in added energy to the painting. The warm and cool transitions are left to peek through the paint in some areas of the painting and that spontaneity is exciting.

"Afternoon Shadows"
Oil
11x14
$400.00

Assateague Island Wild Horses

noreply@blogger.com (Karen McLain) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:11:00 +0000

During my Artist in Residence at Assateague Island, I had many opportunities to paint and photograph the horses. One morning, a small band was walking in the dunes, the light on the white sand and horses coats was beautiful. This painting was inspired from that morning.

"Assateague Island Wild Horses"
Oil on Gallery wrap
24x36
Sold

Vincent was "helping" me paint!