A Multi-Colored Life

Muse or Move!

2010-01-07T00:09:00.000-05:00

Day 2

Day 1

Su Nimon, an artist who has the neighboring studio to me at Second April Art Galerie asked as I was leaving for the day what I had been working on.  I told her putting paint ON the canvas and then taking paint OFF the canvas.   I was sneaking in a fun, quick portrait to get back in the saddle after the holidays. I didn't anticipate not being able to leave the starting gate! Or maybe I should say I encountered 'balking' of my muse! I spent the last two days working on a painting of my daughter and ended right back where I started!

Luckily I have horses. I have encountered balking before. For those of you who are not horse literate balking is a term describing a horse who is asked to go forward and they don't. Balking can go further to the point the horse is asked to go forward and they go backwards.   I have a horse who was prone to balking. He came to me as a ring sour ex show horse and would balk when I first got him.  I helped him get over this by listening to him. I began riding him with a lighter touch and rewarding him with a 'release' when he responded.  As I listened to him he became a better listener to me.   He didn't need the martingales, whips and spurs that were said to be needed.

How does this help with a 'muse' that stalled and fizzled?  Just like the horse that had a stronger hand and louder voice used on him until he stopped in his tracks, the muse is waiting for the quiet so I can hear the whisper.

Okay, I won't fight with this painting. I've already decided it may just need to be something other than what I thought it was going to be. My job is to let it develop.  Loosen the reins and listen. Now lets see if I can do just that!

stay tuned!

Sue Steiner
animal and horse artist
custom pet portraits in oil

PS I wanted to share a link to this foal, Unique. http://special.equisearch.com/blog/horsetalk/2010/01/bet-youve-never-seen-horse-like-this.html

Faces, faces and more faces.......

2010-01-06T10:12:00.001-05:00

A day of new beginnings.... always the toughest part of creating is getting started. I have some projects at home and some at my studio and am hoping I can work out the challenges of working in two places with the right supplies at the right spot!

I like being at my studio because home can be kind of isolating. But creating is such a solitary activity that one needs to be alone to a certain extend. So the push and pull continues.

I thought I would do the larger canvas pictured above as a 'warm up' to getting back to my commissions so patiently waiting on me.  Instead I fear I won't be able to pull myself away from it. I already missed my son's basketball game last night because I thought... just one more little adjustment! I don't have it right yet and it is bothering me!! One little adjustment went on for I don't know how long! So now guilt piles up on top of a painting I started and can't walk away from and others I need to begin!   I am drawn in by the colors and really want to get into the painting of it but I NEED to stop myself until I get the features right... I think I got pulled in more times that I can count! Push and pull again!   I feel like I've been thru the wringer!

I find colors almost intoxicating ... wrong word... maybe invigorating. Addicting. Thats the word. Compelling. I have an acrylic underpainting on the big portrait with oils on top. I love revealing just parts of the underpainting thru the oils. Whatever it is it draws me in and grabs a hold of me and won't let go. Try explaining that to a 13 year old! Big Push and Pull with guilt stomped in !! (He had dad and siblings watching him so he had a cheering section but still I shold of been there.) The graphite is fun but in a low keyed kind of way. I'll do that with the rest of the family while they are watching tv. Its gives me something to do since I am not a big tv or movie person. Little push and pull that I have to always be doing art in some form or fashion.   Why can't I just veg out like other people???

Okay so back to my studio today and we'll see what wins out-- the practical side saying 'get those commissions done!!" or the color addict. Push, Pull. The color addict will get another fix with the next painting but wants to suck every last drop from this big canvas first! Push, Pull. Maybe I'll give it another day unless I scrap the whole project and move on. Push, Pull. How's that for planning?? I'll know when I walk into my studio, see this again with fresh eyes and while I am setting up my paints again I'll make a decision.

They say art is not for the faint hearted. Its a battle! :) A battle you willing engage in and aggravate and exasperate! But you know, there's not much in this world that feels so right for me to be. If not an artist, then what??  I shudder to think of it. I'm too old and chicken to be a champion show jumper or jockey!   (My career choices in middle school!).

I am writing another blog at http://www.fromstudio2you.wordpress.com/ on Studio News from Second April. Stop by if you get a chance! You'll see why its a fun place to be.

Have a great day and create!!

Sue Steiner

animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Back to the Drawing Board

2010-01-02T19:14:00.002-05:00

Graphite Horse Drawing by Sue Steiner

After a little break for Christmas and New Years I am ready to get back to work. Since I got my studio at Second April Art Galerie about 1 1/2 yrs ago I have been trying different approaches on how to divide up my time between working at my studio and working from home. I tried dividing my supplies between home and studio but invariably I would leave something at the wrong place. There are lots of supplies that go along with painting! Then I decided I would do one medium at home (Oils) and have the other mediums (watercolors, pastels, graphite, acrylics) at the studio. But that wasn't quite right either because I ended up carrying wet oil paintings back and forth. I much prefer oil painting to anything else.

So I am back to the drawing board literally and figuratively. I received a drawing table for Christmas. So what I am going to do now is set my drawing table up here at home. I will keep all my oil and acrylic painting materials at my studio. Drawing supplies along with the watercolors and pastels will come back home. As I divide my supplies I am reminded how the different mediums have different effects on me while creating. (They are all positive by the way!!)

Maybe it can be looked at like this. Many artists talk about 'getting into the zone' while creating artwork which can be described as getting so wrapped up in what you are doing that you lose track of time and things going on around you. Different mediums take me deeper into the 'zone' than others. I joked around on my facebook status this past week that I was going thru painting withdrawal because I hadn't painted for 6 days. In many ways it does feel like withdrawal and maybe its because of the 'in the zone' feelings. So it should be no surprise that oil painting takes me into the deep end of 'the zone'! Acrylics can do it too but the rich, buttery consistency of the oil paint and the fun of blending colors on the canvas can be so invigorating and mesmerzing!

On the other end of the spectrum for me is graphite. I find drawing to be very relaxing and almost mindless. Drawing is great when I am feeling worried or obsessed. I think of it as the OCD medium because you can go over and over minute details if you want. Over and over, with layers and marks all the while thinking in black and white and shades of grey. Isn't that alot like worry??

I like to draw while I do something else too. Again drawing is the good twin of the evil twin worry which is carried around with a person. Just like worry if it is put down it is easy to pick back up. Down, up, down up, down up right to the same spot to chew on! When I paint I do not want to put it down. I do not want to be disturbed! I want to drive deep into that pool of right-brain- ness and not come up for air for hours! If drawing is like a good worry, oil painting is like daydreaming. You float from one idea to another just like you do with choosing colors. You grab ahold of an idea and then bump it against another. Sometimes they do the expected but sometimes they colide in these wonderful surprises that take you on this lovely journey!

Pastels and watercolor fall in the middle. The order would go like this: oils, acrylics, watercolor, pastels, graphite. Mixed media is just that... mixed!

Stop by http://www.suesteiner.com/ to see artwork in all the mediums mentioned above. I now have a new feature on my web site and can offer print on demand prints on many of my paintings. I also have a shopping cart feature so selected paintings can be purchased in this way too. Of course I am doing pet commissions as well although I offer them only in oils for canvas size up to 16 x 20 and acrylics for anything over that.

take care and here's hoping for you to get in your zone in the way that works best for you!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

pet and horse paintings in oils and acrylics

The Process or the Goal?

2009-12-29T10:27:00.002-05:00

As I write on this blog about the time I spend with my horses and my art I was reminded how different a journey looks whether you are focused on a goal or the process. I can't say one is better than the other.... other than in certain situations there definitely are advantages to each way of being. Since this is the time of year when many people set goals for the new year I thought I would explain how I see the two.

When a person is goal oriented they are looking for a way to get from point A to point B in as straight of a line as possible. They are direct and focused on the end point. They get satisfaction of seeing things thru to completion and setting another goal. They like to know where they are going. On the downside a goal oriented person can be a little driven and inflexible but they get the job done and can be quite successful.

A person who enjoys the 'process' can have a direction they want to head toward but are open to the possibilities along the way. They are more likely to meander and go off on rabbit trails. The beginning is more attractive than the end point because the end point changes. This kind of person zig zags and can get hung up along the way or forget where they are going.

I think the majority of our left brained world would say the second way is not productive and this is not how to get what you want. But I say maybe you will find treasures along the way that can be overlooked when you are only focused on one thing.

In horse back riding this wider focus is described as 'soft eyes'. I believe I read about this first phrase in Sally Swift's Centered Riding. There are times when a soft eye is what is needed to take in a wider perspective and not remain zeroed in one on thing. With the horses they have this amazing ability to know a person's focus and intention. I have arabs and I they remind me of this often because they are so sensitive to me. I love that immediate feedback from them. For instance there is a spot in the trail around my pasture where Abbey met up with my neighbor's guinea fowl in the underbrush. Abbey has never forgotten this! Abbey lived many years on our organic farm with free range chickens but she knew these were NOT chickens but horse eating monsters! The first lap I ride her past this spot years later she will shy if I don't have my focus further ahead. She knows if I have my attention ahead or if my focus is soft and more encompassing. She needs my more direct focus for guidance and confidence past this rough spot.

I have another arab, Eskie who has a different history and personality. He came to me as a ring sour ex show horse. He had never been ridden on a loose rein and from what I can gather from what I've been told and his actions he spent quite a bit of time being 'micro-managed' and has alot of resistance. He has butted heads with a few people I would guess and his way of dealing with that is shutting down and not wanting to move forward. I ride him with lots of soft focus. I have given him the experience of riding with less contact and not worrying about head set or martingales or double bridles or spurs. We are learning how to meander. I have learned how to go thru the side door with him and not be too direct because as soon as I get too direct he shuts down and resists. I have learned so much from this horse and really enjoy the positive responses I get from him when I take all this in consideration.

Now if I were to compare the two ways of going about things and the two horses and relate it to life/art (its all the same isn't it??) the horse that needs guidance needs goals and direction when she is waiting for the monsters. The resistant horse needs to remember the process can be enjoyable. He needs to not have to worry about goals and expectations to find pleasure in his job.

This advise I can apply to the artistic process or life in general in this way. When I find myself kind of lost or hung up and not sure of what way to go I need to set a goal. When I feel resistance and blocks (creative blocks??) I need to find the pleasure in the process and forget about goals and expectations for a bit.

The photos I have posted above are some that I took while needing to be on a left brained, time schedule (regimented, goals) but my mind was caught up in the process.

I drive my family nuts by taking photos of the oddest things when everyone else is thinking of where they need to be and what they need to do. They are in sports and enjoy competing, meeting goals and winning. I am often late because I've gotten caught up in the process or sights around me but have enjoyed the journey because I find little hidden treasures.

To see some of my art please visit http://www.suesteiner.com/ or stop by my White Horse Studio at Second April Art Galerie at 324 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, Ohio in the arts district.

Take care and Happy Trails!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

pet portraits in oil

Being Brave

2009-12-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

I am just in from the barn after feeding and turning out my horses. Ricco is my youngest horse and I have been ever so slowly been getting him used to being in the barn alone. As most of you probably already know horses as herd animals have separation anxiety when away from their herd. So my goal for Ricco is to give him the courage and confidence to be alone in the barn for longer periods of time.  These kinds of things usually work best if you extend the time just beyond their comfort zone but not go so long as to get them more afraid about being away from the others.

I've been doing the same thing with Boomer, my rescue horse.   We are making progress and I can see her being braver. The other side of being brave is for the horse to respect boundaries. You do not want a horse to disregard your personal space. In a herd situation the more dominant horse moves the less dominant horse away so it is important in horse language to do this too every time you are with your horse so they respect you. It doesn't have to be aggressive or real physical but just to be aware of this dynamic and how it speaks to the horse about your role with them.

The funny thing that happens when you get this dynamic worked out with your horse... they respect you and that in turn gives them confidence. When my arab Abby was young I used to take her for walks. She hates to be away from the other horses but we had a good relationship so she would go just about anywhere with me. What I did was take her out just past her comfort zone and then let her hand graze. The next time out this 'boundary' got extended and then her reward for being 'brave' was to graze... which horses find relaxing. :) It also was a nice time for us. She even got to the point where she would drool when she knew we were going on our walks! What can I say... she's a goof! :)

One of the things that happen to me when I spend time with my horses is I find some lesson or association that I can apply to myself.

When Abby was very green broke I was the owner of a boarding stable. I was so busy during the day that my time with her was often after 10:00 PM when the boarders had left and my kids were in bed. I would go out to ride late at night. We had an indoor arena which Abby hated!   We had a very large Cover-All building for the indoor arena . During the day it was nice and bright. During the summer it was cool . There were advantages to this style as well as disadvantages. Most of the horses were fine with it except Abby!   So my challenge was to ride this very green horse in this environment in which she did not feel comfortable. It really pushed both of us to work out our issues of being brave, being confident and for her to look to me as the leader. The thing of it was though is I did not really feel brave!  Or confident!  At times I could feel her anxiety to the point I felt her heart pounding when we were faced with a particularly scary 'whatever'. Horses are naturally programed to be on high alert as prey animals so when they are in this state any little thing can seem insurmountable to them. What I learned out of pure survival was to make my muscles relaxed and to breathe when I felt her get like this... just like I could feel her breath and pounding heart she knew when I was tense and tight and ready to jump out of my skin. She felt my reactions to and was affected by it either positively or negatively!

Each ride, each scary shadow or noise we faced really bonded us. I also at the time was facing some obstacles in my own life in which fear and anxiety could take a hold and run. I learned with Abby to separate my thoughts (fear) from my body responses so as not to allow things to spiral downward. I literally and figuratively learned to move forward in spite of fear.   We learned to be brave.

As an artist I often meet other artists who want to do more with their art but are held back by their own fear of putting their work 'out there' for others to see and give an opinion on. I can understand this because I can be as touchy about this as anyone but I also often feel my art is almost separate from me.... let me explain. Once I am done with a piece I like to begin to think about the next one ... maybe its from a short attention span : )  but I release it so it doesn't feel as scary to put my work out in the public.  I feel kind of done with it and just want to take what I learn to apply to another one. Another thing happens... when I feel stressed painting relaxes me which creates a nice cycle to counteract the anxiety of possibly being critisized or the fear of rejection. Just like with the horse and the relaxed, steady breathing of the rider helps to create a positive experience concentrating on the next piece and not holding on too strongly to the last one an artist can be encouraged to move forward.   Of course this can be applied to anything new or different you are wanting to do in the new year. Maybe this is what people mean when they talk about letting go.   I learned with each spook or shy my horse did to 'let go' of that fear, not react and move on.

As we look to the new year here's to new beginnings and forward movement!   I wish you the best in 2010 as you we all explore new territory and new horizons!

Happy Trails!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

pet portraits in oils

Boomer, the Rescue Horse Update

2009-12-17T11:59:00.002-05:00

Boomerang, Summer of 2009

I posted the link above a couple times in the last day or so on facebook horse rescue sites wanting to share the joys of taking in a rescue. I reread thru these older posts and thought an update On my most recent rescue horse is due.

Boomer, short for boomerang because she kept coming back... came to stay permanently with me April 09 after I rescued her for the second time from a bad situation. She is a full blooded, professionally trained and shown, well put together, healthy horse who TWICE has found herself in situations in which she was needed rescued. I do like to say at this point I am careful who I sell my horses too and each time thought long and hard as to whether she was a good fit but in each case life happens and things change and she took the brunt of it. I won't go into all that she's been thru... its written in the link but I will say by helping this horse I have been so richly rewarded in understanding myself. Its been healing for me to help her heal.

I also am a trauma survivor and like Boomer hurtful destructive things have happened in my life and have been burned into my psyche. I grew up in a home with severe domestic violence and in many ways grew up in a war zone but this is not about my history other than how it relates to helping a creature, who thru no fault of her own, found herself at the mercy of the people who were supposed to care and protect her.

Day 1

Day 3

Day 5

When Boomer first came home the priority was her physical needs... she needed to gain strength and be allowed to relax and feel safe. She needed companionship and interaction that was supportive and not hurtful. I took care to make sure she was slowly introduced to my herd. I wormed her, had her feet trimmed, slowly put her out on the pasture and increased her calories all in a way that would not overload her. She was given room to hang back if she needed or to interact if that felt okay. All on her terms. (She does not have a pushy, aggressive bone in her body.)

She's come around now to the point she is carrying her weight.. physically on her body as in a good, healthy weight and also mentally within the herd. When she came she was SO timid and frightened she would just tremble walking up to the water trough. She is gaining confidence in her surroundings and world so now it is time to pick out some 'life skills' she needs to refine for a better life. She needs some guidance.

One major stumbling block in 'guiding her' is her fear of closed in spaces... even so far as walking thru gates, into barns, stalls all due to a horrible trailer accident and a fence accident while at her former homes. She is extremely leery of any closed space but I need for her to be okay in these situations. I am happy to say she is willingly now going in and out of the barn and stalls very well. I bring her in and let her eat and often over turn a bucket and just sit with her. After she gets to leisurely eat I have her on the lead and put out hay, water etc. and do the barn chores that I can with her following along. I do this so she gains confidence in going places with me... letting me lead her calmly as I go about my business. I thought this morning how a good broodmare does this for her foal... poor Boomer didn't even get that luxury because HER dam was also a rescue which I took as a skin and bones, unbroke pregnant broodmare, lame and caked with manure. I found her in a stall with no food and water with manure 2 feet deep. I shudder to think how a mare would of given birth in those conditions-- if they even made it that far. Boomer's dam had not been handled much and was a nervous, anxious mother. So right from the start Boomer had alot to overcome. She wants SO badly to have a calm, quiet, confident, gentle leader because she responds so well with a gentle handler who understands she needs to take baby steps. As an artist I often think in pictures and metaphors and also enjoys the process of things sometimes more than a goal or end point. While working with my mare it has not been hard to see how her healing process shares many of the same themes as many trauma survivors. Something interestingly happened too along the way. As I understood what she needed I and responded to it clicked in me how as I do that for her I am also learning how to do that for myself. I imagined how we all need that helping hand of a gentle, wise and understanding leader in our lives. A calm, confident, fair, gentle, protective, patient leader who is there for us when we are in a tough spot.

And that the help needs to work in stages or steps:

Safety
Care
Support
Room to progress at your own rate and in your own way
Compassion
A Kind, Strong Leader to show the way

I find a leader in my faith in God and in healthy people in my life. I also need to develop this type of leadership in me so that I can show it to others. And to give grace and compassion when needed to myself and the people and animals in my paths. By allowing myself to be in tune with the needs of this high risk, down trodden animal I have gained so much more than what I have given. This is the message I want to convey to you.

The B &W photo was taken by my daughter's friend, Kaitlyn. She is in highschool and has a wonderful artistic eye. When I get the chance I am going to do a graphite drawing based on this photo.

Thanks for following along,

Sue Steiner
White Horse Studios

equine and animal artist

Welsh Ponies

2009-12-12T16:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, I like to paint in my socks. :) Even when I am at my studio at Second April Art Galerie in order to settled down and get ready to paint, my shoes have to come off. You can see a portion of my current commission in its final stages in the photo above. I've been scurrying to get these last couple commissions done in time for Christmas. I think I am in good shape and should wrap this one up maybe this week end.

I feel like I've been just a tad neglectful of this blog the last couple weeks. I am working on getting a blog for the artists at my studio going so that people can get a feel for the variety of art and events that take place here. I eventually want to get it to where its a 'day in the life' kind of entry to talk about the fun things that happen with a group of artists. You can see what I've started here.

Above you can see the welsh ponies I am painting. I also included a recent abstart horse painting. To see finished art please visit http://www.suesteiner.com/ or stop by my studio.

Take care,

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

White Horse Painting

2009-12-09T23:29:00.000-05:00

24 x 36 gallery wrapped Abstract White Galloping Horse

I had painted a less colorful version of this a few months ago and decided the other day to add more to it. This is where I ended up. I used a palette knife to do the background which added some wonderful texture and interest. Love that thick paint!

This is for sale at my studio... White Horse Studio at Second April Art Galerie, 324 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, Ohio

Thanks for following along!

Sue Steiner
equine and animal art
pet portraits

Bring it all Together.... Welsh Pony Painting

2009-12-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a fun painting session. I've been sharing with you my latest horse commission which is a rather large 36 x 36 painting of a mare and her foals. Over the years this family has had 5 foals with this beautiful mare and this portrait is of her (in the center) surrounded by her offspring.

I painted the underpainting in acrylics-- to get the 'bones' of the painting down and to keep it moving along. since there were so many faces I didn't want to get hung up on one face and then have the whole thing out of balance. This has proven to be a good strategy because I put the finishing touches on the horses in oil (my preferred medium) and I was very pleased as I could see it coming together the way I had hoped.

My client has a preference for a more realistic painting so I was working toward that end in mind but in the process I fell in love with the horse on the top right corner. I will be painting over the underpainting so it fits in with the others in style but I do plan on doing more horse paintings in that style to have in my studio. I liked the looseness and movement in it so will use that as a jumping off point to play with this style in between commissions.

I am posting a close up of the two completed ponies and the painting as a whole. Stay tuned for the finished product! I do encourage you to stop by my studio if you are local to the Canton area since the photos don't do justice. This week we have lots of events going on at the Gallery including First Friday. I've started a new blog for the Studio and Annex artists to give people an idea of what else is offered under the roof od Second April Art Galerie. I am in suite #207 so stop by anytime during regular gallery hours.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner
equine and animal artist
pet and horse portraits,
e-mail

One Horse Open Sleigh!

2009-11-27T09:18:00.003-05:00

Work in Progress Oil Painting

I have Open Studio today, Black Friday at Second April Art Galerie in the arts district of downtown Canton, Ohio. A couple days ago I took a break from painting my 'pretty ponies' painting of the Welsh Ponies and began a horse and sleigh painting which I hope will become my Christmas card for this year. I know I better hurry!

My farrier was out the other day and he was showing me pictures of his Clydesdale, Samson. One of his favorite activities was to hitch him up to their sleigh and go for a ride. So this day after Thanksgiving my thoughts will be on a one horse open sleigh!

Photo Shoot in my Studio

Last week or so I got a call from a Kent State Photography Illustration student who was interested in coming to my studio to do a photo shoot of me. So here is a pic of our session. I'll share more about her in a later post. She promised me she could photo shoot out my white socks! :) I dress at my studio to paint which= comfort and paint splattered clothes not fashion-- obviously!! LOL! I am just grateful when I don't have paint all over my face! When a person gets to painting paint has a tendency to fly!

Take care and Happy belated Thanksgiving!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Open Studio Day AND Folk Friday at Second April

2009-11-21T00:17:00.001-05:00

Today was a fun day at the gallery-- although most days at the gallery are fun! We had Open Studios so I brought a horse commission I am working on. I also got to meet with the owner of the cocker spaniels I just completed painting. She came to give her final approval. It was very nice to see she was pleased.

This evening was Folk Friday. Su Nimon, artist/graphic artist/musician/body worker is part of a singing duo called Caboodle. They provided a free concert while the gallery stayed open late. What a fun evening. There was a nice crowd and a very pleasant atmosphere.

I will include some photos of some of the other artist's studios so you can get a feel for the variety of art available.

Cindy Schott's Photography and jewelry

Su Nimon, graphic artist, digital art, painter, musician and bodywork

Bad Girlz Jewelry

Rod Hardy, woodcarver, painter, pen and ink, murals

Dana Muntean, pet portraits, murals, painted furniture

Rod Hardy, wood carving

Second April Art Galerie and Studios

To get more information on my art, commissions or my studio please visit http://www.suesteiner.com/

For more information on Second April Art Galerie and event calendar please visit http://www.secondapril.org/

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Cocker Spaniel Painting Completed!

2009-11-18T12:28:00.000-05:00

Cocker Spaniel Oil Painting

Lucy and Rosie, owned and loved by Kathie

The buff and chocolate cocker spaniel pair that I have been working on is now officially completed.

Now on to the next one... a 6 horse commission of a mare and her 5 offspring. What you see here is the underpainting in acrylics. I will go over this with oils and refine it. I am enjoying their beautiful profiles and sculptured heads, throat latch, neck and shoulders. So fun to paint these beautiful horses!

An Equine Family Affaire!

To see finished animal paintings please visit my web site at http://www.suesteiner.com/

thank you!

Sue Steiner

wildlife, pet, horse, farm animal painter

New Multi Horse Painting

2009-11-11T13:22:00.000-05:00

New Horse Painting Work in Progress

Welsh Ponies, Mare and Offspring

This is a large canvas 36 x 36 gallery wrapped canvas and will feature an elegant grey Welsh Pony mare and her 5 offspring. What you see her is the initial drawings and the beginnings of an under painting. I've chosen a warm sand as the base coat and have picked out a delicious palette of cool blue/greens and purples. I'll be painting some darker horses too so I wanted to pick up those beautiful burnt sienna browns and russets in their coats. I love the beautiful, expressive eyes on all of these horses and their chiseled, refined faces and necks. I am really looking forward to painting these beautiful horses.

Cocker Spaniels

I am at a resting point with the above buff and chocolate colored Cocker spaniel dogs. I need to do some glazing to even out some of the tones (such as on the chocolate dogs tongue) and highlight some areas but need it to be good and dry.

I have another commission I will be beginning soon of a beloved black lab and an ornery but oh so lovable terrier. This is a busy season but am enjoying the variety and opportunity to paint these beautiful animals!

Take care and stop back to check on my progress!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Cocker Spaniel Duo Starts to Come Together

2009-11-09T13:59:00.000-05:00

Cocker Spaniels, Oil Painting WIP

Slowly but surely I am getting closer to completion on this pet portrait. The plan is to use the finished painting as a template for personalized Christmas cards for the pet owners. I want to wrap this up this week. Actually I wanted to wrap it up last week but am glad since I had such a good painting session today I didn't fret over time and try to rush thru it.

The coloring on these dogs is really fun to work with. Today was a good painting session because I could meld the two dogs by harmonizing their colors. I enjoyed seeing that come together. The dog on the right at this point looks like her eyes are way off but one of her unique facial characteristics is wide spaced eyes. I am trying to think of complimentary words to describe them besides 'googly' and I can't right now but trust me-- she is a beautiful dog and her unique expression only adds to her charm. Granted I am still working on that part of the painting so you'll just have to check back to see how it looks in the end. :)

I am posting some photos from my week end trip. I visited my sister in law and we were blessed with a beautiful day. She lives in a beautiful wooded setting so I took a walk and took these photos. I am certain her animals will appear in future paintings of mine.

Take care!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet and horse portraits in oil

Gift Certificates For Animal Art or a Pet Portrait!

2009-11-01T18:05:00.000-05:00

Gift Certificates available in any amount.

You can e-mail me at artbysue@hotmail.com or stop by my studio at Second April Art galerie anytime between 10:00 AM -6:00 PM to purchase a gift certificate. I have original artwork in my studio ranging in price from 2.50 notecards, 25.00-35.00 mini oil paintings on up to large scale, life sized art and wall murals. I do original, custom pet portraits from your photos so long distance commissions are welcomed too. I am booked for Christmas commissions this year but would be glad to add you to my schedule with a deposit and complete it to your specifications and have it ready for you at a later date. A Gift Certificate gives the recipient the chance to be a part of the process!

Sue Steiner

pet portrait and equine artist

Open Studios at Second April

2009-10-30T23:24:00.000-04:00

Sue Steiner working on a pet portrait

Belgians Working in the Fields

Cat Painting by Sue Steiner

We had Open Studio today at Second April Art Galerie in downtown Canton. Several artists who have art studios on the second floor participated. I brought my current dog potrait to work on. Dana painted a floral pattern on the jewelry display case in the gallery. Dana has some beautiful painted furniture for sale in the gallery. Cindy did henna tatoos and Margie brought in some new jewelry designs. BZTAT (Vicki Boatright) stopped in for a bit and then went to her studio to work on a new large piece that will be up for the next art show at Second April. So all in all it was a fun, productive day. Tomorrow the gallery and studios are open for a special Halloween trick or treat. Pictures to follow. :)

Take care!

Sue Steiner

horse, dog and cat paintings

wildlife and Amish themed art

pet portraits

Animals of all sizes and shapes....

2009-10-28T10:08:00.000-04:00

The 'Animal Instincts' Art Exhibit in Canton, Ohio featuring some of my art was written up here by a local art critic. 4 talented, local artists participated and gave a nice range of work from colorful, whimsical more graphic art by Bztat to detailed pencil drawings by Kelli Swan to breathtaking photography by Stephan McNulty. My art was described as having gestural, expressive brushstrokes. I am always interested in how others see my art. I entered several pieces that were painted in an alla prima style in which the paint is applied in quick brushstrokes, 'wet onto wet'. What is fun about this style is the mixing of the colors on the canvas with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes and how the image evolves almost spontaneously.

Southwest Style Art, Bull in Oils

On a personal note I have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather by spending some time riding my horses. The last couple years, as my art has picked up and I've been busy building my pet portrait and art studio business I have not had the time to ride. I have always known that one passion (art) feeds the other passion (horses) and visa versa so I decided I was not going to let my riding time slip by. I believe ultimately that my time spent outside, with my horses and dogs help me to be a better animal artist. And I also know that the weather we've been enjoying will not last. Anyways I have had lots of fun doing some bareback riding on my arab mare and getting my arab gelding accustomed to being ridden out of the ring. He was a former show horse at his previous home and was getting pretty ring sour. Its been fun showing him a new world and new experiences. He is responding well and so it is fun to see the changes in him.

thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Cocker Spaniels painting continues, Lucy and Rosie

2009-10-26T20:25:00.000-04:00

Work in progress Cocker Spaniel Oil Painting

I am at the stage of painting the dog on the left where I am adding small details and thin glazes so the changes are as apparent as in the earlier stages but are really the icing on the cake. A graphic artist, also at Second April Art Galerie will be assisting the owner of these two beautiful dogs in turning prints of this painting when completed into Christmas cards.

I will be delivering a completed memorial dog portrait (pictured below) this week which will also be a Christmas present. Again I feel honored when I can play a part in these special gifts which I hope will create wonderful memories.

Memorial Dog Portrait in Oils

Thanks for stopping by.

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

Cocker Spaniels painting, Lucy and Rosie

2009-10-20T17:28:00.000-04:00

Cocker Spaniel Oil Painting, a work in progress

There is quite a contrast now between the roughed in dog on the right and the nearly completed buff cocker on the left. I seem to be going from warm layers to cool layers and back again as I layer this painting. Right now the buff cocker is definitely more in the cool tones. After this layer dries I will be bringing more warm tones in again. I am beginning to like the spark that is developing in the eyes. I also am wanting to convey the feeling of softness in their coats.

The owner of these two dogs wanted them to be painted with their 'happy' expressions. Cockers have those expressive puppy dog eyes but hopefully the smile and bubbliness is shining thru too.

We are experiencing Indian summer here in NE Ohio. Oh it was lovely today! I am getting my barn ready for winter. After spending most of the summer out on the pasture my horses are getting back into the rountine of coming into the barn every day to be fed, groomed and ridden. Since I have lots of pasture we use the run in shed for the warmer months. The horses like this too but once the mud and cold come and the grass leaves they need to be fed inside. So along with the change in the season so is there a change in our schedules. I had to deal with some rambuctiousness today from my yearling I think in part because of the change in rountine and the cool invigoriating weather. I am reminded that just like this painting is developing layer by layer so does a horses training-- small baby steps, consistent handling and 'shaping' the environment and expreinces to keep them gently progressing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

pet portraits in oil

Buff and Chocolate Colored Cocker Spaniels in Oil

2009-10-19T20:32:00.000-04:00

Lucy and Rosie, a work in progress dog painting in oils

I am not quite half way done with this pretty pair of cocker spaniels. I am working in thin layers of paint to bring richness and depth to the coat and expression.

The dogs are named Lucy and Rosie. The painting is 16 x 20 on a cradle board. I am still developing the colors in the coats so be sure to stay tuned so you can see it completed. Finished animal art and pet portraits can be seen at my web site at http://www.suesteiner.com/ If you are in the Canton art district be sure to stop by my studio above Second April Art Galerie at 324 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, Ohio

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

colorful dog, cat and horse paintings in oil

Dog Portraits in Oil, cocker spaniels Lucy and Rosie

2009-10-14T11:44:00.000-04:00

Lucy and Rosie, a work in progress pet portrait in oils

I find the more I paint the more I enjoy when a painting looks like a painting! I like to mix a realistic rendering with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.... especially on these cocker spaniels with their lovely coats. I'll post some close ups of the brushstrokes after the paint dries a bit and photographs better.

I am in the middle of my 3rd painting session on this portrait-- maybe I am halfway completed? Its hard to put a time frame on this kind of thing because I find I need to pay attention to the 'flow' and work with that. Sometimes things need to sit and incubate and just be observed... other times I need to dig right in and not come up for air until its done. Ahhh... taming the creative cycle is alot like horse training. You get more done when you gentle it rather than wrestle with it!

Today was a good painting day but I am going to pay attention to my muse and stop for now and resume painting tomorrow.

I've already said this a few times but I am loving the colors in these two dogs. They are a great pair to paint with the contrast of warm highlights and cool undertones and then just the reverse in the other dog.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

animal art

pet portraits

Lucy and Rosie, Work in Progress III

2009-10-13T10:20:00.000-04:00

Lucy and Rosie, a work in progress pet portrait

These cocker spaniels are a delight to paint! I am still pretty early in the process of painting these pretty dogs but hopefully you can see their personalities beginning to show thru. They are a bubbly, wiggly, soft and cuddly duo. I am having fun with the sutble variations in their coats-- the undertones and highlights but can't get into that too heavily just yet. I am still working on my 'road map' of features and body position-- landmarks might be another way to describe it. I need to lay down the foundation and build from there-- lights and darks.

One of the areas I can not wait to get to will be those ears-- those soft curls and waves with beautiful highlights and deep tones. One of the pleasures of doing pet portraits is painting fur! :)

It is a cloudy, overcast day so I am thankful to be in my studio to paint this morning! My farrier is coming this afternoon to trim my horses hooves so I get to be in my 2 favorite spots today-- the studio and the barn! My dogs enjoy the farrier's visit also. Those of you with horses will know that trimmed horse hooves are a real treat for dogs. Maybe that is TMI for some. :) I can see the cats turning their noses up at the uncivilized way of canines!

Have a great day!

Sue Steiner

animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Lucy and Rosie, a work in progress pet portrait

2009-10-10T17:22:00.000-04:00

This is the progress I've made so far after 2 painting sessions on this 16 x 20 oil painting. I am painting these two beautiful cocker spaniels and then will be painting another similar painting for the same owner of her previous dogs- another pair of beautiful, bouncy cocker spaniels. I am really honored to be able to do this for Kathie. Her dogs are beautifully taken care of and a real delight. I got to meet Lucy and Rosie in person so I was able to enjoy their bubbly personalities. I don't always get to see the animals I paint in person-- although I do encourage pet owners to tell me all the fun stories of their animals so I can get a feel for their personalities. Sometimes the pets I paint are memorial paintings, like the collie, shepherd mix I just finished. I feel especially honored to do something special as memorializing a beloved pet pet who has passed on. Sometimes the paintings I do are commissioned from long distances and it is done strictly by e-mails and phone conversations. 'Hector', an oil painting I did this year of a donkey went all the way to England. Liz, (Hector's owner) and I have become friends thru facebook and our mutual interest in donkeys.

This year I also got to paint 3 wedding presents. How wonderful is that?

In the end whether they come to me over the internet, thru personal referrals or by meeting at my art studio I feel a real connection to these animals and owners. Spending the time to paint their faces and think of the memories the owners hold for their pets and the special role they play in our lives makes what I do so rewarding.

The photos above are at the beginning stages so if you are new to this blog sign up on the side bar if you'd like to follow along to watch the progress. I will be doing another duo of a lab and terrier mix next. I've got an outdoor mural series of life sized horses to do sometime before spring and some more Christmas commissions. So there should be some variety. I also like to throw in some fun, quick paintings that I sell at my studio in between commissions.

Take care and thank you for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

Painting Life and Color into our Animal Friends!

equine and animal artist

2 Cocker Spaniels in Oil, At the Beginning

2009-10-09T14:39:00.000-04:00

I took my oil paints into my studio to visit the gallery and begin on my next commission. I love being at Second April Art Galerie because I love the people and being able to enjoy the wide range of art in the individual artists studios and the gallery downstairs. The guys are rearranging the gallery space so thats fun to watch as it transforms into something new.

I am not as productive as I am in my home studio but that is okay. I got to catch up with what everyone is doing. Things are gearing up around here with a very full schedule of art related events. You can get more info on the gallery at their web site at http://www.secondapril.org/

I will show you the beginnings of my next pet portrait.

The rough drawing on my canvas will be depicting two bouncy, happy souls named Lucy and Rosie. Already I am enjoying the swirls and color variations in their beautiful coats. What I have done so far is do my rough sketch in chalk on a cradle board that was toned with burnt seinna. I am now working on the lights and darks to get a 'road map' in which to develop the painting. The painting will be a composite using two (or more) different reference photos. My client liked the body position in one photo but the dogs expression from another. This is also a fun one because she has asked me to just 'do my thing' and wants to see it when its all done. We will be taking this painting and using it, along with my graphic artist friend's help, turning this into Christmas cards for the owner to use this year. So I better get back to my easle!

Take care and stop back to see the finished painting!

if you are new here please visit my web site at http://www.suesteiner.com to see completed artwork and commissions. Or stop by my studio at 324 Cleveland Ave. NW in downtown Canton, Ohio.

SueSteiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Impressionistic Flower Garden

2009-09-30T10:41:00.000-04:00

Flower Garden in Oils

It is an overcast, drizzly day here in Ohio. I decided before I start in on the next pet portrait I would 'warm up' this morning with an impressionistic flower garden oil painting. Maybe I should call it 'Last Rose of Summer'?

I love all the thick gooey paint and brushtrokes. Very fun to paint! :)

Next up on my easle is an adorable pair of cocker spaniels. I should have something to show of these silly girls soon so stop back!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

petportraits in oils