Gentle Giants
Australian How To Paint|Issue 30

This masterful Australian includes working horses in many of his paintings. Here he describes his own definitive approach to one of his favourite subjects.

John Cornwell
Gentle Giants

My works start long before lifting a brush. To gain familiarity with my subjects, I have visited many properties in different parts of the country. I have attended shows and events. I have sketched and taken many photographs. To study the action and feel of horses I have ridden hundreds of miles – trail riding, mustering and droving with sheep and cattle.

In my studio I have about 30,000 slides and countless photographs, together with a library full of books (collected on my travels) on art and horse anatomy. I also have reference books on the various breeds of horses as well as farm machinery, horse-drawn vehicles and harness. I have collected harness, saddlery and vehicles over the years and this has proved to be a hobby of great value. I get a caning if I get anything wrong, as many owners of my pictures have worked with horses themselves.

When painting horses, the work you can do ‘on the spot’ is very limited. Plein air painting is fine for landscapes – but for action (although you can do a bit from observation and memory) photographs are very valuable. You can’t expect to do good representational work without good reference: The better the reference, the better the work will be. To add vitality to a picture, I often exaggerate movement.

STEP ONE

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUSTRALIAN HOW TO PAINTView all
Paints And Mediums
Australian How To Paint

Paints And Mediums

Here’s a summary of some of the fabulous products that are now available in Australia, with plenty of hints and tips.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Issue 34
Ellen Lee Osterfield: The Singing Artist
Australian How To Paint

Ellen Lee Osterfield: The Singing Artist

This multi-talented Australian lady has nurtured her love for art and music by travelling all over our magnificent country while promoting her creative work.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 34
I Love Drawing
Australian How To Paint

I Love Drawing

In Derek’s own words: “Drawing gives you freedom to roam. A pencil and pad is all you need, and you can lean against a wall, in a pub, on a train, you can always draw.”

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 34
Ludij Peden: Queen Of The Rusty Iron
Australian How To Paint

Ludij Peden: Queen Of The Rusty Iron

Born in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and raised in Cairns in Far North Queensland, Ludij Peden has seen her share of contrasts during her life’s journey.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 34
It's MY Turn
Australian How To Paint

It's MY Turn

Being a teacher, mother, business woman and active community member wasn’t enough for this artist, who decided that she also needed to follow her artistic ambitions.

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 34
Thistle Patch – Freemans Reach
Australian How To Paint

Thistle Patch – Freemans Reach

The reference photograph for this painting was selected because the artist really liked the light, the old sheds, and the interesting foreground with the thistles and weeds.

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 34
Drawn into Art
Australian How To Paint

Drawn into Art

Not many people can claim that Woody Woodpecker inspired them into the world of art!

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 34
Sketching And Painting In Paradise
Australian How To Paint

Sketching And Painting In Paradise

Paradise conjures up clear azure skies, white fluffy clouds bouncing along on a warm tropical breeze, swaying palm trees on white sandy beaches, and a serene and relaxing ambience.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 32
The Vase of Flowers
Australian How To Paint

The Vase of Flowers

The roses are beautifully brought to life in this painting.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 32
My Creative Nature
Australian How To Paint

My Creative Nature

An online ‘love affair’ with coloured pencil artworks was just the beginning. After developing a website to meet with similar minded people, this artist is now in the final stages of launching her first online coloured pencil classes.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 32