Harry Chavill
Australian How To Paint|Issue 30

This painting realised an exciting dream for the artist, who had always wanted to paint a gorgeous horse in motion but had never allowed herself to do so previously.

Sue Linton
Harry Chavill

MATERIALS

• Canvas board.

• Artists’ quality oil paints.

• Acrylic paints for underpainting.

• Liquin.

• Reference photography.

I took a series of sequential action photographs and the reference chosen was a combination of the front of the horse from one photograph and his rear from the next. I was initially going to suggest a background with a stormy sky and grass, but got carried away while painting and decided I liked the fantasy look better. I felt the great pose deserved something more that would enhance his movement.

STEP ONE

This painting was a commission of a local stallion that I had been admiring and wanting to paint for years. I have always been ‘horse-mad’ and I think this painting tapped into my childhood horsey fantasies … as it seemed to paint itself.

I wanted the sketch to be accurate to Harry, but I also exaggerated the shape of his neck and rump slightly to enhance the movement. I showed more of his mane. He has an amazing mane – most of which wasn’t on the viewer’s side in the photograph.

STEP TWO

I did a loose underpainting in acrylics to get an idea of where I was aiming, and to play with the feel. I like the idea of an underpainting in acrylic even though I often paint over most of it. I am more confident to go ahead with oil paints knowing that there is an accurate image underneath that I can wipe back to if I lose the plot along the way.

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