The Art of Painting a Zorse

Zorn Palette Oil Painting Horse Study 8x10 on linen

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Da Vinci

Happy March everyone! First, you may be wondering: What's a zorse? I'll get to that in just a bit...

Are you ready for spring? I sure am. In May I’m teaching a six week Confident Color oil painting workshop (where I’ll be sharing my thoughts to strengthen skills like color mixing, harmonizing, dominance, etc.). 

I’m always researching, reading, and thinking about color...I've been thinking a lot about color exercises that have helped me over the years. And of my favorites is exploring a modest limited palette—such as three primary colors (technically pigments) and white.  We juggle so much as painters—shape, design, edges, values---So using a limited palette helps at least simplify your color choices.

"Mosey Mare" 8x10 oil on linen

For today’s small equine oil studies on linen I chose the “Anders Zorn” primary palette—Basically an opaque warm red ( cad. Red light or napthol), a dull light yellow (yellow ochre),  and black and white (I used Utrecht Titanium which is oddly a mix of Titanium and Zinc when you look closely on the back but I still like it.)  Typically, I might have used this Zorn palette for a figure or fall landscape but I thought it would be good match for horses. I love the violets it creates...Anyway I’m calling these Zorn horses—or just zorses for fun. (Can you tell I’m a product namer on the side?)

I don’t know about you but I’m really looking forward to spring painting this year. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful spring’s right around the corner week!