A question about my WIP

[FarmGirl29]

Hello Everyone!
I need your guys opinion on this one. This is my first time painting a close up of a horse. I was kind of stuck on what to use for a background so I chose my amish neighbors horse pasture. At any rate, I'm having a hard time deciding on wether to lighten up the blue in the sky or not. Also, I was contemplating putting in a two strand barbwire fence with maybe one weathered wooden post around the chest level(in that open space). But, I'm kinda scared of messing things up. I don't have a lot of time to paint and even less to fix mistakes. So if you guys could give me your opinions I'd greatly appreciate it!
Thanks
Sarah
Ps. I must have wiggled when I took this photo its a little blurred. I apalogize.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2011/800902-Arabian_spirit.JPG

[banananna20032003]

Hi Sarah, I would tend not to add the post. The reason? The more things you put in your portrait, the more it takes away from the horse. I think the background you have chosen looks very good the way it is. The blue of the sky also looks fine. Leave alone.........looks great.

Marie

[Use Her Name]

The brightness of the sky adds dynamism to the horse. A lighter sky might as well be white paper. I would not put the barbed wire/fence post or anything else in the picture right now. I'd say it is pretty much done.

[PatrickHedges]

I'm with Marie too. When I saw it before reading, I thought what a nice portrait it was!!

[FarmGirl29]

Okay, thank you guys. I guess I thought the sky stuck out too much. But, I can see what your saying. I definatley think that post would be too much.
Well, thank you all. I'll just work on finishing my horse. Yeah.. almost done!

[WSV]

Beautiful painting,beautiful horse, your background reads well. I love it! I would sign it and smile! Have a great day. Pat

[Lisa M]

I ditto the above. And--with horses you have to watch out for the unintended message or impression: No Arabian would be caught dead behind a barbed-wire fence! I jest, in part, but actually, barbless wire is more common for horses since they scratch and cut themselves on barbed wire. Western themes can have it, but not just any piece with a horse.

As others have pointed out, the horse is beautiful; let him have the spotlight. ;)

[nickib]

Everyone answered your questions perfectly, I think :) ,I would just like to say, I love the horse, especially the nostril, cooky but true,just love it:clap: :clap: Nicki

[FarmGirl29]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Mar-2011/800902-Arabian_spirit.JPG

So here is my final...Atleast for now:)
Oh yeah before I forget. I got the photo of the horse from the reference photos.

[FarmGirl29]

Thank you nicki!!
Lisa you are completely right. Around here people just throw their horses in with their cows. But, I don't think everyone would appreciate that. So that is a good point.
Pat, your so sweet, I signed it just for you ;)

Well, when I added this new photo it changed the top one too. Hmmm....

[stirling]

Nicely finished Sarah,a very pleasing painting.

Best from mike,x.

[online art]

It worked out real well, correct decision not putting in the fence as this would have created a barrier between the viewer and the horse / painting. You could have lightened the blue of the sky towards the bottom of the painting and had it darken as you went up, just to add more depth. But you can try that out on your next one :)

[Iaartist]

I also think the background look fine the way it is. Nice job.

[anniecanjump]

This looks fabulous. I really like your horse. Not an easy subject for me but you got him dead on. Well done.

[FarmGirl29]

Thank you very much Mike, peggy, Iaartist and Jason.

Your comments mean a lot to me. I have so much to learn yet. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to look at this. Have a great night!
Sarah

[tigress]

It looks great just the way it is. Besides have you ever heard the expression "Don't fence me in". I say no more.

[jody007]

I think it is beautiful!
Jody

[FarmGirl29]

Thank you Tigress and jody. I agree no fences here, she needs her freedom.

[wildlifeart89]

Wow, what a stunning piece. The muscles in the face are incredible and the bg is great!
Paige:clap::clap: