The above painting was painted from a reference photo taken by Michael Yates and posted to Paint My Photo. It is a site where artists can share their photos and their artwork of others’ photos offered on the site. I learned of this site while reading a post on Nicola’s blog, Pointy Pix.
I was attracted to the bits of light and shadow in this photo and wanted to see if I could paint it. PLUS! With the heat we are having this summer, standing in a cool stream seems just the best thing! Smart horses.
Leslie White 
40 Comments
Wow, that’s a lovely painting, Leslie. 🙂 And thanks for the introduction to Pointy Pix!
Thank you, Val!
This group of horses makes me feel that I am in the glade along with them. Interesting site. Photographers inviting you to paint their photos.
Thank you for the comment on the horses, Gretchen.
The site wants me to download some of my photos, also. It is kind of like everyone helps by doing that.
It is a master piece Leslie!
Thank you, Padmaja! You made my day! 🙂
very nice. i want to learn this technique. i can see many possibilities in this medium. 😀
Thank you, Anindya. Oh yes. Do try this at some point. As much as you experiment with watercolor I think you might like this. 🙂
Another stunner and to me, this looks like the perfect illustration for a wonderful fairy tale! I love seeing you work on masa, Leslie. How did you say you attach the masa to another piece of paper behind it? (You probably told me but I’m not firing on all cylinders this a.m.)
Hi Sherry!
I use 3 parts acrylic matte medium with one part water and stir it up to make a runny glue. I spread it on the backside of my toned masa paper with a large “soft” brush that I purchased just for this as the bristles get somewhat stiff even with good washing. Then I flatten the piece by stroking the front surface with the same brush (stroking from the center outwards so as to encourage any air bubbles out the sides. I also fold over any large crinkles so they don’t appear like air bubbles underneath). This also applies acrylic matte medium to the top surface. I like this because it allows for some lifting. Always mark one corner of the front side or shiny side with a waterproof ink dot. No. It will not peel away. It is adhered for good. Here are my two posts that share the most about “how to”, Sherry. https://lesliepaints.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/masa-paper-step-by-step-and-clyde/ and https://lesliepaints.wordpress.com/2011/07/10/update-on-masa/ I hope this helps! Have fun!
Thank you for this comment.
This is really beautiful, Leslie! I love all the light and the colors and reflections in the water. It cooled me down just looking at it!
You have been running higher temps than we have this week. All of a sudden we are getting rain, two days in a row……. Thank you for the comment. Hey! I’m enjoying the sock monkey tour of your hometown. 🙂
That site sounds like a great idea to help with inspiration.. and I love your masa take on the shot too..
I am perusing some of my photos to add to the site and photographer I am not. I just don’t want to be greedy and not offer something in return. I think I have three that aren’t too bad. ….but nothing like yours and many others on that site. The other thing? I am having a tough time getting the feel of how to do things on the site, but I’m sure it’s like anything else. One learns as one participates. Thank you for the comment, Brian!
to me it looks like a picture cut in 1000 pieces and than clued together to make a difference
I can’t think of a bettercomment, Clegyrboia. Thank you for that. 🙂 You are the one making the real difference, you know.
Again you have shared a wonderful painting. Your masa paper paintings just get better and better. I may give it a try with the series I’m working on now..waterlilies.
Thank you, Louise. This paper would be great for the waterlilies.
I would get in the water right next to them and cool down! It’s hot in Indiana…. again!
Wonderful painting, but I shouldn’t have to tell you that anymore, they are always stunning. Stay Cool!
We had rain! Twice! Long drenchers! That was great, but now, with the heat, we are pretty soggy and it’s anything but cool. Thanks, Ryan.
And paint it you did! It’s a great painting of hot, highly intelligent and practical creatures.
I really wish we could share our cooler days with you!
Oh for cooler days. We have had a few, now, and I have been enjoying being out of the house. Thank you for the comment on the painting, Amy!
What a beautiful painting with such rich light. I absolutely LOVE what you do on Masa paper. This painting GLOWS!
Thank you for this comment for my masa paintings, Carol.
So beautiful Leslie! The more I see this type of painting the more I’m falling in love with it. 🙂
Thank you, Anne. I am totally infatuated with working with the texture the crinkles provide.
Smart horses indeed. it’s a wonderful painting, Leslie. The yellow in the center makes me feel the heat, but the other colors seem to bring in the cool. (Not that I know a thing about art. It’s just my reaction.) Nice!
You are so correct about the warm and the cool in this. The tree trunk and branches are warm also. Thank you! 🙂
Such a master you are indeed! So beautiful!
Thank you, Isabelle!
No horsing around here: you did a beautiful job, Leslie.
Steve Schwartzman
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com
Thank you, Steve! I was horsing around here: https://lesliepaints.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/smiling/ 🙂 Just for fun!
The color is rich and successful in this painting. I hear you about this summer’s heat!
Thank you, Al !
Lovely work Leslie and some interesting links.
Thank you. Keith!
Dang I would have sworn I left a comment here! I’ve lost my mind. 🙂 I love the horses! I need to practice horses. The main yellow horse is just amazing! And the tree and reflections. Wow. Realistic and also artistic. Lovely!
Thank you, Cindy!
Reblogged this on Athenasby Hughes Blog.
Thank You!