Monday, April 06, 2009

I Create Large-Scale Canvases

Here's my introduction, used as required (and sometimes tweaked):

My name is Sharon Crute and I create dynamic and passionate equine oil paintings on large-scale canvases.

Museums are full of big canvases. Huge, monumental paintings of the gloriously romantic or dramatic historical narratives to rival a battlefield. They're in your face, command attention and invite the viewer to step right in. Pre-television eras, most. Size is all relative. Michael has somewhat discouraged the grandiose in this "economy" but large canvases is what I do.

thoroughbred artRough oil sketch on canvas, 48"x68"

I always lay down a neutral ground, this one being raw sienna. Roughly sketching out the shapes and composition in charcoal, I then go back and do a more detailed drawing in a red-toned conte crayon. Painting more accurately than I draw, I spend a good amount of time on my oil washes. When completed, that's the time to step back and make changes, some will be major.

horse drawingsI also try to work out problems in my sketch book as I lay in the washes. In the horse without the noseband, the tight rein on the bit would pull the mouth wide open. It felt like the bit had to go back further, then even further. I may pull it back even more for dynamic effect.

horse racing painting"Gate Okayed", oil on canvas, approx. 36"x48" circa 2000.

Becoming concerned that the new canvas may resemble an older piece, I dug this one out of the archives. This painting was created before I figured out that I really should document all my artwork. Duh. Anyway, it's somewhat alike but I'm comfortable with the arrangement of the new horses.

"Where art thou, Muse, that thou forget'st so long / To speak of that which gives thee all thy might?" - William Shakespeare

4 comments:

Robin Roberts said...

Sharon - this exciting painting and the way you describe it for us is the reason I awarded you one of my A PASSION FOR PAINTING blog awards. thanks for all the inspiration!

Sharon Crute said...

Thank you so much Robin! I'm honored and glad you stopped by...

Anonymous said...

Horses out of the gate are still as unique as snowflakes. Every time you present another one of your works, it's like seeing and feeling a horses' breath for the first time.
You know these animals, love and respect them, and show them with all the majesty they warrant.

I never thought of red conte crayon until reading your notes. Thanks for mentioning it.

Sharon Crute said...

Bonnie: Your descriptions are like poetry to my ears...love it!

The charcoal washes away with the turped-down oils. The conte crayon stays put...doesn't have to be red but I can distinguish it from the black charcoal in my drawing revisions.