The Horse in Plein Air – Studies that Add Life - Spring 2009 Issue of Horses in Art Magazine

The Horse in Plein Air – Studies that Add Life

by Karen McLain

Karen paints Mojo
Plein air paintings are done from life, typically in one sitting. Capturing the essence of the landscape before the light changes is the core of plein air landscape painting. The emotional attraction of sunlight on a mountainside, or the contrast of deep shadows is quickly expressed in a breath of time.

How much more compelling would the horse be painted in plein air? Colors of a dappled coat in bright sunlight, or reflected shadows that are not easily captured with a camera, are seen and quickly painted. Also, the personality, spirit or essence of the horse that is felt in an instant becomes a dynamic experience that is brought to the painting. A flick of an ear, a relaxed jaw, or a collection that passes before the camera is ready – this is the powerful process of painting horses in plein air.

These studies add valuable information to the paintings I complete in the studio. The studies combined with photo reference add a depth of life and feel that is not available from photos alone.

Painting from life is very similar to training or riding a horse. The connection, through feel, is what makes communication between the horse and human so seamless. That same feel and relationship is what I absorb and reflect in these small studies.

Traveling to clients’ homes to paint their horses from life prior to the formal commissioned painting, gives an intense insight into the appearance and personality of the horse. Mojo, a Tobiano Paint stood very still while I blocked in his shape and markings. Then, he proceeded to show me all his favorite toys, including a large plastic trashcan that he would put over his head and walk around in. His fun personality was part of what I thought about as I worked on the commission.

I often paint at a local tourist attraction, the Goldfield Ghost Town, an 1890s replica of an Arizona mining town. It is a destination for many local riders, who tie their horses to the hitching post, with the Superstition Mountains as a backdrop. While they are at the Mammoth Steak House, I have an opportunity to make a quick oil study. It always amazes me that no matter how many horses are tied up, the horses I am painting always know that I have my attention on them. They will turn and look at me as they feel the connection and energy that I bring to the painting.

Plein air painting the horse is part of the powerful process of bringing life to a commissioned painting. “Painting from life expresses life in my final work that I would not be able to get any other way. Every horse that I paint from life adds life to the horses I paint in the studio. This has been my profound experience. Check out Karen McLain web site at www.karenmclainstudio.com

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