I Love Barrel Racing! - western figurative oil painting of horse and rider barrel racing

Here's a finished - and I hope - an improved version of the earlier post.   (Thank you Hilda!)  Barrel racing is a cross between grace and athleticism and - wow - the relationship between horse and rider is beautiful to behold!  There aren't ever enough participants at the rodeo, but I probably feel that way  because I could watch endlessly!  There will be more western paintings because I have sketches and photos from the rodeo and dances here (Junction, Texas) in August.  I painted this piece on 12 x 9" panel.  Thanks for looking!

On My Easel - figurative rodeo barrel racer painting in progress

Here's what I worked on this evening.  I love rodeos and barrel racing is right up there with my favorite events.  Could watch for hours!  A good bit of work to finish this one, but just posting to share my efforts and if I finish tomorrow, I will post it - any suggestions would be welcome - thanks for looking!

Sketch of Barrel Racer - original charcoal figurative sketch

This quick 9 x 10" sketch began its life at the rodeo held in Junction this past summer, then I filled it in (more or less) from the photo on my iPhone.  I used a General Pencil Company's Peel and Sketch charcoal pencil because they're very handy when I'm on the move (no sharpener needed) and they make beautifully varied lines.    I love barrel racing and think I'll make a rodeo painting of this one with cowboys on the fences and the gates and all the things that make up the rodeo arena.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

On My Easel - Barrel Racer - original figurative oil painting in progress

Much more to do on this one, but I love trying to capture the power and speed of these beautiful animals as they race around the barrels.  At the moment, I'm working on several paintings - dancers, women, western, but haven't posted because I kept leaving the laptop that I can actually use for posting on my blog at the studio and didn't realize it 'til too late, so I have a few things to post in the coming days.  Am painting this on 8 x 10" archival canvas board.  Thanks for looking!

The Barrel Racer - original oil figurative painting

It's been awhile since I've posted anything because I've been felled by cedar fever, which is a common and sometimes debilitating complaint here in central Texas.  It's an allergy to cedar, which is what we call juniper in this area.  Today has been better, though, so I'm back to my blog.  This painting was done from a drawing I did at a rodeo some years back - really just one of my scribbles - but I let it alone after I finished - huge though the temptation is to fool with it.  On Utrectht archival canvas board, it's 8 x 10".  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Another Barrel Racer - original oil pastel figurative painting

Here's another rodeo drawing/painting done from one of my squiggly drawings.  It's on 5 x 7" Pastelbord.  I love rodeos where the women get a chance to show their skill at barrel racing.  Those cowgirls and their horses are really something. Thanks for stopping by!

Almost There - original oil figurative rodeo painting of barrel racer

This 7 x 5" painting on Gessobord was done from a sketch that I did at a rodeo.  The drawing is mostly squiggles that only I can understand - my own little shorthand - and is so much easier for me to work from than a photo.  Every time I've tried to take an "action" shot, it's the second after the main event.  Not much of a photographer am I.  Hence, my drawings are my favorites to provide the basis for my paintings.  Thanks so much for stopping by! Sold

First Barrel - original oil figurative painting

This painting is 8 x 8" on gessoed panel. Thanks for looking!SOLD