If the horse is dead...get off

Jen Reinstadler · 09-09-2005, 12:45 PM

Don't be fooled by the title, I'm actually quite pleased with this one. This is a portrait of a wheelin'-dealin'-guitar'-playin'-horse-tradin'-knifemaker. I'll bet you couldn't tell. This scenario was inspired by a a scene from his favorite movie (two extra credit points to the person who can name it). Yes, he actually dresses like this and he is a former law enforcement officer. I had a lot of fun with this.

Oil on canvas, 24x30

Garth Herrick · 09-09-2005, 12:54 PM

Very Cool, Jen!

I love the rich composition, feeling of endless prairie, and soft, earthy palette. I'd say you are supremely successful in your narrative portrait.

Welcome to the Figurative unveilings section! We have been a select reclusive bunch here; all very unique and enriching, though.

Garth

Molly Sherrick Phifer · 09-09-2005, 02:21 PM

What a great idea for a portrait and so well done! I want to star in a narrative piece like this, too. I wonder which movie would suit me?

This is so very interesting and original. I trust that you can honestly say that no animals were harmed during the execution of this piece!

Claudemir Bonfim · 09-09-2005, 03:26 PM

I loved it Jen! Receive my compliments.

Jen Reinstadler · 09-09-2005, 11:18 PM

Thank you

Jen Reinstadler · 09-09-2005, 11:19 PM

Thank you all!

In fact, most of the oil portraits I've done have been narrative portraits. I would be most happy buttering my bread with these. I was assigned an "illustrative portrait" my sophomore year in college. We got free access to the costume department, and I had a blast! I always ask my friends and acqaintances what they would be in their "fantasy portrait." I'm frequently caught off-guard by people's interesting ideas.

And, yes, Molly, the horse was tricky. I originally used some really bad, fuzzy reference of a horse lying down from this angle, but at the time, I was tired of calling around to see if any of my friend's horses would lie down on command. But I committed myself to that piece of scrap because I shot my model and all his goodies based on the light in that photo. But I was really sorry once I started painting. I realized that I couldn't just wing it. So I followed a horse around the pasture one day and caught her with her head down, with the light coming in at about the right angle. At least the head looks convincing that way.