horse art

sculptor Jen Pratt

Art Progression In 5 Steps: Abstract Pour Painting of the Fearless Jax Horse!

Art Progression - Horse Abstract Acrylic Pour Painting
Art progression: Close-up of finished painting

Art Progression: The Background

Art progression: the initial painting using a 4 color acrylic pour method

I’m trying some new techniques, and figured I’d do an art progression post!  My artworks typically involve a high level of detail and stay mostly in the realm of realism.  I’m looking to expand my artistic vocabulary and travel into the land of abstract (of course, there will still be highly detailed aspects of realism intertwined!). 

The beginning of that journey starts here – the background is a 4 color acrylic pour (turquoise, white, black, and silver), with rough texture added to the canvas. The silver made for an interesting addition, as it didn’t play by the same rules as the other colors. I used cheap acrylic paints as this was a test artwork, plus water and a pouring medium. For a more professional finished approach, I’d try art quality acrylics and pouring media.

Art Progression: Laying Out The Subject From A Simple Horse Drawing

Art progression: Laying out the subject, next to the concept art

The story behind this artwork: every horse you interact with, you leave your “mark” on.  This piece is about Jax, my PSSM horse.  I got him as an unbroke 4 year old, trained him, went through a major muscle disorder with him, and brought him back to health. It’s been a long journey, but he’s a “horse of a lifetime” and is more than worth it!

Art Progression: Filling In Subject Detail

Art progression: Some details being brought out

Just as my life has been changed by having this amazing horse in my life, his life has been forever altered.  Training a horse is about so much more than the initial 30 days – trust, patience, curiosity, a willing heart – these things come natural to some horses but can be lost with improper training and handling. 

Art Progression: Final Details

Art progression: The concept art next to the almost finished piece

I’ve watched this boy grow and mature for six years, and his willingness and curiosity always amazes me.  I’ve watched the gleam in his eye flutter as his disorder took over, and I’ve seen it shine bright again as his health improves.  I’ve seen his strengths and weaknesses, and watched him try his heart out through all of it.  I can’t claim my training and handling did this 100% – maybe 40%.  He’s just “that kind” of horse.

Art Progression: The Finished Acrylic Horse Painting

Art progression: The finished acrylic horse painting

Color, texture, pattern decisions:  For the background, I chose a bold pattern with a rough texture.  The high contrast black and white is made more vivid and interesting by the blue – the color of his eyes.  This gave the artwork a tumultuous background before even adding the subject – a perfect backdrop to represent some of the ups and downs we’ve faced.  Jax is finished in metallics as he has proven himself to be a strong, stoic beast, and a “tough as nails” metallic finish seemed appropriate.  My name represents my “mark” on him – through training, health issues, and partnership. 

– There truly is “no other feeling in the world to compare with it if one loves a great horse” –

Quote by Samuel Riddle

Products Used In Making This Artwork Progression:

*Disclosure: This post contains links that I earn a small commission on, at no additional cost to you. If you’re interested in the services provided by the companies in my affiliate links, then purchasing through these links is a great way to support this art demonstration site, as is purchasing artworks!

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