“How to Paint a Leopard Horse and Title Challenge!”

Hello Bergsma Friends!

Today we are going to paint spotted horses!
I have been a “horse lover” since childhood and recreating them in art was my passion.
I was often scolded by my teachers for drawing in class!
This early addiction was how I began my career.

If you have a child with a passion encourage them to draw it.
This adventure into creativity will enrich their life…and yours if you will let it!

First a little history about the famous “Leopard” Horse.

The “Appaloosa”,  is best known for its colorful spotted coat and is an original American breed.
They are named after the Palouse river in Idaho where they were bred and revered by the Nez Perce tribe.
These people bred only the best studs to the best mares to achieve the colorful, athletic breed we recognize today as the Appaloosa.
These mounts were valued for their  color, surefootedness, stamina and hardiness. Chief Joseph and his band, mounted on their spotted steeds, were able to outrun and outmaneuver the U.S. Cavalry back in the 1800s,  largely because their horses were better suited to the rugged mountain trails.

The Nez Perce believed the spotted coat contained magical properties imbued upon them by the cloud people in the form of  raindrop spots.
Some believed the patterns came from the stars.

Art Class; First let’s mix our palette.

To create interesting grays I mix mineral paints.
Cerulean Blue and Sepia make a wonderful gray. You can experiment with more combination! Opposite colors make gray.
I use Payne’s Gray and Burnt Sienna for the darker spots.

I break all the shapes up into paint-able sections.
The spots are created in a “Wet-on-Wet” wash so that the spots will have soft edges.

It is important to let each section dry before painting an adjoining wash so the colors remain crisp.

I also used salt to create crystal patterns in the coat.

I encourage you to watch my Video on “How to Paint a Horse” to learn more about salt washes.  Just click the video link on the side bar to go to my You-Tube Channel!

There are many kinds of Appaloosa markings, Blanket with Spots, Snowflake, Leopard, Mottled, and Frost with Spots.
 All of them are FUN TO PAINT!

This is my favorite type of Appaloosa which is ” Blanket with Spots”

This first attempt at the back-ground is too light and lacks contrast so I will add another wash.
Painting light to dark is a good watercolor practice Because you can add color but you cannot erase it!

This is my Horse “Lucky Star”, who was born on my ranch on my 40th birthday.
He is a “Snowflake Appaloosa” with a blanket.
I used salt to create this snowflake effect while the wash was still damp.
 

I add the hairs of the mane and tail with a small liner brush!

I believe there is magic in this exciting horse…I certainly felt it while I was painting and coincidently…it rained every time I worked on the spots!:)

I would love help with the title…Please pick one or add you own.
1, Spot on.
2,Unbridled Spirit.
3, You Have a Spot Among the Stars.
Please let me know which one you like best on my Facebook page! Jody Bergsma, Pages.

Thank you, End of Class.:)
 

I want to thank all of my Stores for supporting me and of course all of my collectors who keep me painting.
This is Wendy Grimsley, the gift shop buyer,  from the Silver Reef Casino, Hotel and Spa in Ferndale Wa.. Thanks Wendy!

I hope all of you have a fantastic  July…
I will be busy at the Seattle Gift show in August. My Painting class will resume soon.

Cheers and Happy Painting, Jody