Clay Shire Horse by Katie

Hi Katie,

Your interest in horses and your love of art really come through in this piece. Its shape is smooth and strong at the same time. The work you've done around the hooves is interesting. Where else will you apply it?

The angle of the picture does not allow me to see the exact size of the head, I think. Do you think the proportion of head and body work all right? It is difficult for me to tell, but the head appears to be a little small in my screen.

I think the idea of working on a colt and a set is excellent, and I hope you can keep working on it. I would also like to see more images as your work progresses.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful horse!

Graciela, Mentor

Katie,

How is the ceramic Shire horse coming along? Your detail work on the back feet is super.

I can see the problem you had with the back legs. It could be that the joint that's immediately above the hair should be higher and the one above that should be up alongside the body. Then there would also be an ankle joint that's hidden in the hair.

But you are definitely heading in the right direction with the general conformation of the legs. I think the front legs are still better, don't you? By the time you get all the hair and detail on this animal, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the result because your expertise with detail truly evokes the vision of a massive draft horse.

If you are planning future art with the horse as subject, you might want to do some library research. See if you can get yourself a good Xerox copy of a horse skeleton so that you can learn the anatomy. I think you might enjoy that kind of study.

Have you already done the colt? Please keep in touch and let us know how it's coming.

Joan, Mentor

Dear Katie,

This is an extremely good looking horse. I can tell it's a powerful and handsome breed. You have gotten good advice from Joan about horse anatomy. You also asked about putting the horse (and a colt) in a setting. That sounds like a fine idea. It doesn't have to be clay--maybe a clay base with real twigs for trees and fences and some "grass" for them to munch, some pebbles for rocks. Let me know what you decide. I'd really like to see the finished piece. Thanks for sharing your excellent work.

Lowell, Mentor

Katie,

I've seen your new version of the clay horse. What can I say?? It's a beauty. Excellent work with the anatomy! Thanks so much for re-posting.

Joan, Mentor

Oh, Katie, your horse is wonderful! You've done a great job making him look like the handsome beast he is. I look forward to more of your work.

Regards, Lowell

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