Pottery Barn Inspired Horse Triptych

I've been surfing around Pottery Barn's website again and found a beautiful Plank Horse Triptych.  I loved the simple gesture drawing in black and white.  I knew I could probably do something like that with the 3 large canvases I had.  I do like the plank look better but having had the canvases, using them just made sense.

This project does require some degree of drawing skill.  However, if you can copy and enlarge, you'll have no problem.

I began by painting all three of the canvases using flat black latex paint.  Make sure to cover the white completely.

Next I rolled out brown kraft paper the size of the three canvases pushed together.  Begin sketching (or copying) the image you want for your triptych.  You can use an overhead projector to enlarge a drawing onto the paper.  Trace your image on to a clear sheet like a page protector.  Lay it on the projector and then trace the projection on the paper.  You will probably need to tape your paper to a wall in order to use the projector method.  I have been drawing since I was very young so I have had lots of practice and was able to handle this project freehand.  (Not without mistakes however!)

Ok, here's my cheater step.  After laying the drawing over the canvases to check for position, I cut the image out so that I could lightly trace around it with chalk onto the canvases.

Now comes the "fun" part.  I say that because you wouldn't believe how many tries it took me to be satisfied with the look of the horse.  My first attempt looked more like a donkey.  Great thing about chalk...easy to erase :)  I began by going over my light chalk lines and adding more sketch lines to it.  This is a gesture drawing...very loose.  So, remember that and don't try to draw perfectly straight or too deliberately.  Loose...let your hand flow (said in a quiet, yoga master voice...looooose.)

Ok, seriously, don't be intimidated.  The more you work with it, the better it will begin to look.  I sketched and wiped off and sketched and wiped off many times.  It really adds to the feel of the drawing.  Once you're satisfied and done, you don't want to risk erasing your masterpiece accidentally.  I used a clear spray sealer on mine.  WARNING:  Use several very light coats.  If you get the canvas too wet at once, it will "wash" away the chalk. 

I hope you give it a try.  Remember, it's just chalk and paint.  Don't like the horse, try something else.  If all else fails, you've got three chalkboard ready canvases to use for a Scripture verse, quote, or menu!  

DISCLAIMER:  My drawing was inspired by Pottery Barn's and I created it for my own personal use, not to be sold.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Angie

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