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Friday, September 19, 2014

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


I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS
HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY
STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

13 comments:

  1. You may already have a comment from me :) This is a fabulous piece of art! I had no idea that you were an artist! Great job!!

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  2. Love it Angie! It reminded me of a piece I did many years ago (the process) for a black & white art show. I painted the canvas black and just went crazy drawing with white chalk...When I sprayed fixative on it, it "melted" away, just like you described. I ended up going back over mine, very lightly, with white acrylic paint. I actually still have the painting. Thanks for sharing yours. The horse is great!
    judypimperl.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Judy! Yes, spraying it can be very tricky. Glad to know the white acrylic paint trick if I need it!

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  3. Angie, this is truly stunning. You amaze me every week. I'm placing a goat on my Christmas list. Big hugs this is so awesome! Coco

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  4. This is fantastic! Hayden said it would great above her new desk ;)

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  5. The white horse on the black is stunning! I love it. What a creative way to pull something Pottery Barn inspired into your home in a new, fresh, and unique way.

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  6. So pretty! Great triptych and you did a fabulous job!
    Leslie
    House on the Way

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  7. This is so cool! Horses are tough to draw but yours is perfect. Pinning. Visiting from Blogtalk.

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  8. Came over from blogtalk. I live in the country and this horse just speaks the freedom of running through the country side.

    Shannon ~ bohemianjunktion.com

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  9. You are so talented. What an amazing job you've done with this beautiful piece of art. Great idea.

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