Painting Horses with Emotion by Mike Brouse

Horses are wonderful subjects for painters, poets, artists of all types have been drawn to these mysterious beasts.  Below is a sample of  works from this ongoing series of  horses. Link to my website.  Some of them are sold, but there are still some that are available as of Dec 2013.   I'm adding to the series all the time since horses are one of my favorite animal subjects. 

I really liked this poem about the horse by Sarah Katy Williams



Night Visitor 16 x 18 - Acrylic on canvas

"I am the Horse"

He stands proud, head held high majestically

Viewing me with reasonable suspicion



My scent fills his nostrils as he breathes in deep

He bows in acceptance and his trust is won

I reach out to touch his shimmering mane

As his soft muzzle brushes my cheek with hot air

I mount him, marvelling at the strength,

The intimacy of a closeness so rare.

As we take to flight the wind borders our path

Exhilaration and adrenalin floods me

His firm muscles beneath me pulsate

And his wild instincts tell him he must flee

I am comforted by the rocking rhythm

His pounding hooves hypnotise me



I am possessed by awe and childlike wonder



This mystical beast and I unite in harmony

We are one, he is me and I am the horse

 

 

Some samples of my paintings below.  







SOLD - Green Grass - 20" sq - Acrylic on canvas

 

 

Commissioning an oil painting from Mike Brouse

36 x 24 oil on canvas - Niwot, Co - looking west toward Long's Peak

Some of my favorite projects are commissioned oil paintings.  It's fun to work with a client to make their vision come true.  In this example, the clients walk on this path near their home in Niwot, Colorado and they wanted a specific scene incorporating the path looking west toward Long's Peak. 

I initially did three watercolor studies that incorporated three different ideas.  In the end they selected the one with the "diverging path", the ponderosa pines, and the wonderful view of Long's Peak.  I had them come to my studio several times to check on the progress.  Each time we made some adjustments until they were 110% satisfied. The client's happiness is my total concern during these projects.  It does not matter if its a small project (like a small pet portrait) or a large landscape project like this one.  Please contact me for more information.  I can provide references as needed.

 



Commissioning a Pet Portrait Painting - Ben + Angie & Mike's Cat, + Emme the Shih-Tzu

Ben - 2011 - 16 x 20 - oil

Anne wanted to honor Ben with a portrait for their family.  I painted Ben from client supplied photos.  I never got a chance to meet him. 

Angie and Mike love Figaro, and she loves them back!  Figaro was adopted by Angie over ten years ago. After being commissioned I went to the house to meet Figaro for the first time.  She made sure I was friendly and then she warmed up.  I shot about 50 photos of Figaro, and Angie provided me with some of her own favorite photos via emailed jpeg images.  We looked at the room Angie planned on hanging the painting (a bithday gift from her husband Mike).  She selected a 14" square format that I would paint on canvas and frame for them. 

When I got home I looked at all the pics and sent them a few to review.  I made suggestions, but it is always up to the client to select the photo upon which the portrait will be based.  We went back and forth via email a few times until they settled on the pose shown in the pic.

As you can see from the finished painting below I try very hard to capture an impression of the pet.  I add color, bold brush strokes and texture to emphasize important areas.  I try to bring attention to the face, eyes and nose while everything else plays a supporting role.  I also try to create a piece of art.  This is not just a pet portrait to me.  I think that is an important distinction.  I am not a pet portrait artist, although there is nothing wrong with that.  I am a painter who loves and respects animals.  I do pet portraits upon request.  I try very hard to capture the beauty of the animal on canvas.  I prefer to meet the pet in person and take some pics, but I have painted many pets from around the country using only pictures that were provided to me. 

Here are some additional examples of the pet portrait work I do.  

Emme - with her ball - 12" square oil on panel

Emme passed in 2010 and the owners daughter purchased a commission pet portrait for them as a surprise gift! 

Olivia 16 x 20 - oil

Griffey

Griffey passed away after many years as the loyal family dog. Griffey was loved by his parents and two young boys who were, of course, heartbroken when he passed. Griffey is now a work of art who should last a very long time. 12" square oil on panel - SOLD