Idaho Trails (Kessler)

by Godfrey J. Ellis — 12×14 Acrylic June 2022

The major problem with this one was the size. It is a small canvas (12×14), which is tiny for a full scene. That means the faces are around 1/2 in size. It is extremely difficult to get a likeness at that tiny size. This represents four months of painting and repainting, which is a long time for me as I usually average a painting per week.

As you can see, the size was not the only problem. The snapshot was also dark with indistinguishable features on the people and the dark horse. I lowered the mountain range and put in the horses feet to make it a better composition. This one was the biggest challenge I have ever faced. I was so discouraged at points of its development that I almost gave up painting altogether. Below is the reference photo, which is, as you can see, is not only tiny but dark and indistinct. This was not a fun project!

Here she is holding her painting:

Below are five photos of the painting as it took shape.