Dream Horses 3D

Sometimes ideas come and are quickly brought to fruition.  Sometimes an idea gestates before it takes material form.  The idea for my Dream Horses began last summer.  Before I could express them three dimensionally, I developed them in drawings and paintings.

3D Dream Horses $125 copyright Cheri Isgreen 2015

See          https://cheriisgreenfineart.wordpress.com/2014/12/06/dream-horses/

Dream Horse #2 “Walk Like an Egyptian” 14″x10″ $350

But actually I saw the three dimensional horses first.  Like the 2D versions, my new sculptural Dream Horses are stylized and leggy with strong geometric references and derivations from ancient cultures.  The techniques for these new horses evolved from my work with the clay fish.

See          https://cheriisgreenfineart.wordpress.com/2015/08/11/one-fish-two-fish-red-fish-blue-fish/

“Two Fish” copyright C Isgreen $65 (stoneware bas-relief sculpture, roughly 11″ x 10″)

Each horse begins with a set of four legs in two pairs.  I search my home landscaping for branches that suggest front legs and back legs.  The branches are sun-cured for several days before they are stable for use in the sculpture.

Mare & Foal view 1
copyright Cheri Isgreen 2015

Mare & Foal, view 2 copyright Cheri Isgreen

Next, a gestural drawing from heavy gauge copper wire is created.  This wire work serves as both a guide to the finished horse, as well as an armature to strengthen the sculpture.  Because the wooden legs are integral to the finished horse sculpture, I needed to find a medium that hardened without firing.  I began my prototypes by sculpting with air-dry clay.  This clay proved unsatisfactory, as it was too fragile to withstand the demands of sculpture. Through lots of experimenting, I’ve developed my own compound, (my secret recipe), that improves the durability of the sculpture.  The compound I use behaves much like fired stoneware.  When the form has evolved to my satisfaction, I finish my horses with carved geometric designs.  At this point, the horses must rest to cure.  After many days, the sculptures have hardened and are ready for the finishes.

“Abracadabra” carved geometric designs; copyright Cheri Isgreen 2015

I begin by applying a matt black paint to the entire surface of the sculpture.  Next I burnish with a metallic medium, carefully blending the colors to the effect I envision.  When the colors are balanced and desirable, I put several coats of clear acrylic glaze to enhance the colors and further protect the sculpture.

Capriceaux metallic burnished finish; copyright Cheri Isgreen 2015

I finish with copper wire, in colors carefully selected to complement the surface design of each sculpture.  The wire is shaped and modeled, refining the personification of each horse’s spirit.

The Wind Horses, wire treatment to complement each horse; copyright Cheri Isgreen 2015

Zephyr and Sirocco, view 2;
copyright Cheri Isgreen 2015

The Dream Horses will be showing August 21st through September 14th at Commonwheel, 102 Cañon Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO.  To purchase, visit the gallery or contact Juanita   719-685-1008.

High Point Opens Friday, August 21st at the Commonwheel

HIGH POINT, the horses, wildlife, and landscapes of Colorado opens next Friday, at Commonwheel in Manitou Springs, during the 3rd Friday Art Walk.  High Point features the artwork of Cheri Isgreen and Barb Haynie.  Cheri will unveil new watercolors, including several Colorado landscapes.  She will also debut her new Dream Horse sculptures.  Inspired by her watercolor Dream Horses that she exhibited at her opening in Ridgway earlier this year and her ceramic fish currently showing at the Blue Pig Gallery in Palisade, Cheri’s Dream Horse sculptures portray a sense of timeless fascination our human psyche has felt for horses over the centuries.  The sculptures reference ancient art within the context of contemporary art. Drawing on her experience creating ceramic fish, Cheri continues to use clay, metallic finishes, and geometry texture.  She has pushed the horse sculptures farther through integrating tree branches and copper wire into each form.  Along with her watercolor paintings and sculpture, Cheri will also offer a variety of cards and monoprints.

“High Point 2015”

Barb will show several new acrylic paintings of both horses and Colorado wildlife.  Inspired by the wildlife around her Ft Collins home and her exploration of Colorado’s wild places, Barb has created new found object sculptures.  Barb’s sculptures are welded from old pieces of machinery and other metallic flotsam from eras gone by.  Her creative playfulness shines through these whimsical sculptures.  You will want to take one home for your garden.

The Manitou Springs Art Walk is a lively event, with a dozen art galleries and several art organizations participating. The galleries feature food, beverages, entertainment, and cutting edge artwork. The 3rd Friday Art Walk in Manitou Springs heats up as the weather begins to warm, running from March through November from 5-9 p.m. . Come down to historic, downtown Manitou Springs where art and history meet.

Poured Watercolor Workshop offered Sept 12 – 13th

In conjunction with “High Point: the horses, wildlife, and landscape of Colorado” showing at the Commonwheel Artist Coop August 21st- September 13th, 2015, I will present a Poured Watercolor workshop.   The workshop will take place September 12th & 13th, 2015 at the Manitou Art Center, 513 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829.    Hours for the workshop are 10 am – 4 pm each day.

“Buckhorn Glow” copyright Cheri Isgreen, 2015

Knowing pigment properties and following simple pigment rules go a long way in achieving colors that glow. Pouring paints, instead of using a brush, further ensures that each layer remains undisturbed, allowing a build-up of color that provides depth to paintings. The workshop will  cover strategies for strengthening your compositions, pigment rules, and pouring techniques. Strategies include focusing on value, edges, and of course, color! Each participant will complete 1-2 watercolor pieces. Cost for the workshop is $85 for MAC and Commonwheel Artists Co-op members/ $105 for non-members.  Each participant will receive a 12-page reference workbook.  For more information and to register, please visit:  commonwheel.com/isgreen.html

final pour dry; removing mask

“Frolic in the Moonlight” copyright C Isgreen 2015

Save the Date: High Point Aug 21st opening at Commonwheel in Manitou Springs

HIGH POINT, THE HORSES, WILDLIFE, AND LANDSCAPES OF COLORADO opens August 21st, 2015 at the Commonwheel Artist Coop in Manitou Springs with new paintings and sculptures by Cheri Isgreen and Barbara Haynie.  The show runs through September 14, 2015.

“High Point 2015”

For more information, contact Juanita at the Commonwheel:

719-685-1008 

102 Cañon Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829