One of the 3 Stooges exemplifies 3 painting fundamentals

I have the pleasure of seeing the work of Boulder, Colorado artist Carrie Baines every day at Western Art Gallery. One of my favorites is a 30"x40" oil painting of a goat named Shemp.

This piece is a great example of using color to define form. Shemp was painted in tans, greys, greens, and other colors before Carrie applied the final coat in whites, keeping the whitest whites to highlight where the light was hitting him. Shemp's head holds most of the details, drawing you in and directing you to his eyes.

Carrie paid particular attention to Shemp's horns with a bit of atmospheric perspective as they curl back and gradually lose detail. Notice how the edges of the horns are much more blurred than the front of his ears. This work is a great example of how color, value, and edges work together to make a mesmerizing painting - one you have to see in person!