A conversation with Gary Sauder: Part 6

How do you decide what to paint?

I really don’t know how to answer this question, because I don’t know what kind of mood I’m going to be in order to decide what I want to paint. Right now I’m in a horse mood and that could change after I finish the next painting. I have a duck painting that I need to finish and then I could go really exotic as I haven’t painted any big cats in a while. I guess I paint whatever moves me or happens to hit my hot button.

Picture credit: "Profile of Greatness", pastel on paper

Click here to learn more about this pastel drawing of the horse, Secretariat

A conversation with John Plishka: Part 8

Do you ever have goof-ups or work you don't like?

Sure I have goof ups like everyone else. For myself, If a painting isn't working after about an hour, I usually scrap the whole thing. Sometimes I come back to it, sometimes not. After that though, I'm pretty stubborn and won't give up on a painting after I've invested alot of time and work into it. I'll see it through to the end. There is a point in most of my paintings that I doubt whether it will work or not, but after I get past that point, I know the final result will have been worth the effort.

Picture credit: "Calming the Storm", pastel on paper

Giclee prints and original pastel drawing available, contact Cow Art and More

A conversation with John Plishka: Part 7

How long does it take you to get an average piece of art?

Smaller pieces will take me about 2-4 hours, but larger pieces may take 10-15 hours. Considering I may only have 4-5 hours a week for my art means that a larger painting may take me 2-4 weeks to complete!

Picture credit: "Thunder", pastel on paper

Giclee prints available of the original drawing, contact Cow Art and More