English Longhorn Cow Painting; Work in Progress

An Evening Painting Session

I’m making the most of the last few remaining light evenings. I can’t drive after dark, so Winter painting is always done during the morning hours.

This lovely big red-roan lady is an English Longhorn Cow that I’m working on currently. She will be available for sale soon. I love these gentle cows. We have a beautiful Longhorn herd as neighbours over at Calke Abbey!

English Longhorn Cow: Large Oil Painting

I’m really enjoying the colours in this English Longhorn cow’s coat. I’m using red ochres, brown pinks, maroon and dark blue mixed to create beautiful violet reds and aubergine tones.

One of my favourite commissions was for the owner of a herd of these beautiful cows. I’ll put a link to that painting here. If you would like a custom painting of your favourite cow /breed of cow, please do get in touch.

A very big commission

As you can see below, my most recently completed bespoke painting was an enormous painting of a Highland Cow, in lovely warm, Autumn colours. The owenrs were inspired by another of my pieces, from a year or two back, named Islay. They wanted a similar piece, but a lot bigger and with even more orangey tones. Of course no two cow pictures are ever really the same, but the inspiration piece was there in the back of my mind as I was painting. The project took around 6 weeks to complete, as there were four or five layers of paint to build up, and each needed time to dry in between. Its a slow priocess but the final results make up for it - the textures and colours interplay and beautify the surface of the canvas. Close-up, the painting is a tangle of brush strokes and textured paint, when you step back the cow emerges.

If you would like to discuss your own next commissioned piece, dont hesitate to get in touch. I am open to requests until the end of September. hello@suegardnerstudio.com

Safe Arrival!

Hi Sue, 

I just wanted to let you know that the painting arrived safely.. She looks absolutely stunning on the wall and we are so pleased with the final product. Thank you so much!! I'm sure we will be commissioning another piece in the future.  

All the best, 

Bonnie 

A Bespoke Canvas - Painting of Highland Cows

This project, a bespoke painting of highland cows, has been an absolute joy, inspired by another smaller painting that I made last year, with some differences and scaled up to a large size. This is painted on a custom-built canvas to a specific set of dimensions, sturdy and well-made, just like the Highland Cows!

Find out how to order your own bespoke oil painting here!

Buying an original piece of art - 10 reasons why you should.

1) When you buy an original painting or sculpture, whether directly from the artist or through an art gallery, you are helping to support the arts and perpetuate original art-making, which makes the world a better, more enjoyable place.

2) Original art carries all of the texture and original mark-making from the artist’s hand and has a much more tactile quality than a reproduction print. There may be lumps, bumps, scratches and heavy brush marks and even finger marks all adding to the uniqueness of the artwork.

3) There is a cachet to owning the one-off original, there is only one available, and it’s yours.

4 ) An original painting will usually carry the signature in paint on the front of the work, and a certificate of authenticity so you have all the official provenance, in case you decide eventually to sell the piece of art.

5) An original piece will accrue in value over time, so that when you are buying an artwork, you are making an investment, rather than just filling a space on your wall as you might with a print.

6) Original pieces of art are collectable. When you purchase from an artist, you become a collector of their work. If you really love the paintings by the artist and follow them, it’s exciting to see new pieces come onto the market.

7) Original art seems to bring enlivening energy to a home, perhaps its the excitement of owning a one-off piece by an artist that you love, or maybe the piece carries with it some of the heart and spirit that caused the artist to create it. Either way, its always a positive addition to your living space.

8) A painting is a truly elegant way of bringing your own taste and style to a room, when you choose a painting that resonates with you, it’s a bit like playing your favourite music, your guests will immediately see what you are all about.

9) Originals are a talking point and a focal point. The clarity of colour and variety of texture grabs the eye and can be a great conversation starter

. 10) The sheer joy of owning an original that you love will make you smile every day as you look at it.

2021 paintings

Once again, I have made a slideshow of the pieces that have found beautiful new homes this year.

Thank you everyone, I appreciate you a lot! Happy New Year!

A bespoke painting with two cows💖

I’m painting the third layer this week, where I will pay attention to the features and make any necessary alterations, and develop the background a little too😊

I am open for commission requests, find all the information you need here

Big Stag Painting

This Big Stag Painting is the largest painting that I have made so far. He is a commissioned piece featuring a stag in rich crimson shades. It was a bonus that I finished him before Christmas, and he arrived in his new home this week. The canvas is 150cm x 150cm on a deep (4cm) frame.

Here are some photos kindly supplied by his owners, I’m so pleased to see the full effect!

If you would like to discuss ordering your own bespoke animal painting, please get in touch. More details and testimonials can be found here