Sustained Investigation #6

Sustained Investigation #6: "Island"

Oil on Canvas Paper

15" x 12"

My painting shows the landscape and culture of Iceland. It depicts a woman in traditional icelandic dress (Upphlutur) with an icelandic horse. The icelandic horse is not just livestock or a pet to these people, it is a prized cultural symbol. No other equine species are permitted on their continent, and much of their cultural focus centers on this unique animal known for its tölt. I also tried to include the unique icelandic landscape into the background as it influences much of their way of life. I chose to focus on this subject/culture because living on a previous icelandic horse farm I am reminded by my time in iceland and how they valued these aspects of their culture.

I completed this piece using Oils on a Canvas Paper.

I decided to try using oils for the first time, and i definitely underestimated the drying time- making this medium rather difficult to work with. However, I did enjoy the prolonged working time as opposed to acrylics. To improve upon this piece I would work more with oils to be able to complete the piece more effectively and try to change the perspective.