Note: Although I have added this version of this image to my portfolio, I consider it a work in progress and this version may end up being replaced. I haven't lived with it long enough to be ready for the final steps. A few more days, at least one more test print, and then we shall see.I have only begun to become acquainted with my new Canon 7D and needed action shots for testing the new-to-me focusing system on this camera. BlackHawk, the 2012 addition to our little herd of three, is always ready to accommodate with action. With his winter coat he isn't at his sleekest and showiest, but, believe me, he needs that warm coat. For example, Sunday (January 13) morning our temperature was 9 degrees. I know that doesn't compete with Monte's recent -1, but it's more than cold enough for me.
The 7D arrived late the afternoon of Tuesday, January 8, and the next day I was out for a test run. Out of that afternoon's brief shoot with BlackHawk, this one is my favorites. The expression is so much who this young gelding is. Typical of his breed, Arabian, he is deeply curious. He is just over 5 and, as is common for that age, he is a bit full of himself. But, he has a sweet nature and is mostly a joy.
Like most of my work, this is a photograph with many layers added. The layers for this piece consist of starting with basic processing for lighting and general enhancement—jobs that were not completed during the Adobe Camera Raw processing of the RAW file. Once the file was moved to Photoshop, I gradually added multiple painting layers using the Wacom tablet and pen. In this case, about 90 percent of the painting was done with a couple of the oil mixer brushes.
