Brahman Bull Painting

Beyond Measure
30 x 30 inch, oil on canvas
© 2011 Kathleen Coy

My largest studio painting to date. I got some good photos of this bull standing in a field when I was in Oklahoma earlier this year. I was in complete awe of not only his massive size and strength, but also of the equal measure of dignity that went along with it. This painting represents more to me than just a painting of a beautiful animal. I titled it, Beyond Measure, after the opening line from Marianne Williamson's Our Deepest Fear:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."

I love the way animals never question their own existence the way humans do, and I love the way they're always true to themselves. I love the way animals exemplify qualities I admire, such as courage, strength, and living in the now. As this bull looked over the fence at me, he seemed to be saying, "I am worthy simply because I am here, on this Earth, in this moment. And so are you..."

If you're interested in watching this painting come together, I put together a video of the process. I hope you enjoy it!



In other news, I'm having an opening reception tomorrow, Saturday the 13th, from 1 - 5 pm at the Corning Fine Arts Center. If you're anywhere in the area, I hope you can stop by! http://www.corningfinearts.com/