Deception

"Deception" Equine Portrait: Watercolor; 11in x 14in, (2026)

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Line Drawing Initial pencil drawing on Arches 140lb cold press watercolor paper, establishing the composition of Deception before any paint is applied.
First washes of deep green laid in behind the horse, building the lush foliage backdrop using wet-on-wet watercolor technique.
Purple wildflowers and green foliage painted in the foreground, framing the base of the composition around the fence rail.
The wooden fence rail with hand-lettered "DECEPTION" carved into the grain, connecting the foreground flowers to the horse above.
Early value washes defining the form of Deception's white coat, using layered glazes to build depth and dimension in the face and body.
Deception - Finished Painting
Completed watercolor painting of Deception resting on the artist's desk alongside brushes and palette, ready for delivery.
Detail crop of the finished painting showing the rich texture of Arches 140lb cold press watercolor paper and the layered brushwork in Deception's face and fence.
Deception Reference Photo
Deception Reference Photo (Cropped)

Deception is a commissioned equine portrait of a white horse by the same name, painted in watercolor on Arches 140lb cold press paper.

Soft wet-on-wet washes build the warm undertones of the coat and background, while wet-on-dry layering defines the detail and contrast in the face, fence, and flowers. Colors were mixed entirely from Fall's personal palette — no shortcuts, no pre-mixed convenience colors.

This piece came together exactly as intended — a confident execution from first wash to final detail.

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