This was the first really nice day we have had in a while, and I got out to Mammoth to paint horses from life. The second quick study I did was a portrait of of mule, "Charlie" is his name. He had wonderful color transitions around his nose, eyes and jaw area. Plus, there is something beautiful about mule ears. Curious and engaging at the same time. His rider had to leave before I was able to finish, but I enjoyed the time I was able to work on the study. (In the first photo, you can see him on the left.)
Ginger Kathrens, producer/Cinematographer of the PBS series on Cloud, the Wild Mustang along with Michael Blake, author of "Dances with Wolves" were the keynote speakers at the first Arizona Horse Expo. In addition to these advocates for the Mustangs, there were quality trainers giving demonstrations in a variety of disciplines. The weather was perfect for those that Exhibited and the crowd was large enough that it will be held at a larger venue next year.It was a special honor for me to have some time to talk with Ginger Kathrens about the her experience chronicling Clouds herd and the status of the Mustang herds. The herds are currently being rounded up and put into holding pens at an alarming rate, and at great expense. Without an independent audit on the herds population and the BLM's fiscal mismanagement, Americans Mustangs are in grave peril. Most of you know that I had the opportunity to observe and photograph the Onaqui herd last June with Gene Praag. This was a deeply moving experience, and became the basis for a series of paintings, "Among the Mustangs". Please visit The Cloud Foundation's website for updated information on round-ups, the role of the Ruby Pipeline, and who you can contact.
Painting horses from life is challenging and rewarding. I am frequently asked how I make them stand still. Well, I don't, and that is part of the challenge. The movement of the horse and the constantly changing light also add to my emotional response to the painting. I strive to see not only the conformation and individual characteristics of each horse, but also the way natural light effects a living being. Each painting is an opportunity for me to see, learn and grow in my horsemanship insight and painterly skills. Everything I learn, I take with me to the next painting, and I want to fill them all with the heart and life of the horse.
On January 23, from 9:00-3:00, the Canyon Arts Festival will be held in Gold Canyon, AZ. (Space number T-23). I will have a booth there and have some of the paintings from, "Among the Mustangs" available. The Canyon Arts Festival is at the corner of Alameda and Kings Ranch Road in Gold Canyon,AZ. I hope to see you there!
I met up with the Arizona Plein Air Painters for a paint-out at the Saguaro Lake Ranch. This is a wonderful setting with views of the Salt River, Bulldog Cliffs and of course horses. While other members wondered off to find inspiring landscapes to paint, I set up to paint some of the Saguaro Lake Trail Rides horses.
While painting horses from life, I take the opportunity to focus and get very clear on color, light and conformation. As with painting the landscape from life, the scene changes rapidly. I had the chance to lay in my foundation, before some of these horses were off to work to take guests on trail rides. I was then able to complete them when they returned from a scenic ride into Tonto National Forrest.
