Painting wild horses, Plein air

On a overcast winter morning, I bundled up and got out and painted.  A group of 8 bachelors napping made for a beautiful setting.  Time lapse video posted below.

"Sleeping In"

8x10

$130.00

 

Wild Horses, Running Free

This painting was inspired by the wild horses that live along the Salt River in Arizona. I have spent many hours watching, sketching, photographing and painting them. Approaching with patience and respect I have been the recipient  of what can be learned through quiet observation.  I wish to share the beauty and grace they have shown me.

"Running Free"

Oil

12x24

$650.00

Painting the Grand Canyon

 It was windy, cold and beautiful!

This week I spent a couple of days painting at the Grand Canyon. A place of such vast beauty, where should I begin? I started with the first the first overlook I stopped at, Mather Point. During the two days that I was there, did 7 little paintings. Here is a link to the album:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3998092114248.2149685.1339350368&type=1&l=940de9d7a9

The following are a some of paintings from the trip.

 "Grand Canyon Mule"

6x6
$85.00

I painted this while waiting for my room to be ready.

"Sunrise Bright Angel"

8x10
$150.00

This was painted along the Bright Angel trail as the sun first hit the canyon rocks. 

"Sunset at Hopi Point"

10x8

This is a painting I knew I wanted to do, so I got it in on the first evening there.

"Mather Point"

6x6
$90.00

My first stop along the canyon rim.

Sculpting the Dog from Life-with Rod Zullo

This past week I was honored to attend Rod Zullo's sculpting workshop at Scottsdale Artists' School. The week focused on Rod's  technique of quickly establishing the armature and accurate form of the subject. As a painter, this new way of looking at objects is very revealing to me. 

The bonus for me-is that I got to bring my two German Shepherds to model for the class. Striker and Jasmine were very tolerant of being handled and closely scrutinized as we looked for measurements and important parts of anatomy that help define a dog.

It was wonderful to be inspired, learn and talk with friends during this week. Rod is going to teach a workshop on sculpting the horse in a couple of months, please join us!

Wild Horses, the Wind and Freedom

The symbolism of wild horses, the wind and freedom are very closely tied to each other. Each one awakening a place in our spirit that reminds us to live in the present.

Tango, one of the beloved Salt River wild stallions is depicted here.This tribute painting  reminds me to remain free and in the present, choosing to avoid the hazards that entangle the spirit and mind.

***Note: Tango has not been seen since late summer of 2012. He was last seen trailing about 10 feet of barb wire that  was entangled around his rear leg. Tango, may you always Dance with the Wind.

"Tango with the Wind"

Oil on linen

10.5 x 14

This piece is also available on my Fine Art America page as a print or note card.  

White Stallion

When I paint from life I always see and learn something new. The outdoors is a great teacher, it has been said that is where the answers are found. I put together this short time lapse of the "White Stallion"  and included video footage of the stallion as he left. I inserted the footage in sequence with the painting. 

"White Stallion"

SOLD

6x6
This painting was accepted into the 6" Squared Show at the Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa mesa, CA

Salt River Wild Horses

The sunlight was streaming down on this mare and foal just after sunrise. The sight was beautiful and peaceful. The White Egrets added a special tranquility to the moment.The warm light and reflection tell the story.

"Sharing the River"

Oil on cradeled board

14x11

SOLD

Corona, icon of the Sand Wash Basin

Corona, the stunning stallion of the Sand Wash basin was all business this past summer  when I got to visit the area. he brought his band into water, and moved them back out onto the vast range as soon as they were done. He was amazing to watch,  as he ran, the wind lifted his mane and tail. This painting is inspired by those moments.

"Corona, Runs With the Wind"

Oil on cradled wood board

8x8

SOLD

Wild Horses, family Bonds

To a wild horse, Family and Freedom are so important. The closeness of the band, and the willingness for a stallion to fight to protect and keep them together is amazing. This painting, "So much like Dad", is one of our Arizona wild horses, (Biff), and it represents that bond.

"So much like Dad"

SOLD

 

Wild Horses-Wild Lands Exhibit

I have 8 paintings in the "WILD HORSES--WILD LANDS" Arts Celebration!

Sponsored by the Estes Park Cultural Arts Center as a fund-raiser for The Cloud Foundation.
* Thurs., Oct. 11, 6:30pm--Ginger Kathrens, Emmy-award winning filmmaker & Exec. Dir. of The Cloud Foundation, will give a presentation with film clips on Cloud and the wild horses. Estes Park Resort, 1700 Big Thompson Ave.
* Mustang Demonstrations by adopters.
* Fri., Oct 12, 5-8pm--Open House Art Exhibit--"Wild Horses--Wild Lands." Live

music, wine, hors d'hoerves, meet the artists: photography, film, books, paintings, sculpture, and music. Proceeds from the exhibit will benefit The Cloud Foundation. Estes Valley Cultural Arts Gallery, 423 W. Elkhorn.
* Oct. 12-Nov. 14--"Wild Horses--Wild Lands" exhibit continues at the gallery. Plan to do your Christmas shopping early and benefit The Cloud Foundation.

"Stallion Spar"

16x20

 "Sparring Colts"

16x20

 "Freedom"

8x10

 "Light and the Good Life"

8x10

 "Morning Nap" Painted from life.

6x6

 "Band Stallion" Painted from life.

6x6

 "Blue"

8x8

"Destiny"

8x8

Monero Mustang New Foal

Last May, while I was touring Monero Mustang Sanctuary, we spotted a new foal. It always amazes me how long their legs are! When I started working on this piece, I wanted to express a couple of things. One was the feel of movement in the foals legs, and the other was the relationship of the foal to his mother. I made use of value contrast and brushwork to define both of these concepts.

"Keeping up with Mom"

Oil on linen

9x12

SOLD

Sparring Colts-Wild Horse Play

One of my stops this summer was at the Monero Mustang Sanctuary in New Mexico. This slice of heaven is a place where wild horses live in a setting that closely resembles their original wild and free habitat.

"Sparring Colts" depicts two young colts at play. This is practice for the time when they spar to defend and protect a band of their own.

"Sparring Colts"

Oil on cradled board

16x20

Sold

Prints are also available on my Fine Art America page.

On Location Wild Horse Time Lapse

One of my goals in painting wild horses is to share the experience of what it feels like to be out in their environment.  In each painting I want to express some of what I see, hear, smell, taste and feel. This is a short time lapse of a painting I did of a young stallion.

"Young Stallion"

SOLD

Painting Wild Horses, a Labor of Love

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S.) is free.

Although I paint many subjects, painting Wild Horses  is a labor of love.  They inspire me like nothing else dose, and I am blessed to know they are admired by so many other people.  So often I read about people who would love to go and see wild horses. The images of them running and being part of their family bands have a great appeal. I hope my paintings can reach those that are not able to travel and see them, and bring into their lives and homes what it feels like to see America's Wild Horses, our icons of Freedom. This painting expresses that as simply and honestly as I can.

"Freedom"

Oil

8x10

$125.00

A closer look, "Sparring Stallions"

Watching stallions spar is dramatic and exciting. I never know what will happen next. To be able to witness this is something that those who go out look forward to seeing. The display of strength, agility and contest never disappoint. Whether they are sparing over mares, territory,  dominance within the band or playing it is very exciting to watch.

Stallions will eye each other, then trot out to meet. Necks arched, they sniff each others nostrils, paw the ground and often squeal that high pitched sound that seems like it should come from a completely different animal. What happens next could go either way. Will they separate and go on their way or proceed to spar and battle it out on the range?

"Sparring Stallions"

oil on cradled wood, ready to hang

16x20

Sold

Apache, Sand Wash Basin Stallion

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S.) is free.

Apache is a small stallion with a big heart. He has been working hard to win a band of his own and fearlessly challenges stallions much larger than he is. Over the course of several days, I witnessed him tirelessly take on several stallions. I hope he has a band of his own one day. 

"Apache Portrait"

Newly updated website!

Please visit my newly updated website. Karen McLain Studio has a fresh new look and new pages. Plus the images are updated.  A huge thanks to Peggy Thomas for doing such a great job on it! Please visit her blog, Birding Without Barriers, but be prepared to stay a while, you'll like it! If you need some website work done, I highly recommend Peggy!

Sand Wash Basin Skyline

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S.) is free.

This incredible stallion was so striking against the skyline. The stark contrast of his white coat and the  dark tones of the sky and landscape really showed his beauty.  The wind was blowing and it lifted his mane and tail as he intensely gazed at me. It is an experience I had to share. 

"Skyline Stallion"

SOLD

Picasso, a Wild Horse Icon

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S.) is free.

This painting depicts Picasso and his family.  Picasso is one of the most easily recognized wild horses on the Sand Wash Basin range and on the internet. This Spring, Picasso and his mare, Mingo had a filly called Mimi. When I first saw this band I was so excited to see a new Picasso filly. This painting shows the tenderness and protection that Picasso and Mingo exhibited as I watched them. 

"Picasso's Band"

Oil

12x12

Sold 

Bugs, the Watchful Stallion

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S.) is free.

"Bugs"  is a wonderful stallion that I love to paint!  I got to see him the past two summers at the Sand Wash Basin range. Bugs band has one of it's members that I got to name-Titanium. (the color of the paint, of course) Plus last summer it was one of his mares that was the subject for a quick field study.  This summer I enjoyed watching as Bugs brought his band into water, and stood watching over them as they got their fill.

"Bugs, the Watchful Stallion"

Oil

8x10

Sold

The Band Stallion, "Dan"

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S.) is free.

"Dan" is a wonderful buckskin band stallion. "Splash", (on the previous post) is one of his mares. I was able to watch Dan interact around the waterhole, and he moves with such grace!  

"Dan"

Oil

8x8
SOLD

Making a "Splash"

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S.) is free.

"Splash" is a mare in Dan's band. (A painting of Dan is next). It is easy to see how this mare got her name. What a wonderful coat pattern! She  moved freely as she played around the waterhole. I enjoyed painting the pattern on her coat and the pattern in the background water. Splash lives at the Sand Wash Basin, CO.

"Splash"
SOLD

"Destiny", Blue's little mare

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S.) is free.

"Destiny" is one of Blue's mares. This summer I got to paint her from life, as I did Blue.  She has very interesting marking on her face, half white and half that beautiful orange-tan. I painted her with the late afternoon light hitting her coat expressing the warmth and life that she has. 

 Field study of "Destiny"

This is the painting I did of them last summer. It shows Blue chasing Destiny, (which I think he did most of last summer). After seeing them last summer and doing this painting, it was very special to paint them from life this summer.

"Blue and Destiny" 16x48

"Destiny"

Oil

8x8
$150.00
Available at: http://www.equisart.com/

"Blue" a SWB stallion

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S.) is free.

"Blue",  is a wonderful dark Blue Roan stallion at the Sand Wash Basin. Last summer I watched him chase "Destiny", (his new mare), across the range and featured them in a painting. This summer, I had the chance to paint both Blue and Destiny from life, so I feel my connection with them is even stronger.  Here is my field study of Blue 5/2012

 "Blue" painted on location, SWB, CO.

My "Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom" painting of Blue depicts him with the late afternoon sun hitting his coat. The light around him was wonderful and it reflected the glow of the sun, and the highlights in his coat and mane.

"Blue"

Oil

8x8
SOLD

Apache in Action

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S. is free).

 Apache is working to start a band of his own and has been sparring with several stallions. Even though Apache is much smaller than these stallions, it dose not deter him.  I admire his energy and resolve!

"Apache in Action"

Oil

6x6
SOLD

Corona, the Iconic Wild Horse

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S. is free).

Corona is one of the  icons of the Sand Wash Basin. He is full of life and is well known on the web. During my trip, one of my goals was to see this amazing horse. As a band stallion, he was all business as he brought his band in for a drink. I was so excited to see him come up over the  hill to make sure all was safe at the waterhole. With his wonderful mane caught by the wind, he lead his band in. It is this first glimpse that I wanted to capture here. Corona, running  as he topped the hill, with the distant mountains in the background. It is a thrill I will always remember.

"Corona"

Oil

8x8
SOLD

A wild horse called Silverado

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S. is free).

 Silverado is a band stallion at the Sand Wash Basin. He is a stunning gray with white socks. It was a real treat to see him while I was there, he has so much grace and seems to float as he moves.

"Silverado" 

8x10

Oil on cradled wood

Lightning, the Wild Stallion

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S. is free).

Lightning is a stunning SWB bachelor. The day I saw him he was dogging both Viggo's and Barcus bands. Lightning has such a distinctive blaze, it is easy to see how he go his name!

"Lightning"

Oil

6x6
SOLD

WildWind the Wild Stallion

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom 

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S. is free).

WildWind is a stunning band stallion at the Sand Wash Basin. He has a copper coat that reveals wonderful highlights. I had the opportunity to watch him on several days, and he kept his band close by on each occasion. 

"WildWind" 

8x10

Oil on cradled wood

SOLD

Thank you!

Thank you for your interest in my work. If you have reached this notice, the painting your are interested in has been purchased. Please email me with questions or for information about another painting. karenmclain@Qwest.net
This notice was created to eliminate duplicate purchases.

Please check for other available paintings.
Karen Mclain

A Wild Horse named Apache

Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom

 As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S. is free).

Apache is  a stallion at the Sand Wash Basin, CO.  This summer I watched him dog a band attempting to steal some mares. Although he is a smaller stallion, he took on much larger stallions. I admired his courage and determination as he pursued  his task. This spunky stallion has what it takes to be a wild horse!

"Apache" 

8x10

Oil on cradled wood

SOLD

A Wild Horse called "Chrome"

 Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom

As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S. is free).

Today's wild horse is "Chrome".  I saw Chrome while I was painting at "Greasewood's waterhole",  early one morning. He is a stallion that is often seen alone. His beautiful coat along with near perfect boots are topped off by a mane that has wonderful highlights. What a stunning horse!

"Chrome"

Oil

8x8

SOLD

Wild Horses, a Slice of Life

 Wild Horses, Portraits of Freedom

As a result of my trips out to visit the wild horse herds in AZ, CO and NM, I am doing a series of small portraits. My goal is to give an intimate glimpse into individual horses and my visual and emotional response to their beauty. The paintings are on cradled wood, so they can be easily hung or placed as freestanding art. Shipping, (with in the continental U.S. is free).
This beautiful Buckskin is Bugs, a band stallion at the Sand Wash Basin. To learn more about Bugs, visit the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horses web page. I had the opportunity to watch Bugs and his band on several days this summer. This is one of my favorite bands to paint!

"Bugs" 

8x8

Oil on cradled wood

SOLD