Friday, August 24, 2012

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


Saturday, August 18, 2012

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"

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

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!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

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

Sunday, August 5, 2012

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