Wild Horses, like a Force of Nature

If you have ever been out camping-or watching wild horses, and the weather changes quickly, it is amazing to witness. That rapid building of clouds, thunder and the incoming rain is powerful to experience.  That force of nature was what watching this herd of horses run  felt like.

"Approaching Storm"
Oil
12x16
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Plein air Horses and Water

It seems like a bonus when I get to paint two of my favorite things together. Such was the case  on this morning. I arrived to find one of my favorite bands of wild horses eating and resting in the river.  This is a common sight, they cool off and eat the grass that grows on the bottom of the river. I shot a couple of quick photos and began to paint.

"Peace at the River"

Oil

8x10

$160.00
 

Enjoy the video I made of the horses and painting from that morning.

Wild Horses, Power and Beauty

While working on this series of paintings, I am immersed in the beauty and power that is on display. During my trip, I felt the uninterrupted flow of being with the horses on their daily schedule. The rhythm of being on "Wild Horse Time",   and of living in the present was such a connecting influence.
This series has reminded me of how much power and beauty I got to experience. This painting is based on that feeling and visual experience. That feeling and beauty, is what I want to share.

"Wild Power, Lasting Beauty"

Oil

20x24

$2,000

Wild Horses Running, Beauty and Power

The power and beauty of wild horses running is magnificent. Thundering hooves cresting a hill and running strait toward you as the dust begins to build behind them almost vibrates the ground.  The sound represents freedom, the sight one of unbridled beauty. Even in the midst of a full gallop the horses interact with each other in a version of high speed game of "tag". The element of fun is expressed here with a simple gesture. I hope you feel the thunder of hoves in this series of paintings based on the McCullough Peaks wild horses.

"Thunder on the Range"

Oil

14x18

$900.00

Creating Action in a Painting

Each time I am with wild horses, I spend time clearing my mind and focusing on the horses interaction. This summer I got to see some action as the horses at McCullough Peaks raced into the waterhole. I am working on a series of paintings based on this experience. Part of what I want to express, is not simply the horses running, but the atmosphere from the dust, and the subtle interaction they have with each other while they are running.

I decided to post a few photos taken while I was working on, "Thundering into our Hearts"

The sketch,  very loose and quick, as if I were there watching them.

I just jump right in working from dark to light on each horse, being mindful of the values.

I worked out from each horse to adjust the effect the dust would have on the horses in the rear.

I added the foreground and background values last.

Click to view full screen.

"Thundering into our Hearts"

Oil

12x24

$600.00

 

Wild Horses, Thunder of Freedom

During my summer painting trip, I camped out at McCullough Peaks to spend time with the wild horses there. These are stocky, handsome horses whose rugged appearance portray  an iconic image of wild horses. I was fascinated by this herd as they covered a large amount of ground when they ran into their favorite waterhole. I found them before dawn one morning and gotten a small painting done. Then as they slowly began to move, I could tell where they were headed. I jumped in my truck to get to the waterhole before they did.  The experience of watching and feeling them thunder in touched my spirit. This painting is based on that experience.

Below is a short video with clips of them running and photos of this painting in progress.

"Thunder of Freedom"

Oil

16x20

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Cloud and Encore of the Pryor Mountains

I spent many hours sitting and watching Cloud and his band while at the Pryor Mountains. It was wonderful to watch them in the free and peaceful life they have. Cloud's filly, Encore seems very stout and fit for one so young. This painting was inspired by the wonderful way that Could watches over her.

"Looking After Encore" study
Oil on vellum
12x18

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