The first time I met Cloud was in the summer of 2013. During that trip I was able to campout three nights on Pryor Mountain. As it happened, Cloud’s band was one of the first that I saw on that trip. Seeing him was such a thrill and tears filled my eyes.
Encore was a foal in 2013, and was so much like Cloud in
personality and appearance. I spent as much time as I could with them during
that trip.
"Encore Frolic" 6x8 |
In 2014, I was honored with an Artist-in-Residence position
at Bighorn Canyon Recreation Area. My goal was to paint the horses that lived
on the Dryhead. I spent my time following those bands and learning about them
while I painted. In the course of my Residency, I went up the mountain to
search for Cloud.
He had lost his band earlier and was able to win some back.
He even had a foal in his small band. This was a very peaceful visit as he kept
his family away from a lot of other bands.
That summer we also had the Celebration of Wild Horses
through Art and Music to benefit The Cloud Foundation. That was a very popular
and successful event.
Later that afternoon, it became apparent that this stallion
could only be Cloud. He got into a brief sparring match with another stallion
and his iconic personality as a bold stallion was on display. I also spent time
with him while he napped, hung out on the snow at the waterhole, and peacefully
grazed in the meadow.
Cloud, July 2015. His blaze and socks obscured by mud. |
Cloud spars with another stallion. |
Cloud peacefully grazes. |
"Cloud Portrait" |
Cloud is one of the most inspiring stallions and painting
him is such a thrill. Please email me about availability of these and other Cloud paintings. To see and purchase photographs of Cloud, please visit, Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography.
2 comments:
He truly is a remarkable stallion
He is an amazing stallion!
Post a Comment