The Budweiser Hitch made an appearance at Country Thunder in Florence, AZ. I did not want to miss an opportunity to paint these incredible, beloved horses. These are the two paintings I did from life of the Budweiser Hitch and their handlers. This was an energetic and thrilling morning. The paintings were completely spontaneous and done from a distance to avoid interfering with the tasks of preparing for their public hitch appearance.
When I arrived, two handlers were each walking four horses around the grounds to allow them exercise. I followed and quickly set my easel up and sketched the gesture as they were returning to the stalls. They had 10 horses on this tour, and 8 were past the point to capture in this pose. I was lucky that another handler took the remaining two for a walk. While they were heading out, I quickly found a place out of the way and set up to paint. When they walked past, I further defined my sketch, then completed the painting from memory. The second painting, "Bath Time", I was afforded a relatively stationary scene. Editing out everything but the essence, the composition tells the story of getting ready for their public appearance.
The quick gesture sketch.
Getting as much information as I can, then working from memory.
This summer, I was able to take two wild horse trips. This field experience is an invaluable time for painting and photography. I picked up Meredith and Ben Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography and we traveled to Sand Wash Basin and then to the Great Desert Basin. (Earlier in the summer, we visited Sand Wash Basin and McCullough Peaks).
Horses pass by our camp.
Painting at the Great Desert Basin.
The Great Desert Basin.
Bestie Adventures.
Phenomenal Photographer, Meredith Hudes-Lowder.
Painting Picasso.
At camp with Meredith and Ben.
The Bears Ears during the full moon.
Ben Lowder in action.
Sand Wash Basin horses.
Painting at Sand Wash Basin.
These extended on-range stays are the best way to learn. Being able to paint field studies, and take photos, while living there, is ultimately communicated through my studio paintings.
The Great Basin herd originally captivated me in 2009. They were the beginning of an inspiring and adventurous journey into the world of wild horses. I have traveled across the west and as far as Assateague Island to paint and photograph them. Each time I watch them thundering across the vista or quietly grazing, I see and learn more.
"The Basin Chase" Oil 30x40 $3,000.00
Sharing the beauty, power and drama of wild horses.
2017 was an incredible year, painting and spending time with wild horses on the range. Field study is the foundation of my work, learning from in-depth observation. Investing time painting from life allows me to confront the challenges of communicating a moving 3-D subject onto a 2-D format. I strive to capture the essence and life.
"Stallion Reflection" Oil 20x16 $800.00
The Mustang Walkabout with Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography was the most exciting one yet. Seeing new horses and following their lives through the years. We also returned to Assateague Island to teach painting and photography. These experiences have instilled a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity I have to follow my dream.
I want to thank my collectors and friends for making this an amazing year! All the best to you in 2018!
The Assateague Island Alliance sponsored workshop, Painting and Photographing Wild Horses was a resounding success. The talented participants were adventurous and engaged. They enthusiastically approached the process of painting unrestrained horses that move on their own timetable. We covered painting in oils, quick watercolor sketches and gesture sketching. The Photography and editing sessions with Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography were educational and insightful.
Many thanks for Assateague Island Alliance, Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography and our awesome workshop participants!
This summer's Mustang Walkabout was successful, educating and inspiring. Karen McLain Studio and Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography visited Sand Wash Basin, CO and the Great Basin, UT. The opportunity to be on the range with Meredith Hudes-Lowder, scientist and phenomenal photographer was wonderful. In addition to the Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography website, she maintains a blog that covers equine genetics, coat color, and pertinent research topics.
Sand Wash Basin, CO
Painting Picasso.
The Free Meet and Shoot at Sand Wash Basin.
Camping at the Great Basin.
Meredith Hudes-Lowder, and extraordinary photographer.
I look forward to going through the photos, videos and painting. Follow me on Facebook and be inspired by the wonderful photography of Equus ferus on Facebook as well.
Several years ago, I was intrigued with the question about how horses behave when we aren't around and also how they behave after dark. That's when I first started using Trail Cameras. These cameras collect still and video, (some even record audio), and are motion activated. First, I experimented at home and was rewarded with images of urban wildlife that stopped for a drink.
After trial and error, I learned about where to place the camera for the best shots. (I quickly learned to avoid placing it near bushes that would trigger the camera.) I began integrating these clips in my short videos. This sequence was all captured on a trail camera.
This short nocturne was fun to capture.
This video taken during my Artist-in-Residence at Bighorn Canyon, incorporates the trail camera with my Canon.
My interest also included how I could capture horses from a lower perspective. During this time I began experimenting with the GoPro.
This short video resulted in a dramatic painting.
"Mustangs" 24x36
This GoPro video features horses from Assateague Island.
In the video below, I combine GoPro footage with multimedia. Notice the photo with the GoPro at the 30 second mark.
This video of the Salt River Horses included the waterline.
By using the motion activated and remote controlled cameras, I have a new perspective on horse behavior. I will add to my collection of videos during the coming months. Please visit my You Tube Channel to see additional wild horse videos. Please visit Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography to see photos from many wild horse areas.
Last week, I visited my best friend and extraordinary photographer, Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography, in New York. I spent a day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a day at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum. Both museums have wonderful collections. The Wadsworth is the oldest continuously-operating public museum in the U.S. It also holds the largest collection of paintings from the Hudson River School. Every time I visit museums, I learn from the masters and am inspired to paint and grow!
From the Wadsworth Atheneum collection:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
We had the opportunity for some day trips and hikes. I painted and Meredith played her Harpsicle Harp.
It was a wonderful week packed full of art, adventure and fun!
