What a wonderful year 2018 has been! It was full of painting, photography, teaching and travel. My trips included two Mustang Walkabout's, visiting Sand Wash Basin, McCullough Peaks, Great Desert Basin, Cedar Mountain and Assateague Island. I had the opportunity to teach two workshops at Assateague Island this year. Trips to New York with museum visits, hiking and painting were also highlights.
The year ahead includes working on, "Anatomy for Equine Artists", with Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography. Trips to the horse ranges out west as well as spring and fall workshops at Assateague Island.
Here are a few photos from 2018:
Painting a demo at Assateague Island.
Painting at the Great Desert Basin.
Meredith photographing the Sand Wash Basin horses.
Meredith teaching photography elements at Assateague.
The 2018 Assateague Island Painting and Photography Workshop was wonderful. The workshop sponsored by Assateague Island Alliance is one of two workshops conducted during my Artist-in-Residence. A one day Landscape Painting Workshop and a two day Wild Horse Painting and Photography Workshop. Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography conducted the photography sessions, giving participants insight into reference photography and editing.
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!
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.
Carrying a small watercolor kit is something that I do on every trip. I also take it with me to local parks, quick outdoor painting sessions and even when I get the truck serviced. I paint while waiting for the flight, on the plane, in the field looking for horses.
My kit is very light and minimal. It all fits in a small fanny pack. I use a Moleskin watercolor field book. Ninja Water brush, Rosemary travel brush, Nalgene water container, empty Metal Watercolor box, which I fill with full pans of colors that I use the most. I also use a Sucret's tin for additional colors. I also have a couple of brushes, pencils, a small sponge and cotton cloth that I can clip within easy reach. I keep a few business cards in my pack as well.
Please let me know if I can answer any questions. Keep painting!
Assateague Island has a wonderful combination of ocean side and bay side views. The warmth of the sun and cool ocean blue is a wonderful balance to the warm coat colors of the horses.
"Assateague Beauty" Oil 18x24 $800.00
"Assateague Beauty", combines the beauty of the ocean and horses that makes it such a magical place.
The Assateague Island Alliance sponsored workshop, Painting and Photographing Wild Horses was a wonderful success. The participants were talented and engaged. They eagerly approached the adventure of painting unrestrained horses that move on their own timetable. We covered painting in oils, quick watercolor sketches and gesture sketching. The Photography sessions with Meredith Hudes-Lowder of Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography were educational and full of insight. Students learned to make the most of their DSLR, point and shoot and smart phone cameras.
Many thanks for Assateague Island Alliance, Equus ferus Wild Horse Photography and our awesome workshop participants!
