Painting Horses from Life

Painting horses from life is challenging and rewarding. I am frequently asked how I make them stand still. Well, I don't, and that is part of the challenge. The movement of the horse and the constantly changing light also add to my emotional response to the painting. I strive to see not only the conformation and individual characteristics of each horse, but also the way natural light effects a living being. Each painting is an opportunity for me to see, learn and grow in my horsemanship insight and painterly skills. Everything I learn, I take with me to the next painting, and I want to fill them all with the heart and life of the horse.

Mustangs are headed to Gold Canyon

On January 23, from 9:00-3:00, the Canyon Arts Festival will be held in Gold Canyon, AZ. (Space number T-23). I will have a booth there and have some of the paintings from, "Among the Mustangs" available. The Canyon Arts Festival is at the corner of Alameda and Kings Ranch Road in Gold Canyon,AZ. I hope to see you there!

Plein Air Painting-Horses

I met up with the Arizona Plein Air Painters for a paint-out at the Saguaro Lake Ranch. This is a wonderful setting with views of the Salt River, Bulldog Cliffs and of course horses. While other members wondered off to find inspiring landscapes to paint, I set up to paint some of the Saguaro Lake Trail Rides horses.
While painting horses from life, I take the opportunity to focus and get very clear on color, light and conformation. As with painting the landscape from life, the scene changes rapidly. I had the chance to lay in my foundation, before some of these horses were off to work to take guests on trail rides. I was then able to complete them when they returned from a scenic ride into Tonto National Forrest.

Studio Tour Exhibit

The Studio Tour exhibit was a blast. I met so many great folks during the two days and had a wonderful time. It was nice to get such good feedback and to know how much my work is appreciated. The "Wild Pair" was the People's Choice, and it got rave reviews. It was wonderful to share studio space with Andrea Trotter, and I got to enjoy her Photography all weekend. Thanks to all of you who came by!

Mustang Oil Paintings on Exhibit

AMONG THE MUSTANGS

The Onaqui herd of horses roams freely in an area southwest of Salt Lake City surrounded by Utah’s mountains. Encircled by more than 200 wild mustangs, I observed their interaction with each other and with the land. Small groups of horses stood together, some sparred, some slept, and others moved from group to group.

These paintings are a soul-searching quest into each horse's spirit and relationship with the herd. They are an intimate glimpse at the powerful, yet peaceful existence of wild horses in their natural environment. I hope you feel as if you have experienced the freedom of these quiet symbols from our nation’s past.

Note: About 200 of the Onaqui herd were recently rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management. Their fate is uncertain.

Artists of the Superstitions Studio Tour

Saturday and Sunday
November 7th and 8th
9:00 am-4:00pm
2161 East Junction Street
Apache Junction, Arizona 85219

Please plan on joining me for this exhibit of more than twenty oil paintings of the Onaqui herd.

Andrea Trotter will also be displaying her Nature Photography at my studio.