Saturday, December 29, 2007

And They're Off!


Well, I'm a little slow out of the gate joining things around here! Thanks to Donna Ridgeway for getting things going.

My name is Linda Shantz, and while I often paint more generic horse images, my passion is Thoroughbred racing. When I'm not working with or watching these horses, I'm painting them. Oil, oil pastel and pencil are my usual media. This time of year in my neck of the woods things are relatively quiet -- the season at Woodbine is over, the horses either off for a few months or in one of the southern states to train in more hospitable climates. I have a barn full of layups, weanlings and broodmares. It won't be long before foal watch starts! These horses are a constant inspiration.


I hope you enjoy all the great artwork on this blog. If you'd like to see more of mine, you can check out my blog, or visit my website. And in case I'm not back before, Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Winter Solstice


Happy Winter Solstice. This painting was finished on the shortest day of the year. With so much darkness, I wanted to accent the hope of a new dawn. This is a 12x12 oil on canvas, and is available for purchase at www.katedardine.com

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Le Cheval (the horse) - Juliet R. Harrison Photography


Le Cheval (the horse) is the home of the Traditional, Hand-Printed Equine, Canine and Livestock Photograpy of Juliet R. Harrison.


Horses and Photography have always been my passions. My joy is to be able to combine the two to create Fine Art. I specialize in Black & White limited editions that feature the horse in both traditional realistic and abstract imagery.


Please visit my website at http://www.lechevalthehorse.com/ . Mention this blog and receive a 20% discount on all original prints.




Wednesday, December 19, 2007

"Now!"


This painting is the "slap happiest" I've ever done. It was part of a two hour challenge. I painted for two hours and it was almost finished, but not quite. I've worked on it another hour since the challenge was over. :) I just couldn't leave it like it was.

It was incredibly fun to work like this...

The word now was on the score board behind the horse in the photo I was working from. I included it in the painting. This painting tells a story of a single moment in time, the race is over, won or lost, and it's all about how this jockey and this horse are feeling right now. Doing this painting in two hours (and a little more) also gives it that feeling of right now...the brush strokes were fast, there wasn't much planning...it just happened.

You can see this painting as a work in progress on my blog.

Thanks for stopping by! Donna Ridgway

Friday, December 14, 2007

New Painting by Kate Dardine


This painting is called "The Direction of My Dreams" and is the latest in my Equine Inspirations" series. Henry David Thoreau said, "I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." This 12x36 oil painting is gallery-wrapped on 1.5" stretcher bars and retails for $875. It is available through www.katedardine.com.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

New print available: Mary


This is my new giclee of a pastel, "Mary." It is of a friend's draft mare during her final days as it grew increasingly harder for her to get around. She was a beautiful mare and gentle to all. She had been an Amish work horse and my friend bought her for her experience and to have her last years full of rest well deserved. They taught each other a lot.
The print measures 17.25x21.75 with the image size 11.25x16. It is printed with archival inks and on acid free heavy stock and is for sale for $60 plus shipping and handling. Please contact me by email at LOJOMJNC@charter.net

Judith Johnson

Midnight Race lithograph and prints


Midnight Race"
I’ve been drawing since I can remember. My mom said I picked up a pencil early on and started drawing/scribbling. I would spend a lot of time drawings thru the years.
I also fell in love with horses. My parents took us to a local farm for pony rides occasionally. On my very first pony ride I fell in love with them. I thought they were so beautiful and gentle. I felt on top of the world on their back as we were led around the farm yard.
I decided to pursue an art career. I attended Southeastern Mass. U.
I had a desire to incorporate my love for horses in my art.

"Midnight Race" is a lithograph I did when I was at Southeastern Massachusetts University. I learned a couple of techniques used to make lithographs in the Lithography course I took. I wished to capture the beauty and power in horses, yet I didn't want it so realistic. I experiemented and came up with this image. Later, I entered it in "The Okterfest" of the Tauton Art Association. I received Second Place. Another day I met the artist who was one of the judges at that show. She was excited to meet me and told me she thought the image was real good. With that I entered it with only some hope, of course, into the juried show at "The Harborfest" in Cohasett. Much to my surprise and joy, I received notice the image got into the juried exhibit and received an Honorable Mention award. It was a hightlight in my pursue of an art career.

Prints and T-shirts available. Gift ideas

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Amish Buggy Horse Portrait


I painted this very recently. It is primarily watercolor with a wee bit of CP and acrylic ink.

I am an artist living in Amish County in Ohio. I also happen to love painting horses so buggy horses and work horses are often subjects in my paintings. Since I love all things equine I widen my range and paint a whole variety of horses, donkeys, mules etc. I also paint farm animals, people, flowers and the occassional landscape as well as pet and horse portraits. I like to work in a wide range also from life sized horse murals on display at Lehman's in Kidron, Ohio to intricate floral watercolors. I work in acrylics, watercolor, graphite, colored pencil, oils and pastels.

I sell my art thru pay pal on my web site http://www.suesteiner.com/ or http://www.amish-art.com/ I also keep a blog where I often post work in progress photos. You can see this painting take shape there a couple weeks back. The blog is located at http://www.amulti-coloredlife.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 7, 2007

Black Snowcap Appaloosa by Kerry Nelson


This little 4x6" oil painting is just one of several small oil paintings I currantly have for sell on ebay. These tiny oil paintings make excellant christmas gifts for the horse art lover on your list. This little painting is ideally sized to fit on the wall, desk, or, bookcase, and, it has the added advantage of being in a flat, collectible format that will also fit into standard 4x6 photo albums. Just follow this link to see more details about this painting, including close-up detail photographs: SOLD

See new work and works in progress at www.KerryOriginals.blogspot.com and see works for sale at www.KerryOriginals.etsy.com .

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Yvonne Kitchen, Bronze Portraits from Nature

I am beginning my contribution to our horse blog at a very exciting time for me having just heard from the Society of Animal Artists that I have been accepted as an Associate Member. I am hoping that this association will be as meaningful as have been my membership in the Equine Art Guild and Associate Memberships in the Women Artists of the West and American Academy of Equine Art. Being the widow of a university professor (of Veterinary Medicine) it is easy to understand how much I appreciate belonging to organizations that promote lifelong learning. The Society of Animal Artists letter came in quick succession with having my latest bronze "Hobbled", a portrait of Mulemanship Clinician Brad Cameron and his beautiful young mule Concho, win 1st place in the Sculpture Division at the 49ers Death Valley Days Art Show, and all three of my entries, "Florida Cracker Cowboy", "Hey, Mom!", and "Kate & Dan", juried into the Women Artists of the West A Mountain Holiday Small Works Show in Pinetop, AZ with "Hey, Mom!" selling before the show even opened. All four of these bronzes can be found on my website www.yvonnekitchen.com with "Hobbled" being found with my other new work on the In the Works page.


Like many equine artists, my passion for horses started very early, and I was fortunate that when my Daddy, an artist who worked primarily in graphite, guache, and pen & ink creating very accurate, detailed drawings of football teams that were as true to their subject as my equine portraits, had his heart attach when I was three we spent endless hours drawing as I sat with him on the hospital bed set up in our dining room. To this day when I am teaching, I still hear his voice echoing in my brain "if you want to draw horses, you have to Really Look at how the legs go..." His Dad was a horse trainer, my maternal grandfather a pastellist who also influenced my work, and my maternal great-grandfather the first thoroughbred breeder in Northern California. So I guess you could say I have Horse and Art throughout my genes.
Add to that all the years of raising, training, and grooming not only horses but a wide variety of domestic and exotic animals, and I sculpt as much by feel as by sight. And I always strive to bring out the personality rather than mere anatomical correctness whether taking a trip down memory lane such as with my "Major Trilogy", doing a commission such as "Dancing Morgans" or "Bruce and Bing", or creating trophies such as the mule, donkey, and draft horse I did for Winnemucca Mule Races.

My contact information:
ykitchen@jeffnet.org
www.yvonnekitchen.com
541-535-5365

Monday, December 3, 2007

Art Cards Featuring the Horses of Alterra

These are original drawings I made featuring some of my favorite equine characters from the Elfhunter fantasy book series by C.S. Marks. (If you like fantasy books and horses, you're sure to like this series.)
Each piece is 2.5" x 3.5", done in watercolor pencil and ink.
Click an image below to visit it's ebay auction:

Eros ACEO
Eros is a steady and courageous dun battle horse, who may be a little too clever for his own good.

Finan ACEO
Finan is a fiery but no-nonsense desert stallion who will prove his determination and skill only to one he deems worthy of his trust.

Realta ACEO
Realta is a tall gray stallion who would be the first to tell you that he's the handsomest and fastest around.

Visit my website for more art!
-Jeanne

CAROL BIERING HENDRIX

"As a visual artist specializing in oil painting and commissioned paintings, I have tried to present a view into my style of painting. As you can see, I paint alittle bit of everything. It is my hope that my passion for art shows in the vision and style of my work. Come and join me in a tour of my galleries by clicking on these links http://carolbhendrix.blogspot.com/ and http://www.equineartguild.com/~carolhendrix/ and, hopefully, enjoy the beauty that I strive for by producing art that comes from my inner passion. As you click on the various links, you can follow the road that leads from just enjoying the art to the opportunity to purchase selected items. Links to CafePress at http://www.cafepress.com/paintedmemories and my blog at http://carolbhendrix.blogspot.com/ will provide opportunities invest in artwork at reasonable prices or to commission a painting of your own. It is my hope that my studios will provide the viewer with the same feelings that have inspired me”.


Friday, November 30, 2007

John Henry Oil Painting by Kerry Nelson




This is a small 9x12 oil painting on 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas and is a portrait of the great thoroughbred racehorse, John Henry. It has the sides painted and comes already wired to hang, so, you can display it immediately as is, or, if you prefer, you can buy any standard 9x12 frame (not included). This original oil painting will be carefully wrapped and shipped by priority mail with FREE SHIPPING! (US only).

AVAILABLE FOR SALE  $249.
See new work and works in progress at www.KerryOriginals.blogspot.com and see works for sale at www.KerryOriginals.etsy.com .

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Spirit of the Horse Captured in Bronze by Deanna Cummins

Hello, I have been capturing the spirit of horses for 13 years now. I started in resin and moved to bronze casting. This process is amazing to me because it can be traced earlier then the Greeks. With such a time-lapse you might think it has changed immensely when in reality the same method is still in use today.
Bronze casting (lost wax) is a complex method consisting of six category processes.
Category 1. Sculpting: within this process we first have the wire frame, then the clay, then the detail. This is the longest out of the six processes.
Category 2. The Molds: over the finished clay we lay rubber to capture the detail. This is done in many layers. After the rubber is complete and dry a plaster mold is formed around it. This gives the rubber support when the wax is poured in. After the plaster is complete, it is carefully removed and seams are cut in the rubber in order to remove the clay structure.
Category 3. After the molds are cleaned and reassembled, the warm wax is poured in. This is done in multiple pouring sessions. After the wax is cooled, it is removed from the molds and the imperfections are re-sculpted. After the wax is properly assembled, pouring holes are attached. The pouring holes will allow possible trapped air to escape when pouring the bronze.
Category 4. The ceramic mold, this is formed by dipping the wax multiple times in ceramic
and sand until the desired thickness is achieved. After the ceramic dries, it is fired and the wax is melted out. Directly after removing the ceramic from the oven, the bronze is poured in.
Category 5. After the mold cools, the ceramic is broken away from the bronze. The pouring holes are then cut off and any imperfections on the bronze are ground away or welded back into the sculpture.
Category 6. The bronze sculpture is now ready for the application of patina. This process may be applied to a hot or cold bronze surface. Depending on the method of application and coloring of the patina different affects will be achieved. After the patina is complete and dry it is buffed. Buffing creates highlights. The highlights are where the bronze shows through. Then the sculpture is waxed. This is to seal and protect the patina. Now the sculpture may be mounted on a wood or marble base.
For every piece of bronze art work, the process of lost wax is performed.
Looking at a bronze sculpture is like looking at a piece of history. It is created from copper and tin which are collected from the earth. We do not know how many centuries it may have seen but, what we do know is that through this amazing and historical bronze process it is created into something precious to us.
My Process of Sculpting: Every sculpture comes with an inspiration. Usually that inspiration is derived from equine expressions, horse and rider relationship, or my own experiences with horses. Deciding what to sculpt is a delicate and long thought-out process. Before beginning, I like to study my particular subject whether it be a particular horse, expression or discipline. I often photograph my subject until I get the composition that I am looking for. I then sketch the individual horse as to capture the uniqueness of that particular animal. By this point, I know what I am going to sculpt as well as how and in what position. The actual process of sculpting in clay is a simple concept, though a complex one to put into practice. It requires observation, patience and above all true self criticism.
For more information about my art, please feel free to visit my web site.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

The art of Kate Dardine


I'm Kate Dardine, and I am happy to have been invited to be a part of this blog with my fellow equine artists.

I was born and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut and spent my childhood exploring the wooded area surrounding my home. I voraciously read the Audubon Encyclopedia from cover to cover (all 12 volumes!), learning to identify and draw the birds and animals I quietly observed. But I wasn’t satisfied – there were no horses in either the Audubon Encyclodedia or my neighborhood! So I begged my mother to take me to horse shows (we went every year to the famous Ox Ridge Horse Show in New Canaan, Connecticut) where I would bask in the sights and the smells.

When I was a teenager, I worked at a local riding stable where I would get to ride in exchange for mucking out stalls and brushing horses. My dream of owning a horse of my own finally came when I was 35, living in Colorado. I purchased an old half-mustang gelding named Buck, who was, appropriately enough, a buckskin. It was with Buck that I started to learn to really communicate with a horse. Since then I’ve had the privilege of sharing my life with many horses, some of whom have lived out their final years with me, some who have moved on to other families.

My time spent with horses has taught me humility, patience, courage, perseverance, sacrifice, confidence, trust and much, much more. To me, there is a spiritual side to the horse-human relationship. Horses, if you listen, have much to say about the world in which we live. They are a connection to the natural rhythms of the universe, and are aware in a way that I think the ancient ones were aware, on a more intuitive level. In today’s culture of consumerism, computers, cars and cell phones, we are often doing two or three tasks at once, all the while thinking ahead to what else needs to be done. Many of us work all day in buildings with no windows. We live in a state of disconnect.

Living and working with horses, one learns to re-connect, to live in the moment. To be aware of the signals you are sending out, through your thoughts and your body language. To be aware of the signals your horse is communicating to you; the flick of an ear, the swish of a tail, a subtle turning of the head toward or away from you. To truly experience horsemanship, one must clear the mind of clutter and chatter, and learn to breathe and move in unison with the horse. Riding is not an act of domination and subjugation, rather, it is an intricate dance, in which both human and horse are willing partners.

In my current work, which I call Equine Inspiration, it is this very mindful-ness that I strive to accomplish in my painting. To let the equine image act as a metaphor for reconnecting to the pulse of the natural world. To shrug off the stress, the fear, the ambivalence and the apathy of the modern world. Each painting is a journey, as I explore thoughts and feelings and let my horse-muse lead me to new discovery.
To view my work, please visit http://www.katedardine.com/. You can also email me at paintedwind@frii.com. 10% of all proceeds from sales from my website benefits Colorado Thoroughbred Rescue.

Jenifer Trottier - Equine Artist















I, as many others, dreamed of nothing but horses as a young girl. I started riding at the age of three when I took my stuffed Clydesdale for an exhilarating ride down the stairs. It turns out that was not as fun as I thought it would be. I moved on to the real thing when I was six. Through the years I have taken lessons, been to riding camps, worked at stables in exchange for riding time, and have gotten an Associates degree in Equine Studies from The University of Findlay. I also earned my Batchelors of Fine Arts degree there as well. Nowadays I spend my hours at work still dreaming of horses and painting and drawing them in my spare time.











In my artwork I try to express my love for all things equine using form and color (I love color) to portray emotion that speaks to the viewer. Please feel free to browse my web-site www.sitekreator.com/equineartist21/ and/or e-mail equineartist21@yahoo.com me with any questions.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

I'm having a holiday sale!

Holiday Sale 2007

I'm having a holiday sale with all of my art offered at discount. There are original pieces in watercolor pencil, graphite, Chinese watercolor, and more! Please click the image above to visit my sale.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Stretchin' It


Robert and I were on a photo shoot near Ovando, Mt, on our way over Huckleberry Pass when we drove through a field full of horses. There were over one hundred horses and mules, in all shapes, sizes, ages and breeds.

This little guy was stretching down to get the good Montana prairie grass and he reminded me of the die hard exercise people in the fitness centers, getting a good stretch....

Prints of this image are $30 and that includes shipping. Prints are created from archival materials and may be purchased with your credit card from the paypal button below. You can see more horse art on my website, I also have a Christmas gift gallery of horse and animal art there on the first pages.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy this horse art blog and the work we present here.
Donna Ridgway
















Monday, November 26, 2007

Julie Bender Burns Horses!


Pyrography is my obsession. My greatest joy comes from discovering the power and nuances of this unique medium. It never ceases to amaze me all the technical challenges that pyrography offers. I love experimenting with it and taking it to the next level – beyond the predictable. My joy comes from the fact that each portrait offers its own set of challenges and is as unique as the wood on which it is burned. Having worked in many mediums over the years, from clay to computer, I find my personality is best suited for the extreme level of detail and patience that wood burning requires.


There are two biggest loves in my life: one is being blessed with a talent for pyrography. It is something I do not take lightly and I am so thankful for the opportunity to exploit this talent. The other is my dogs who basically run my life and keep me constantly entertained. Never a dull moment.


Feel free to visit my website!
Julie Bender

WOMEN HORSES HARMONY COLLECTION

" Tender Love "


Watercolor with 18 kt gold accent

by: Danielle L Sadowski


Welcome to my World,

The first time I met my two horses, a new emotion was born inside of me. I wanted to transmit through my Art the fluidity of the graceful lines of the horses in harmony with the feminine lines of women.
My goal was to accent sensuality. The positions of the women and the horses reflect softness and femininity.
This is my personal vision. I love to play with Color, Form and Brilliance, which is why I use watercolor with 18Kt gold detail for my work.
Our horses help me to discover new concepts about them. I do not have a lot of experience riding horses, but on the ground, I am very good. I spend a lot of time with them just observing. Like a mirror, I move in the same way that they do and we are in the same world. My husband teaches me how to be a part of the herd: www.peacehavenfarm.com

When I close my eyes, I can see a world where horses and women juxtapose and transmit a strong feeling that comes from my imagination. It’s like a beautiful spontaneous dance. Each painting inspires in me a new emotion and makes me happy.
Watercolor Horse Art allows me to expose to the world my vision of Horse Art through my watercolor paintings and provides a new window for people to discover Equine Art.
Enjoy to visit my site for gift idea.
www.watercolorhorseart.com
danylafreniere@aol.com

“ Le Bonheur est dans la Beauté ”

Elaine Hurst's Equine Art


Hello! My name is Elaine Hurst, and I create a variety of artwork, in different mediums. My equine art is a large part of what I do, as I have loved horses since I sat on a little bobbing horse in front of the TV, watching "The Lone Ranger". Like so many other horse-crazy kids, I pretended I was a horse, drew horses, dreamed horses, and luckily eventually got to take riding lessons, even having my own horse when I was 14.

I love to paint horses in many different attitudes, from different perspectives and engaged in different activities. I especially enjoy painting horses using different types of light. For me, light is so important and captures my attention so that I can feel the quality of light right through me. It can take ordinary subjects, and transform them. I paint primarily in pastels and oils. But I also do a lot of photography, handmade printmaking and I have recently started doing some sculpture, which is a wonderful change to 3D.

I do work which is in several different galleries, as well as doing commissions. I also enter art shows, and other art events.
I am an American Academy of Equine Art associate member, and the president of the Virginia Equine Artists Association. You can find more of my artwork by visiting my personal website, and blog, at: www.elainehurst.com

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Two Brothers

“A work of art is a world in itself reflecting senses and emotions of the artist’s world.”

----Hans Hoffman

This quote by Hoffman sums up my current approach to painting. I have always been an outdoors person and my love of horses and riding transcends into my paintings.

Horses have been a part of my life for over 25 years and my love of dressage which incorporates fluidity, harmony and balance is what I strive to achieve in my work.

I have sketched horses for as long as I can remember but in January 2003, I began oil painting lessons which I continue today at Brush and Palette Studios in Tallahassee, Florida. My instructor is
Peggy Higgins, a local Florida Wildlife Federation artist. I utilize the Lynn Maderich “Paxton” equine palette which was introduced to me by
Lynn at an artist workshop in New Mexico.

I was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania but have lived over half my life in Florida.

Besides painting horses, I also love to paint dogs, cats and Florida Wildlife. I have a Masters in Public Health and Environmental Health from Florida International University.

If you are interested in purchasing paintings or would like to commission a painting, please contact me at: DebbieClark1957@netscape.com or check out my blog at: http://Baroquehorse.blogspot.com.

Friday, November 23, 2007

My Love for Horses


My love for horses started at an early age, this being in Germany. My father used to take me to jumping shows, he of course loved horses also, so I guess it rubbed off on me. Photography and art where also instilled in me, dad had two photography studios in Germany, and he always painted, both of my parents where talented artists.

At a young age I drew horses daily, whether scribbling, making a drawing for school or for someone else. I spent many hours at the Golden Gate Riding Academy and the SF Mounted Police Department, wherever there was a horse I was there.

I am mostly self taught in art and have a very different way of painting, and maybe this is why my style is still developing....I would like to create a style that is recognizable with my name.

The artwork that I sell creates money for my favorite organizations and Ministries...I give to spread the Word of God...this is my way of Thanking God for giving me life and talent.
The painting shown, foal and butterfly "gee wish I could fly" is my signature piece, at one time it had been licensed out and products made, however this image on products now can only be purchased through me.

animal art and hobbies by Delia
http://webpages.charter.net/depach/

art by Delia
http://www.homestead.com/deliart/equine.html

Miniature ACEO Art by Delia
http://sitekreator.com/artbydelia/main_page.html

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Friesian at the Beach


I am happy to be a part of this blog too.
Here is a print of an acrylic painting I did of a Friesian (the original has been sold). We took my cousin's handsome Friesian to the beach last fall and had a great time introducing him to the surf and taking photos. He had a surprise when he tried to take a drink of the salt water...lots of tongue shots for a minute there. My cousin led him into the waves and it was very cool to watch as she was jumping the waves, and suddenly Thor started to jump them with her.
This print is $25 plus shipping for a 9 x 12 print and $40 plus shipping for 12 x 16. It can be ordered here http://www.deedeemurry.com/horses.htm

Monday, November 19, 2007

We're on our way!


Here's another horse painting for sale. Fire Fox is a painting of one of my cousin's ranch horses. He's a mellow color of buckskin and when the sun lit him up, I thought he was so beautiful, I had to paint him.

I liked the way he bowed his head, like he was worshiping the warm sun God.

I'm asking $300 for this painting, on this blog. The painting is framed. You can use the pay pal button to purchase this horse with your credit card. Shipping is free.





Thanks for visiting the blog of my equine friends! You can see more of my horse art on my website.











Introduction and Works in Progress

Hi! My name is Elin Pendleton, and I paint horses! (And other stuff, too.) Here's one of my recent acrylics, done for a lesson to show using acrylics in layers. Sometimes there are just those few brush strokes that need to be added to make a good painting into something better. I spent about an hour extra on "The Quest", the advanced/intermediate lesson painting in the Acrylics Fast and Loose DVD, and those few brush strokes take that painting to a new level. If you'll compare this one with the one on my blog from July 1, you just might notice a wee tad difference.
Today I also worked on the inside front cover ad I submit to Horses in Art magazine. I do these in Photoshop, and wanted especially to include this painting. Double motivation!

Now, those of you with a pocket full of design, take a look at the ad and see if you can spot the underlying structure of the arrow point that goes through all three paintings. Intentionally unifies the whole page... and that cover for the new DVD "just happens" to be bright red....


You can see the entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Horse art for sale.

This blog will contain quality equine art from top equine artists. Come back often to see what's available.