Return of the Muse

I'm fortunate to have a number of great models on my farm, but the one I have painted the most is my own Thoroughbred mare, affectionately known as Monster. Standing out in the field, under her fly "armour" she looks quite remarkable, but she's very photogenic, and if I limited myself to my reference photos of her, I'd still be busy for a long time to come.

This painting is a 24 x 20 oil on canvas, and it's called "Emerging." The original is available, but I'll also be doing giclée reproductions. If you're interested, let me know! As always, you can see what else I'm doing on my own blog. Hope you'll come over and have a look!

"Man on a Mission" 5 x 7 Oil on Raphael Linen

Man on a Mission 5 x 7 Oil on Raphael Linen Panel, by Linda Shantz

I just dropped this little original oil painting off to be framed. Fellow Equine Art Guild member, Kat Moore, has shared a number of photos of her Shire horses, including the one that inspired this painting. This is Shine, and it looks to me like he's trudging through that snow with purpose, hence my chosen title!

Typically I paint Thoroughbreds, because I'm surrounded by them every day, but the Shire has always been my favourite draft breed. I really enjoyed doing this little piece. It's on my current favourite surface, Raphael linen panel. I am making it available as either a collector reproduction at $30.00, or a giclée reproduction on either canvas or fine art paper ($60.00 canvas, stretched; $45.00 fine art paper). The original is also available. Any inquiries can be directed to me at lmshantz@lindashantz.com

A Quiet Moment on the Training Track

While racing scenes are always exciting, I think I enjoy portraying the quieter moments on the backstretch best. I took photos of this Thoroughbred and rider one morning at Woodbine when I was filling in for my trainer friend while she took some time off. Often a rider will "back up" before galloping - this just means he or she will jog the horse on the outside rail going the "wrong" way (clockwise) to warm up. After backing up it's customary to turn the horse in to face the infield and stand a moment before carrying on with the morning gallop. This horse looked relaxed but ready to proceed. There's something magical about the light this time of day. Mornings at the track are filled with hope and promise.

This painting is an 18 x 14 oil on Raphael linen board. It was the first oil I did on this surface, and I quickly fell in love! The original is framed and available for sale, and giclée reproductions can also be ordered. For more information, just visit my website, or send me an email. The working title for this piece was "Pause" but I'm not sure it has stuck yet. If you have any thoughts or ideas, I'd be happy to hear them!

If you're interested in seeing some of the progress shots of this painting, have a look on my blog. You might have to go back a few months. As a bonus, I've got some pretty cute foal photos up there as well!

Linda Shantz