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

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!