Thoroughbred Makeover

We traveled to Lexington, Kentucky last week to participate as a vendor at the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium organized by The Retired Racehorse Project. I'm not an overly emotional person but several times throughout the event my eyes misted as I felt a surge of wonder.

Barrel racing thoroughbred

 The race track has no shortage of critics. Most have never experienced the life and harshly judge by appearances. Some don't possess the fortitude required and become disgruntled. Some formulate an opinion from hearsay. Here's my account gained from twenty-five years of working at the track not because I had to and certainly not for the money.

Thoroughbreds waiting to cut cattle

It's immediate and it's fast, almost as fast as the horses. Daily occurrences are unpredictable and outcomes unknown. Routine exists in repetition that can quickly derail. Flexibility rules throughout the twists and turns of managed chaos. In this environment, there's not much time for those who long for nurturing, patience and most of all, the sweet essence of bonding. There's not much time to accomplish honorable goals with an eternally revolving door of horses and their connections.

Big, bad, high-strung thoroughbred being ridden off into the sunset by a red-caped five-year-old child.

When the horses are sold, claimed or otherwise leave the stable, all we can do is whisper a prayer on their behalf and wish them the best. This is why I was so profoundly blown away as I witnessed these thoroughbreds being transitioned into second careers. Show requirements state that eligible thoroughbreds must have raced within the last year. The people who take them on are keenly respectful of the talent, athleticism and intelligence inherent in the breed. I've always said, after they come down from the demanding race track life, they're just like any other horse...only much smarter.

Thoroughbreds are natural cross-country competitors.

This horse is ready to jump a 10-foot fence, if you ask him to.

Two-time Horse of the Year, tough as nails, incredible champion, Wise Dan.

God's horse,
Sharon

High Hope Steeplechase 2015

For the second year in a row my artwork will grace the program cover for the High Hope Steeplechase in Lexington, Kentucky at the gorgeous Kentucky Horse Park. I'm honored. Last year an older painting was used, this year I've painted something special for them:

Oil on canvas, 24"x12" (as yet untitled)

These are the silks of Mrs. S.K. Johnston, a prominent owner of jumpers and flat racers. The event takes place the Sunday after the Preakness, this year falling on May 17th. I'll have a booth exhibiting my artwork, soooo, if you're in or around Lexington that weekend, do stop by! Y'all know I love Kentucky and will use any excuse to visit.

Mmm...bourbon,
Sharon

First Road Trip of the Year

It's a long drive. We followed a new route that shot due west to Buffalo and down through Ohio into Kentucky. I'm often asked how I can stand the boredom of mile after mile of repetitive scenery. Truth is, my mind empties thereby clearing the deck for fresh ideas. Some of my best epiphanies are born of pleasant languor.

High Hope Steeplechase took last year off which some suggested was a detriment to this year's attendance. I can't say. There were fresh faces among the organizers and the event hummed with efficiency. Weather was perfect. Kentucky Horse Park is a remarkable place to be, regardless of what's happening.

I'm grateful that they used my artwork on the cover of the program. Although I was puzzled at the choice of a horizontal piece for a vertical format, the result was more than satisfying. I think it's grand:

Home is where my suitcase is. I like that.

Your gypsy,
Sharon

After a year hiatus, the High Hope Steeplechase returns to the legendary Kentucky Horse Park. This is the first of a few planned shows that have us shaking off the dust on the grid walls as we make the anticipated road trip to Blue Grass Country. Oh man, am I ever ready!

Clearing, giclee on gallery-wrapped canvas, 22"x26

The event is this coming Sunday, May 18th. Gates open at 11:00. There are lots of activities to partake in and tailgating is always the best way to make new friends. And of course, there's the jump races. This time of year the mid-west weather can be unpredictable and volatile but the sun god (and cooler weather) is smiling on us so far.

Did I mention that my artwork will grace the program cover? If you're not in Baltimore watching Chrome win the Preakness and happen to be in Kentucky on Sunday, please stop by my booth in the Vendor Village and say hi. I'll be bringing Secretariat with me and you really have to see him in person to savor the vibrant color. We'll be taking orders for giclee reproductions that are now available.

Secretariat, oil on canvas, 24"x36"

If there's anything in particular that you'd like me to bring, please let me know soon. There's room in the van.

Road trip!
Sharon

Winter Blahs Be Gone

After an insufferably long and frigid winter up here in the north country, I'm ready to get cranking. Some new opportunities have presented a respite from the dark and cold hibernation season. The positive side to all this is the necessity to stay in the studio and get some serious painting done. And I have.

Three commissions, a foxhunting piece and a Saratoga inspired painting are completed. Another racing canvas is in the works and that should - should - take me up to warmer weather. The racing paintings will become giclees and a possible poster for the track meet this summer. Something for those of you who visit my booth every year and ask "so what have you got new?"

After my tentative foray into plein air painting in the paddock and in the stable area last summer, I continued to paint outside until it became too cold. Okay, I'm a weenie and went back inside when temps dropped below forty degrees. However, I absolutely loved it! Loved it enough to get the nerve to apply to my first plein air competition being held in Finger Lakes, NY in June. To my astonishment, I was accepted! Let me tell you that I will be in excellent, experienced company. (begin nail biting)

Dusk at the Lake, 11"x14" oil on canvas plein air

One of my steeplechase paintings has been chosen by the High Hope Steeplechase in Lexington, KY for their program cover. Last year the meet was cancelled so I'm thrilled it's back as it's one of my favorite venues. My artwork will be rotated lengthwise to accommodate their format. Should be an interesting design.

Here's a photo of the creek less than fifty yards from our new house. Taken just today so you don't think I'm a total wimp for not getting out and painting...yet.

Think spring!
Sharon

Hi Ho! It's High Hope!

This coming Sunday, May 22nd, I'll participate as a vendor at the High Hope Steeplechase in the Kentucky Horse Park. After a year hiatus due to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, the steeplechase returns with legions of fans and great enthusiasm.

 This is the most scenic steeplechase I've attended. The Kentucky Horse Park is beyond amazing. Simply horse heaven.

 The parade of the Woodford Hounds is a traditional spectacle.
Just don't call them...dogs.

Have you ever tried tailgating at a steeplechase? It's great way to make friends and the aficionados go all out by creating their own themes complete with costume and decor. Think "Out of Africa" or "The Great Gatsby".

 

I created this painting when I last attended High Hope. Aptly titled "High Hope", it's an oil on canvas, 24" x 30" and I'll be bringing it  with me.

So, if you're in Kentucky (instead of Baltimore) make it an afternoon with the family for lots of fun, activities and people watching (you never know who you'll see). And of course, do stop by my booth to say hi and see my latest artwork.

Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too. - Lawrence Bixby

Time to Say Goodbye

I'm a race tracker at heart. It can't be helped, the entire milieu and the microcosm of the lifestyle gets into your blood like a drug and you're addicted forever. Oh yes it does.

A race tracker who is not at the track is a restless soul to behold. I know this because not only do I contend with my own yearning but I'm married to a fellow devotee. It's hard work on the track at any level, however, an element of freedom exists within the confines of extreme responsibility.

I don't want to romanticize. Heaven knows it's a demanding and grueling job that creates workaholics of us all. That's okay because we love it. The freedom that we relish allows us to leave when the work is done. Set hours would be excruciating even as our workday often continues way past the eighth hour. Who's counting?

So, I hope after all that banter that you can understand my reason for leaving my downtown gallery. It's such a bittersweet decision. May 31st will be my last day at VoilART! Gallery + Studio in downtown Ocala. Travel is in my immediate future and lots of it. Because, you see, as a race tracker I give myself the divine freedom to hit the road when necessary and...now is the time.

My gallery partner Jackie Schindehette will carry on with the gallery and beautiful art will stay right where it is.

Golden Light of Dawn, by Jackie Schindehette, oil on canvas, 20"x24"

My travel plans begin next weekend in Lexington, Kentucky at the High Hope Steeplechase. Returning to the KY Horse Park after a year hiatus due to the World Equestrian Games in 2010, the event is highly anticipated. If you're lucky enough to be in Kentucky or even luckier to live in Kentucky, please visit me at my booth on Sunday, May 22nd.

For you, my dear readers, if you're in Ocala please visit the gallery and take a 25% discount off ANYTHING in the gallery. Consider it a going away gift to you from me.
  
"Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending."  ~ Lazurus Long
 

Jumpin' for Joy

Reminder:

If you're in or around Lexington, Kentucky this coming Sunday the 17th, it will be a great day of racing and tons of other enjoyable events at the High Hope Steeplechase in the Kentucky Horse Park. I'll be exhibiting in the Vendor Village.

I really cut it close on this one. Just painted the last of the gallery wrap yesterday and we leave tomorrow for Lexington. I'll pack it in parchment paper - no lint, little sticking. Impasto Liquin was mixed into my paint abundantly. Love that stuff, I squeeze it out onto my palette and it stays put like a blob of paint.

"High Hope", oil on canvas, 24"x30"

There could be more expressive brushwork - guess my mind was on organizing for the show instead of feeling the sensation of going very fast over hurdles. However, I'm quite pleased with the vibrant color.

Talked to Chris McCarron this afternoon and he said he'd stop by if he had a chance. We're taking a box of "Hold Your Horses" along to give out in my booth. It's a promising new equine-themed magazine recently started up here in Ocala but it's going national quickly.

I'm so excited to be going on a road trip finally, it's like coming out of hibernation. Some of my best inspiration results from the boredom of those long hours watching the scenery go by. Go figure.

"What's your road, man?--holyboy road, madman road, rainbow road, guppy road, any road. It's an anywhere road for anybody anyhow." - Jack Kerouac, On the Road

Getting Ready for Lexington

It's a syndrome. The "just one more painting" cram for an upcoming exhibit. I'm referring to my show next weekend at the High Hope Steeplechase at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Seems sensible to offer a steeplechase painting for sale at a steeplechase, right? The question is, will I get it finished in time...

in progress oil on canvas, 24"x30"

It's a bit tighter than I've been working over the past few months which means I'm getting bogged down in the details. You can see my chalk lines for the hedge behind the horse on the right and in the hurdle. Relevance to the locale seemed fitting, so I studied online photos of the Horse Park. No campers, trucks, tents or other diversions litter the infield of this pristine course.

For fun, a nighttime sketch:

"Did You Hear That?" oil on board, 11"x14"

“Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too.” - Lawrence Bixby

Florida Horse Park Exhibit

My exhibit at the Florida Horse Park this past weekend was instrumental in blasting through the inertia I find myself in. First outdoor show of the year had me flexing my festival muscles and flapping my networking wings. I loved it. Yes, the shows are a grind but they're also an effective way to engage in conversation about the artwork. It affords the opportunity to be accessible. Stereotype prevails in the art world with good reason - some people are intimidated to approach artists and ask questions (those nut jobs!). My task is to invite and make comfortable. Friendliness rules.

I enjoyed decent sales that has me hopeful. Oh, and I won first place in the juried competition. What a hoot.

Confident with hopeful anticipation, I sent in my booth fee to the High Hope Steeplechase at the Kentucky Horse Park today after my inspiring weekend.

“Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.” - Norman Cousins

Getting the Work Out

A toast to economic recoveries!

Michael and I have mapped out the rest of the year with shows, exhibits and of course, Saratoga intentions. I'm looking forward to dusting off my exhibit gear and meeting potential buyers and art lovers to discuss the world of art, especially equine art. We haven't participated at an outdoor show since last October and I miss it. Inertia has set in and I'm looking forward to getting back out there.

The first outdoor exhibit will be at "The Festival of the Horse" at the Florida Horse Park here in Ocala. It's home, I know lots of people and it's a perfect way to get back in the swing. It takes place this coming weekend, April 16th - 19th. Apropos that the under tack show for the OBS Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training starts tomorrow (Tues.) and continues until Friday. If you're in town for the horse sale, why not spend an enjoyable day out at the Horse Park?
Next on the list is the High Hope Steeplechase in Lexington, Kentucky on May 18th at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“So many fail because they don't get started - they don't go. They don't overcome inertia. They don't begin.” - W. Clement Stone

John Henry's Service

Some poignant scenes from John Henry's memorial service at the Kentucky Horse Park:

Sam Rubin's step-son with a touching eulogy. Original PEB in frame.

Emotionally touching how so many humans love this horse.

Young and old paid respects. Notice the riding clothes.

The grave complete with John Henry's favorite treat, a chocolate doughnut.

Moving, fittingly beautiful bagpipe tribute.

Chris McCarron, moi, and Michael

John Henry's Memorial Service

Upon hearing that John Henry's Memorial Service would be held at the Kentucky Horse Park on Friday, October 19th - the same day as my opening reception at Fayette Gallery in Lexington, I had a knee-jerk reaction to the timing. Oh ____! Then, I reconsidered...I knew John Henry as a distant observer: I saw him take half an hour or more to walk to the track to train in the morning on several occasions. Stubborn, obstinate, what could you do to move a multi-millionaire champion along at a bit quicker pace when there was so much work to be done back at the barn? And then, I did get to witness the last winning race of his career at the Meadowland's Ballantine's Scotch Classic as mentioned in an earlier post. So, why not pay my last respects at the service? I'll have plenty of time to get back to the room to change before the reception.

So, if you plan to attend, I'll be there somewhere, camera in hand, choking back the realization that the last of the super champions to imprint their greatness into our memory chips are quickly disappearing. It's an elite group, something to be savored and honored.

John Henry in happy times.

I'm thinking of his handlers for the past 25+ years. Bless you all, this will be difficult.