Thank You Clarity

It's been a whirlwind three months. Six solid weeks at Saratoga followed by two weeks of filling orders and shipping, then on to Paris, Kentucky (Secretariat Festival), more order filling and shipping then onward to Middleburg, Virginia (VA Fall Races). While it's been a non-stop grind, don't get me wrong, I'm feeling extremely blessed to be so busy.

It was a doozy, as epiphanies go. Try as I might - painting plein air, painting house portraits, painting people portraits (on their horses of course), painting pets, painting studio landscapes, painting ocean scenes (with galloping horses of course), dabbling in gold leaf (I love that), painting anything not tried before in hopes that I would experience a eureka moment, discover the next big thing, create a steady stream of cash, you name it, I painted it - I just cannot distance myself from the equine. Can't.

Many, many years ago when only a handful of equine artists comprised this genre, it suddenly began to fill with the 4-F's (foals frolicking in fields of flowers) as if equine art was a lucrative venture. I was faced with the dilemma of differentiating myself from the newly invading throngs. Thus "dynamic equine artist" was born and so followed the in-your-face, cropped, narrow field of vision large-scale canvases of exaggerated musculature dosed with a very genuine passion. And it was good.

This past summer, with a Taylor Swift expression of wonderment, I realized that I can never divorce myself from the muse. It has permeated my DNA, merged with my psyche and is just as important to others as it is to me. THAT was the two by four that knocked me into clarity.

Landscape and race horses:

The horse path at the Oklahoma training track.

A few pics from my travels:

Breed demonstration, Fresian in armor.

Lovely bluegrass postcard.

Paddock at the Virginia Fall Races.

Huge, open course for the races.

Thank you clarity. A line from my favorite song by Alanis Morissette, "Thank U".

With intention,
Sharon

Genre to General

After the race meet ends, Saratogians express little to no interest in equine art, especially horse racing. Either they've had their fill of it during the summer, aren't particularly inclined toward the sport, or it reminds them of huge crowds, insane traffic and the hopelessness of obtaining a dinner reservation.

So, what's an equine artist to do? Many of my peers are expanding their artistic repertoire in the wake of the stifling recession that put the kabosh on more than a few thriving careers. Experimentation's necessary course of action has produced these recent inventions:

Islands of Lake George, oil on canvas, 8"x10"

Simplify has become my new mantra and the word loops over and over in my head. Here, I'm playing with atmosphere and pushing the color expression. I feel like I want to re-work the value of islands to bring it closer to the air and water.

Lobsterman, oil on canvas, 11"x14

From my now infamous Maine vacation, I awoke early on the shore to observe the laborious hauling and inspection of lobster pots. The canvas ground is a cool, light yellow mixture of cadmium light and yellow ochre. The background was a wash of  pthalo blue and white. I was going to work in some water action behind the boat but decided to simplify and left it as is with the yellow showing through. It may not work but it was an interesting decision for me.

Sherman Farm, oil on canvas, 8"x10"

This plein air piece is a feel-good stretch. It was rendered quickly and simplified as it was only in the upper 30's outside. I've been studying landscape painting and pining to be good at it! It may be a matter of practice, practice, practice - or not. I've got a long way to go before I make friends with the greens. Whatever, it's good to get out and paint directly from life. A great help has been Landscape Painting by Mitchell Albala.

Untitled (as yet), oil on canvas, 22"x24"

I simplified these brushstrokes with a deliberate application...no unsure back and forth blending like I caught myself doing in the landscape pieces. It has an abstract feel to it and I'm especially pleased with the composition. Thrusting, powerful bodies in space...gee, that's familiar.

I feel like I'm starting over in some respects. It's uncomfortable and although it's interesting to try new subjects, I'm not very secure regarding my motives and direction as an artist. After a couple of decades of branding myself as a "dynamic equine artist", where am I going with this? Will I still be able to apply an aesthetic of striving for excellence, a dialog of visual communication and convincingly convey my ideas in paint that will translate as...me?    

It's good to step out of the box (I guess),
Sharon

Painting In Progress

I've never met Elin Pendleton but I've been a fan of her paintings for years. It seems she burst onto the "scene" as a equine artist but lately has transitioned into landscapes with horses - beautifully. I found her blog (to the right in my blogroll) by accident. It inspires me.

A few years back I was asked to jury an exhibit of equine art sponsored by the Black Stallion Literacy Project. Elin entered a tiny gem of a horse headed to the paddock at the race track. I recall lots of vibrant grays and energetic brush work. I voted her piece "best of show". The other jurors agreed.

Elin sells these nifty flash cards of eight that represent various times of day. I couldn't resist. The cards illustrate not only the time of day but are also packed with information and suggestions for color, value, and ideas to capture the corresponding light.

I don't paint landscapes nor do I enjoy them. A client has a certain "request" and has granted me plenty of creative freedom. This beginning piece is the farm of my good friend Julie K. here in Ocala. You'll recall that I painted a rare plein air sketch a few weeks back at her place while horse sitting.

Beginning oil on canvas, 30"x40'

I'm using the flash card "late morning, early afternoon" as reference (it's late morning). The flash cards really simplify getting the "feel" of the atmosphere and light. It suggests adding a cool yellow into the sky which makes it greenish. When I read that I thought, yuk, but it really works in a subtle, cohesive way. This painting is progressing quickly.

"Occasionally, I like to select a mentor, a master, and let him guide me through a revision of one of my paintings... I try to move into his terrain, bringing my own ammunition... I do not believe... that this belittles my own personality." - Rico Lebrun

Legends of Racing

Tomorrow's fourth race on the card at Santa Anita is an allowance providing mounts for the "Living Legends" - Hall of Fame champion jockeys coaxed out of retirement. They be: Pat Day, Julie Krone, Jerry Bailey, Gary Stevens, Chris McCarron, Angel Cordero Jr., Sandy Hawley and Jacinto Vasquez - it can't get any better than that. Not just an exhibition race, it's the real deal with pari-mutual wagering.

I received an e-mail today from my friend Tom Chapman out in California who is himself a former race-rider turned terrific artist. He's painted a fantastic, and I mean *fantastic* depiction of some of the legendary characters squeezing back into various silks.


The piece is an absolute hoot, and you can read more about it here, including Tom's inspiration and ideas on his website. Giclees of the original are also available.

“Myths and legends die hard in America. We love them for the extra dimension they provide, the illusion of near-infinite possibility to erase the narrow confines of most men's reality. Weird heroes and mould-breaking champions exist as living proof to those who need it that the tyranny of ''the rat race'' is not yet final.” - Hunter S. Thompson

Reception at FTBOA

A few photos of our reception at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association last Wednesday evening. Courtesy of photographer Steve Floethe and Ocala.com.

Realtor Lorrett Fisher, Quarter Pole Tack Shop owner Jim Au and realtor Becky Faircloth.

My book partner Dale Jarusik and a couple of art lovers.

Friends and art lovers in front of my painting "On the Grass".

Sculptor Mindy Colton with one of her bronzes.

And of course moi in front of my nine-panel piece, "Diagonal".

-on seeing his 1967 retrospective
"It gives me the feeling that I should continue heading in the direction I am taking". E. J. Hughes

Building Relationships

There are times that I experience frustration that sales here at home in Ocala are somewhat lukewarm. After all, this is the self-proclaimed "Horse Capital of the World". Fact is, while there are many wealthy, gorgeous horse farms here, the well-heeled owners just don't shop in Smalltown.

So I shrug off the pity jacket and focus on the wonderful business relationships I've developed that are of crucial importance. These connections take time to form and are strengthened through trust and reliability. My primo gallery, The Paddock Room Galleries here in Ocala is one essential association. The University of Florida Equine Veterinary Hospital is a new and promising one. Countless individuals also fall under this relationship subject.

The Florida Breeders' and Owners' Association is a significant affiliation for me. They appreciate my good will contributions to the racing industry and in return, generously support me with invaluable publicity by using my artwork like this:

This invitation is sent out to the FTBOA members (over 2,000 nationwide) to attend the annual Membership Cocktail Party on October 5th during the festivities of Ocala Week.

Michael is busy curating a terrific exhibit of top equine artists from across the country to be installed in the FTBOA gallery. A portion of the sales will benefit the Florida Thoroughbred Charities. My artwork, again, on the invitation:


More info on the exhibit to come.

“Business is not just doing deals; business is having great products, doing great engineering, and providing tremendous service to customers. Finally, business is a cobweb of human relationships.” - H. Ross Perot

Great Art and Frame Reception

This past Friday night, Great Art and Frame in Tampa, Florida hosted a fabulous reception for their current exhibit, The Divine Equine - Art for the Horse Lover. It was well attended as gallery owner Joose Hadley took the event over the top with catered noshes, libations and careful attention to detail that created a lovely experience. A portion of the sales of artwork will benefit the Bakas Equestrian Center, a therapeutic riding organization providing FREE recreational riding opportunities to young people with physical and mental challenges.

I must say, I was amazed at the huge amount of gifts and services generously donated for raffle.

Joose Hadley and moi. Take note of the plentiful equestrian themed adornments outside and throughout a large area of the sidewalk also providing beautifully decorated tables.

Shoulder to shoulder. The crowd spilled out onto the sidewalk. Neighbor Edward Jones Investments provided their offices for exhibiting artwork and playing host to horse and art lovers.

Joose hung my artwork in the front entrance. I'm honored. The table with the boxes provided people's choice voting.

Spectacular equine sculpture by well-known artist Mindy Z. Colton. The teal-toned patina on her horses is just gorgeous. We engaged in great conversation together and discovered that we travel in like circles. Mindy shared her impressive portfolio with me.


Artist D.K. Ramirezde Arellano applies traditional miniature techniques to her sumptuous canvases. She took to the time to explain the process to me. In addition to the beautifully rendered horses, the background is treated with equal attention creating a jewel-toned wallpaper-like texture.

"I love the gallery, the arena of representation. It's a commercial world, and morality is based generally around economics, and that's taking place in the art gallery". - Jeff Koons

My Talented Peers

There are so many equine artists now. Back when I finally realized it made sense to paint what I know, hardly anyone painted the subject. Now, there are entire "guilds" and "associations" representing the horse in art. Where did they all come from?

Some of my horse-artist peers are awesome, truly talented and I'm inspired by their skills. And of course, others are simply dreadful. I've made up a moniker, calling them the "4-F" painters - lovely, pleasant paintings of foals frolicking in fields of flowers. Sentimentality abounds in this genre. I've been reprimanded for this sarcastic opinion, but hey, these artists will never go down in the history books.

Even some of the good artists get stuck in a loop of replicated work. It sells, so let's paint it over and over. The work's incredibly good but the subject, style, format, even colors are reliably predictable, albeit tiresome. There's a camp that states an artist must decide "what kind of artist" to be; i.e. determining focus, discipline and direction, as if it's either/or. To be or not to be a gallery artist, outdoor show artist or museum artist. I say, why can't an artist be all and do all?

Being a creative person implies that one is in a constant state of pushing envelopes, continuously exploring every element and not fearing failure.

The above left painting is my latest: "Straight Away", 12"x48" oil on canvas. It's a different angle of horses breaking from the gate. Application of paint is loose brushwork with a thick, energetic background utilizing a palette knife.

I'm B-a-a-c-k

Apologies to my subscribers for the absence of posts. A week before my departure to Hot Springs I "threw" my hip "out" and took to bed for several days. It all starts with my obsessive attempts to be all, do all. Just one more painting was my mantra. So much for those best laid plans...

Anywho, I limped into Gallery Central in Hot Springs, Arkansas and was welcomed by a winter snow storm.

I haven't seen or felt snow in eight years. Beautiful, but soooo cold.

Turnout was brisk, in spite of the weather.

Gallery manager Rae Johnson is second from right. She's standing in front of Jan Wood's exquisite bronzes.

Moi with equine art lover.

I freely admit to being an driven workaholic. Once again, I resolve to take a day to play. My hip now demands it.

Horse of the Year

"We need heroes. And since we need them so badly, we've decided to race Curlin this year. We want to give the fans and the industry what we need." - Jess Jackson at the Eclipse Awards last night.

Hmm, thanks Mr. Jackson but I wonder if Curlin wouldn't be headed to the breeding shed were it not for that pesky legal fiasco involving Curlin's hundreds of owners.

I'm resigning myself to the economically driven changes. I don't like it but it's become a fact of life.

For all you spec painters out there - good luck finding the "big horse" subject.

Curlin at Oklahoma Training Track last summer.

Street Sense in the paddock at last summer's Travers Stakes with Calvin Borel.

Hard Spun with entourage entering paddock at Travers Stakes.

For all you equine art fans, prepare for a glut of Curlin paintings.

A Weekend of Soirees

A few months back Jeanne Winslow of Horse Shows in the Park contacted me about using my artwork for their show program cover. I was honored. Then, she graciously invited us to the Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance at the Ocala Hilton on Saturday night. Over 220 families were on hand to reap the rewards of hard work and diligent horsemanship throughout the year.

A slide show continuously chronicled the events and participants.

An unbelievable array of ribbons, trophies, cups, plates, barn gifts and so forth was awarded to the winners of several categories.

Moi presented a giclee of the image chosen for the cover art to a top winner.

An enthusiastic and supportive crowd.

On Sunday night the Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers held their Annual Stallion Showcase and Silent Auction Fund Raiser, also at the Hilton.

A great turnout of bidders.

Moi donated a small giclee of "Harrowing". I'm with good friend Moe Hahn who is the 2008 Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers cover artist. She's standing next to the cover artwork - a slick, somewhat abstract driving piece.

Michael was the winning bidder on some books about historical thoroughbred breeding. I bought raffle tickets but didn't stick around for the drawing as I'm burning the proverbial double-ended candle.

Darn it, they were for stuffed meercats.

More Artists I Admire

A few weeks back while in Lexington, KY, we had some time to kill before John Henry's Memorial Service. I had seen the downtown Thoroughbred Park but never up close and personal.In my opinion, Gwen Reardon is the most awesome living horse sculptress today. Maybe ever.

These life-size race horses are nothing short of magnificent. The knowledge of anatomy and attention to detail that only an artist of experience or a shrewd researcher could attain is amazing.

My bestest and dearest friend Lynn accompanied us on the excursion. She is photographer extraordinaire and took most of these photos minus this one. That's her and moi posing for scale.

Gwen Reardon also created some lovely sculptures at the Kentucky Horse Park. Her foals are endearingly lovely.

I don't think Gwen did this sculpture at the Kentucky Horse Park but we loved it just the same.

When I make the big bucks, my garden will be full of incredible sculptures like these.

FAFO

I'm getting over it. Street Sense got beat and I'll have some schmoozing to do. Forget about the reproductions unless I can interest Darley Stud where the boy's headed. The original should sell when the horse people roll back into Hot Springs in January. This is why I don't care to do specs...racing fans have such short memories.

We've had some dreary weather in Ocala for the last few days but the rain held off bringing out the crowds for the Ocala Arts Festival.

Artist Mary Verrandeaux has a great looking booth showcasing her vivid, appealing landscapes. She's also a friend and OoHA member. I admire her professional efforts and big thinking. A career to watch and follow...

Two more OoHA members: Jackie Schindehette and equine artist Moe Hahn in Jackie's booth. Jackie paints lovely Florida landscapes in oil and is incredibly successful with the outdoor festival circuit. Moe and I are great buddies commiserating together about the fickle world of equine art.

Photographer extraordinaire Kent Weakley creates amazing works of art utilizing infrared film techniques. Atmospheric and haunting in a evocative way.

Did you know dogs love art festivals?