the first in a series of virtual Art Shows by the members of the Equine Art Guild
Many equine artists rely on reference photos to capture the anatomy and movement of the horse. Portrait commissions require an artist to work quite literally from these photos. Self-generated work allows an artist to use the latitude that has been rightly termed, artistic license. Some work remains quite true to the photographic reference, while others use them merely as a starting point.
The show "Interpretations" was developed to showcase the myriad ways in which artists work with these references. The exhibit shows that despite working from the same group of reference images, each artist will use their own view to create – resulting in a broad array of styles and...interpretations.
Our models for this show were two horses owned by members of the EAG. All of the photographs were provided to the participants by their owners. The two horses serving as our models for this exhibit include Doc (Doc’s Way To Go Tivio), a buckskin Quarter Horse and Monster, (Entertainingangels), a bay Thoroughbred filly. Light or Dark. Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse. The artists who chose to take part in this show had these choices of contrasts in color and form.
These two horses, their beauty, personalities and their individual stories were used to inspire the artists of the Equine Art Guild and what you see below is the result. We hope that you enjoy this show and we look forward to presenting more in the near future.
Details about each piece are included with them. To view them larger, click on each image. Most of the paintings and drawings you see below are available for purchase direct from the artist. Be sure to contact the artists to let them know how much you loved their artwork!
May 10, 2000, my first – and so far only – homebred arrived. After keeping me up all night, my mare insisted on foaling outside, in the wet of a rainy spring morning. We got the baby into the warm dry stall bed that was supposed to have received her. She was small, a plain bay save for a few hairs of white on her forehead.
She seemed to know she had the blood of Northern Dancer, her great-grandaddy, running though her veins. An only child, this filly was a bit backward to start, but made up for it in attitude. I have a terrible time with nicknames, so she was four months before I christened her “Java” which was short for Javelin. As she grew up, that morphed into Javamonster, thanks to her growing attitude. In polite company, she is Java, but those closest to her now know her best as Monster!
Monster never made it to the races, thanks to a series of ups and downs from logistics to injury. I’m still convinced she would have been a racehorse, but I’m sure every breeder thinks that about their foals. Monster is most definitely my muse, providing me with endless inspiration with her agility, grace and sometimes lack thereof at liberty. Now six, we’ve started to work on her second career. So far she hasn’t told me exactly what path that’s going to take, but as usual with Monster, I’ll just make sure I’m tied on for the ride!
Ironically, Monster’s registered name is Entertainingangels. I think maybe that’s a case of a name coming back to bite one in the behind! Given the origin of that name however, it’s oddly appropriate!
Doc's registered name is Docs Way To Go Tivio. And no I don't know what that means. I have had him for 4 years this fall. His bloodline goes to Doc Bar on one side and Poco Bueno on the other. Quite impressive.
He was foaled out locally. And his breeder gave him to a friend who knew nothing about horses. He was a weanling and she put him in her backyard, alone, and neglected him. He was starved and scared when the breeder took him back. That was just the beginning for him. He was alternately abused in training or starved and neglected by his various owners. Although he did become a worried animal, his sweet nature was never broken.
When I first saw him, at 8 years old, his feet were in horrible shape. He would barely walk. He was so skinny and sad. He put his head on my chest and begged me to take him with me. Unfortunately, she wanted too much money for him. He is double registered after all! Ha. Well, I waited 6 months. I knew I didn't have the money to keep two horses, but he was still there. It seemed like fate. I had to get him out of there. He was now on the verge of rescue status. I bought him. He came to me scared, starving, dehydrated and lame. Four years later he is sound, sleek and happy.
I still am careful not to overwork him. And I would never try to show him or trailer him anywhere. I will not stress him unnecessarily. He is kind and sweet and can even be used sometimes as a lesson horse for beginner riders. I have promised him a safe home for life. And unless someone comes along who he loves, he will be with me until he is gone. He is 12 now, so I hope that will be a good long time.
