Splendor of the Wild French Horses
This Acrylic 18 x 24 stretched canvas has sold. Prints will be available.
My inspiration for this artwork evolved after I was contemplating subjects that always leave me in awe. I haven’t sketched a horse since I was twelve years old. I even saved my money to send away for a Purina Horse Feed art print back in the 1970s to frame and put on my bedroom wall. I, like most girls, loved horses. And I still do!
Have you ever tried to draw or sketch a horse? It’s very challenging. They are all curves, muscles, and delicate bones with large expressive eyes. They are very powerful animals, yet so graceful. A sketch can easily go all wrong and leave you very frustrated.
I still remember how they smell, and how they feel when you ride them. A relationship with a horse is a very special thing of beauty. So, daydreaming one day, I decided to paint horses (which always begin with a sketch). It’s a bit intimidating!
Even though I find almost every horse I have ever seen as a beautiful creature, in art, I like to set myself apart and do something different. I have always been attracted to white horses. The play of light and shadow on their bodies intrigues me as an artist.
After doing much research, I combined my love for white horses and my Mother’s affinity for all things French. My Great-grandmother was a French woman that couldn’t speak English. My Mother looked like her Father but had the sensitivities and disposition of her Mother’s Mother. I miss my Mother so much. She left this earth to be with her Lord on Easter Sunday 2011.
During the last few months of my husband Rich’s illness, I began to become aware of my Mother’s spiritual presence in my life. While planning for my new home and life after my husband’s inevitable course with his illness, I began to have a stronger influence from my Mother. The thoughts and feelings I was experiencing were not from my own imagination. I definitely felt my Mother’s presence. I chose to enjoy the communication. I saw various ideas for decorating and adding small little touches that I’m sure came from her. If God is love, a Mother’s love is forever. If she could help me from her heavenly realm, she would I believe she knew I sure could use her love and comfort during such a trying time in my life.
My Mother loved white and French Country decor and style. After much consideration, I decided to paint the Carmague horses. These horses are on the small side but have lived wild in the harsh environment of the Camargue marshes and wetlands in Southern France. They are agile, hardy, and have the stamina required to be used as workhorses by cowboys. These are amazing animals that love the water. They were perfect as my muse. My goal with this painting is to express their magnificent spirit. Can you feel them?
This project reminded me of my great love of horses to my friends and I have discussed going horseback riding this summer. I am really looking forward to it.
I will definitely miss this painting when it goes to its new home shortly. It is a gift of love from a loving husband to his wife for her office. When he saw it, he just had to have as the perfect gift. It’s a privilege to be a part of his expression of love.
I guess I’ll have to purchase a giclée canvas-wrap print of this work so I won’t miss it so much. (A giclée print, (pronounced “zhee-clay”), is a French term meaning “to spray.” This refers to how large format inkjet printers use small spraying devices that can match the color and apply ink precisely, resulting in a high-quality print of the original art).
Be well, be blessed.
By the way, I also wanted to encourage you to not take juried art exhibitions too seriously. I recently entered the maximum number of paintings allowed in a regional competition, which was three. This painting was not accepted!
My friends and followers were stunned. You just never know what judges are looking for. Some very simple line drawings were accepted by other artists and my two other selections were approved, but not this particular one. Maybe the judges don’t like horses?
Never stop doing what you are passionate about. I happen to think that since the very same day this painting was rejected, I sold it to a local man who just happens to know my Father and wanted to see what my latest painting looked like. I guess it wasn’t entered into the show because it was meant for this particular buyer. God had a special “love message” for this gentleman’s wife. God works in mysterious ways! Please share and comment below. I love to hear about your experiences and thoughts.
