A Summer Ride

Here is an 8"x10" pencil drawing, done as a 'thank-you' for an opportunity to go riding a few weeks back. With a lovely disposition this 7 year old bay mare was also trained to bow!
I'll be doing more graphite work this summer as I have been travelling back and forth to B.C--the pencils and sketchbook are handy to pick up or set down as time permits. Hopefully more opportunities for horse-back riding are ahead!

Spruce Meadows time again

These paintings were done using Golden's Open acrylics, a paint which mimicks oils with its slower drying time. Even when dry the colours keep their vibrancy beautifully. I always enjoy using these paints!

In the Warm-Up Ring

A Day at the Races

Victorious, oil on paper

The Challenger, oil on paper



(detail image)



Home Run, oil on paper


A day at the Arabian races, that is!  These were taking place at Millarville, just out side of Calgary, on Canada Day. Though smaller and more slender of build than the Quarter horses and Thoroughbreds who raced afterwards, the Arabians have great heart and staying power and were thrilling to watch!
I'm back to my original palette colors after weeks of either failed painting attempts that hit the garbage container, or being away on a trip to B.C.  It is hard to go through times where nothing seems to work out; sometimes we just need to get away for awhile and come back with fresh eyes and spirit---turned out to be just what I needed!

Queen in Summer

This is a portrait of the horse I owned when I was a teenager, Queen, an Anglo-Arab. I referenced an old polaroid photo of mine. She was my best friend for years! The palette this time was Cobalt blue, Cad Red Light, Burnt Umber, and Cad Yellow Light. The size is 9"x12", done on canvas paper.