Linda Shantz Equine and Animal Art

A is for Apple and That's Good Enough for Meeeeeee

2012-01-16T09:12:00.005-05:00

Okay, apparently the cold has gone to my brain and made me a little silly. I do eat more cookies than apples, just so you know.

But yes, that is an apple. Last fall - October, I believe - my good friends Elizabeth McCrindle and Sheona Hamilton-Grant and I were interacting on Google Plus and decided on a little challenge for ourselves - to paint or draw an apple. I can't remember why, I just remember we set a deadline for November 1. When that date passed and none of us had produced anything, we said December 1. Well, that date also came and went, and since then we have mostly just joked about the state of our models. I had to replace mine in order to do this painting, but I was determined I was going to do it! So here it is, 5 x 7 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel. In true equine artist fashion, the apple itself is reasonably painted, while the background falls shamefully short! Oh well, at least I did it!

Okay, Sheona, Elizabeth....you're up!

Comes and Goes....

2012-01-15T10:04:00.005-05:00

I'm sure it could be applied to me, but I was thinking that of Winter this year. We get a few days of unseasonably nice weather, then a few days of unseasonably not-so-nice weather (rain in January, not really a fan, sorry!), then a few days of deep freeze. I don't think I can remember a winter where the ponies have had to deal with bad footing in the paddocks for this long, poor things!

Gracie is heading into her final week of hand walking, yay! She has been remarkably good, though I've been doing my best to keep her happy. She has a pen outside next to Monster's paddock so that she isn't stuck in the barn, the deal being, as long as she's *good* she can be there. You'd think she understood that, because, for the most part, she's complied. I have to admit I quite enjoy our walks (other than those deviations from 'good' where she demonstrates her athleticism, not the best experience when one is on the end of a shank) and I'm hoping to continue them in some form even once she moves on to small paddock turnout.

I have been making painfully slow progress in the studio on a small painting I started last fall, and making plans for new ones to start. My working title for this one is "Guardian Angels," featuring one of Woodbine's amazing pony and outrider teams. Love how the pony is resting so quietly, but in the blink of an eye he can be off to catch a runaway or a loose horse.

My title today can't help to bring to mind one of my favourite Dan Fogelberg songs, if you'd like a musical interlude!

Happy New Year! (four days in!)

2012-01-04T23:51:00.004-05:00

Well, we welcomed in the New Year in our typical fashion around here - as January 1 is also the official birthday of all Thoroughbreds in this hemisphere, my New Year's Eve ritual is to be out at the barn at midnight to wish everyone a happy birthday, and to feed carrots to those who will eat them. ;-) My three little boys are now yearlings, and not so little! I'm quite happy with all of them; they're growing up nicely and are even rather well-behaved! I had to laugh at the photo above of Sheldon - he looks as if he did a bit too much partying!

I had hoped to complete one last painting in 2011, but it ended up being the first one finished in 2012. This 11 x 14 oil on Raphael linen panel is of Jubie and her filly, Polly (who is now two, and in training....how time flies!). I'm also happy to report that the painting is sold, which is a wonderful way to start off the new year on the studio side of things. Here's to a great 2012 for everyone.

All I Want For Christmas is You

2011-12-25T10:01:00.003-05:00

I guess I didn't announce this on my blog, but this summer, I adopted Gracie, the chestnut filly who has figured rather prominently in my work since she was born. When the decision was made by her owners not to pursue a racing career and they wanted to find her a new home, I couldn't help but step up. :-) I have to admit I had always hoped she'd be mine - I've never had a connection with a horse quite like this (sorry, Monster! hehe).

A month ago, Gracie got sick. She had a very high temperature and mild colic symptoms - something was obviously not right. I had the vet come out to examine her, and he found no obvious cause for the symptoms, so he oiled her and I continued to treat her fever and watch her closely. Two days later I called the emergency vet out to check her again, and she was oiled again, but still no alarming findings on examination. The next evening I was calling again, this time knowing we would be going for a trailer ride. She wasn't eating, was becoming dehydrated, and needed hospitalization.

Off we went to Guelph and OVCTH's new isolation unit. Examination still gave no explanation for the ongoing intermittent colic symptoms, but bloodwork confirmed the dehydration and she was put on fluids and would be observed overnight, and more tests done in the morning.

I'll spare you the blow-by-blow account of her stay at OVCTH - suffice to say that eleven days later, I was able to bring my girl back home. Despite all the tests and procedures, there was never a final diagnosis - only that lovely, vague one of "enteritis." Enough to drive you crazy, but I'm grateful she's back in my barn and eating and behaving like her old self. Grateful as well for the team at OVCTH - the techs, interns, residents, clinicians, surgeons, pathologists and barn staff - and for the support of Worley Equine Services.

Needless to say I had a fairly substantial vet bill - but I guess some things you can't put a price on. Thank goodness for a healthy emergency fund, that's all I'm going to say about that! If you're looking to buy a painting, call me! ;-)

Off to walk my girl before the festivities begin. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and/or happy holiday season, and best wishes for 2012! I hope you are all as blessed as I am.

I'm Back and It's Time to Celebrate

2011-12-06T20:21:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I've been seriously MIA of late. Rather than make apologies and offer up excuses, I'm going to make up for it by having a December Celebration. Until December 18th, I'm going to give 25% off the paintings found on my Thirty Horses, Thirty Days blog, and on my Red Willow Gallery blog. In the next few days I'll also introduce a similar celebration for 10% off reproductions and other items in my Etsy store - stay tuned! I will be adding other work to the Red Willow Gallery blog, so be sure to check back.

I hope you've all be keeping well. Whatever you celebrate this time of year, I hope it's happy!

Ah Peaker, We Knew You When....

2011-09-08T09:18:00.005-04:00

Well, it seemed a long time coming, but our girl Miss Peaks (Clever Peaks, aka Peaker!) broke her maiden last night at Woodbine. It was her first start of the year, and she was very keen to get back to business. She is the first UnStable homebred to win - hopefully her younger brothers will soon follow in her footsteps !

We always marvel, looking at Peaker and her weanling friend Maria, side by side now on the shed at the track, how they've both grown to be such tall girls. We also always found it remarkable that Maria got to the races and won her first race as a two-year old, as she was the one with problems requiring surgery as a yearling! Just goes to show you, you never know how things will work out!

Peaker and Maria, BFFs!

So Where does the time go?

2011-08-30T09:36:00.004-04:00

I'm ridiculously far behind on this blog, with no valid excuse. Yes I've been busy, but what else is new? In the past month I've been to Saratoga for our annual foray, painted a new oil for the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony's fundraiser, gone to said ceremony/fundraiser, and am now painting in preparation for the CTHS yearling sales this coming weekend.

The foals, as you can see, are tormenting their mothers - well, the two chestnut boys definitely are, while Sheldon remains more laid back (with a healthy respect for Twine!). Weaning time is very near! Today they get their vaccination boosters, so that will delay their weaning for a week or two.

I still intend to do separate posts addressing the visit to Saratoga, and the Hall of Fame painting. Naturally there will also be something more about the yearling sales. Fall is a busy time, with the Schomberg Village Street Gallery also coming up, September 17 and 18, and the FASM Milton Studio Tour, October 1&2. If you are in either area, maybe we'll see you out!

Paddock School Study #1

2011-07-14T16:51:00.004-04:00

With "Hush" on its way to Australia, I managed to get back to the easel today. As previously noted, studio time has been less than productive of late, and this week I've been more or less bumping into myself, trying to get back to things. I tidied up a couple of little foal studies, started a few small pieces, but have mostly felt as if I couldn't get out of my own way. Not a good feeling! Today, I decided I had to stop thinking so much, pulled out an 8 x 10 panel that had been prepped with shellac, and set to work, determined to complete something in a single day - or better yet, a single session.

While as a groom I admit I hated schooling horses in the paddock, I love the imagery of it. When I get there early enough on the card (typically permission to school is given before the first race or two), I always stop and watch, and snap a few pics. This is just another example of the work that goes on behind the scenes to prepare a horse for the races.

I'm actually (gasp!) happy with the result. I'm going to choose not to dwell on what's wrong with it, and instead go off and prep more panels with shellac, because it really lends itself to nice loose studies, and I find I'm craving those right now. Given that I've numbered this study, I'm hoping to produce more!

Waking Up to Good News

2011-07-06T08:48:00.005-04:00

I didn't set a lot of concrete goals for this year, but one I was determined to meet was to paint and submit something for the Inglis Equine Art Prize, a competition organized by Australian Art Sales out of New South Wales, Australia. From the time I received the prospectus, last December, I felt as if this competition was made for me, as the theme was, "Around the Horse Stud." Now, for the uninitiated, "stud" refers to a farm where breeding horses takes place, not actually to those handsome manly equines that may be found there (the stallions). :-D The painting had to depict registered Thoroughbreds. As I happen to have one or two of those around to serve as models, I didn't have much of an excuse to let this opportunity pass by. Lingering in my brain was a certain email four years earlier from Dubai, so I chose to believe cool stuff can happen when you take a chance.

I did battle with what I wanted to paint. It would be a mare and foal of course, but with several thousand reference photos to consider, it would be hard to pick what might be most appropriate. I settled on one of the images of Billy and Clever, and you've seen the resulting painting before. It's a 14 x 18 oil on linen, which I titled "Hush."

I sent off my entry on the first day of the postal strike, feeling somewhat like I was throwing it out into postal oblivion, but the entry made it there in four days. It's taken three weeks on occasion to get an envelope to me from a town ten minutes away via Canada Post in the past, so I was more than a little astounded by the speed with which this entry travelled. As someone who typically leaves stuff to the absolute last minute, it was a big deal to get an entry away with time to spare (and actually have it arrive with time to spare). This morning I woke up to the acceptance email. Who-hoo!

Now comes the most stressful part - packing up the work and sending it far, far away. If only I could go with it! Only 30 paintings worldwide have been chosen for the exhibit, which begins August 11 at the Sydney Inglis Newmarket Complex. The exhibit will remain there until August 14, then be in Melbourne from August 18-24, and on to Scone from August 25-28. How much for a ticket to Aus?

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better!

2011-06-26T22:38:00.003-04:00

Oaks winner Inglorious faced the boys today in the Queen's Plate, and showed them how it was done, becoming the 34th filly in the race's 152-year history to win the Canadian classic. Woodbine faithfully puts up videos of their races, so be sure to watch! After the regular replay is a second one from a different angle - also worth watching.

It was a great day of racing - but Inglorious was the star of the show. Can't wait to get to the easel to work from some of these photos. Hopefully I'll actually manage that!

If you don't 'get' the title to this post, check out this YouTube link - dedicated to Inglorious!

One, Please!

2011-06-20T09:24:00.004-04:00

Spider raced again yesterday, so I made a visit to Woodbine to catch the race. He seems like he's figuring it out now, running second to a horse that was twice his size! You can watch the video below (number 10, Bat Out of Hades).

The day's feature was the Steady Growth stakes, won by favoured Sand Cove, who overtook front-running J J for Dave in the stretch (photo at the top of this post). Despite messing up my camera settings I got a few shots that were either cool or inspiration for paintings.

It was a perfect day yesterday - clear blue sky and a nice breeze, not too hot. I hope we get a day just like this for next Sunday's Queen's Plate!

Keeping It Simple

2011-06-15T22:22:00.004-04:00

Life has been less than simple of late, leaving limited time for painting. In a vain attempt to accomplish something at the easel, I did this little oil sketch today. This is 5 x 7 oil on masonite panel, and the horse is Society's Chairman, from a photo I took in the paddock on International Day at Woodbine last October. I had intended it to be a more complete colour piece, but I decided I like it just the way it is. Now if my life would just follow suit.... :-)

The Road to the Queen's Plate, 2011 Version!

2011-06-06T09:17:00.005-04:00

Inglorious wins the Oaks

Oaks day is one of those 'must' trips to the track for me. With the Plate Trial on the undercard, it's become a Queen's Plate preview. In Canada it's not unusual to see fillies in the Plate, and we've had such strong Oaks winners in recent years, some of the girls have been showing up to give the boys a run for the money on the big day.

Check Your Soul, easy Plate Trial victor

In fact, winterbook favourite for the Plate this year is a filly. Inglorious didn't disappoint her supporters in the Oaks yesterday, winning easily, and I suspect there's a good chance we'll see her in the Plate. The Trial winner was Check Your Soul, and he was very impressive, galloping away effortlessly from the rest of the field under an, ahem, one-hand ride. I love his sire, Perfect Soul, so it's wasn't hard for me to like this guy!

Meanwhile, back on the farm, the little ones continue to grow, and we continue to dream about their futures. You never know!

Polly wanna win the Oaks? ;-)

LIfe On the Edge!

2011-05-30T10:45:00.003-04:00

With June right around the corner, I'm aware, once again, that I haven't posted in some time! As always, there is a lot going on behind the scenes. I'm hoping I did what will be the last trip to the breeding shed yesterday - right now I'm in that cycle of check, breed, check, check - breed or check, with five mares. One has made it successfully beyond 45 days, so we won't need to check her for a while! On the art side, I've been working out details for various shows, trying to figure out which ones to enter. I have proofs for a couple of new Limited Edition giclées, so I'll be able to announce details on them soon.

Above is my most recent painting, which I decided needed to be called, "Life On the Edge." This is 5 x 7 oil on Raymar, and it features Billy. Billy is somewhat of a celebrity, with his own Facebook page. He's the companion of Leslie Becker, an artist friend from BC. I hope you'll take a moment to check out her work, and, of course, visit Billy's page and hit the 'like' button!

"Hush" 14 x 18 oil on linen

2011-05-02T22:17:00.004-04:00

I didn't realize it had been quite so long since I'd updated the blog! I think I've finished this painting - don't you love how sure we artists are of ourselves? My working title for this was, "Not Here, Mom!" but I've decided to call it "Hush." This is 14 x 18 oil on linen.

Billy, featured here as a foal, is now three years old and made his first start yesterday. He handled everything very well, and was fifth in his initial effort, earning a cheque in the process. It's a very encouraging start to his career. You can watch the replay, thanks to Woodbine's You Tube site!

I will be taking this and at least two other paintings to be photographed this week. I always do this with paintings that are too large to scan, so I have a high resolution file from which to make prints. Pirak Studios does a great job photographing artwork, and also offers giclée printing services. I'm probably going to have them do a proof of each of the three paintings I'm taking so that I can offer reproductions. Stay tuned for more information!

"Sheldon Sleeping," 5 x 7 oil on linen

2011-04-12T21:29:00.004-04:00

I put the final touches on this little study tonight - I do love to do these loose, sketchy studies to balance out the more complex, detailed pieces I do.

Still Painting!

2011-04-11T22:23:00.004-04:00

Eleven days into the month, and one way or another I've picked up a brush and applied paint every day, though some days more effectively than others! The horses are still keeping me hopping with various issues, and some sleep has been sacrificed, but that's just the way it goes.

I started this little 5 x 7 oil on linen on panel yesterday. This is Twine's colt, who I'm calling Sheldon unless I find out the owners have a problem with that! While he's the oldest of the foals this year, he's no longer the biggest. I think both the chestnuts are taller than he is! Above is day two of work - below the initial 'drawing' on the panel. There is something about sleeping babies, isn't there?

Keeping On

2011-04-06T21:30:00.005-04:00

I figured you all could use a rest from me yesterday, so I posted my current WIP on Facebook instead. ;-) This is what I've been working on, with a bit more progress. You saw it here first a while ago! This is 14 x 18 oil on linen. Not my usual smooth linen, but a heavier weave which I've painted on a couple of times. I like to change things up from time to time!

This is Clever and her 2008 colt, Billy, who is now in training at Woodbine. Billy had a lot of very original facial expressions as a baby, and always seemed to be nattering at his mom. Here I've started to lay some colour in over the underpainting - just midtones and darks, and scrubbing them and blending them in with a dry brush rather than a true glaze, though the effect is the same.

Her current foal is two weeks old today, and looking very handsome!

Billy's Brother

2011-04-03T21:12:00.003-04:00

I decided to call this one done tonight - to the point of signing it, even. Not perfect, but a fun little warm-up for what the rest of the month has in store, I hope!

This is 6 x 4 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel, using my favourite limited palette. Clever's foal this year, with his big star, reminds us all of a chestnut version of her 2008 foal, Billy, so my trainer friend (who has the first three at Woodbine right now) immediately dubbed him "Billy's brother." I'm hoping he ends up being a little easier to deal with than Billy was! And we'll find him a name of his own, too, don't worry!

Two Days In A Row!

2011-04-02T21:57:00.005-04:00

Yes that's right...I have managed to paint two days in a row. That shouldn't really be an accomplishment, but after last month, it is! Not long, and not with particular skill, but hey, I'll just take what I can get right now! My day didn't go exactly as planned so it was 9pm before I got to the easel, and did a bit more work on this tiny little painting of Clever's boy.

Leo, the racehorse!

I neglected to mention that Leo is home for a rest right now. He spent some time in at Woodbine when the backstretch opened, and quickly made himself a favourite. I'm happy to see his personality is intact, though certain other parts of him are not! ;-) Yes, he is a gelding now! Hard to believe two years ago he was the new little foal!

Leo, the baby!

No Foolin'!

2011-04-01T21:11:00.005-04:00

Soooo tired!

March was kind of an insane month around here, in a very rollercoaster kind of way. The horses have kept me very busy! I've been frustrated about not getting any quality time at the easel, but realistically, there wasn't much I could do. I've decided to do my best to paint every day in April. In the past two years I've done a Thirty Horses, Thirty Days for this month, but I'm not going to attempt that this time around, because I know I will still be at the mercy of the horses. All I'm saying is I will do *something* every day, even if it's a single brushstroke at five minutes to midnight! Hopefully I'll be back on track soon and get some of these longsuffering WIPs finished up. I'm feeling a little rusty!

Today I started a little painting of our latest arrival. This is 4 x 6 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel. So far just the quick sketch in burnt umber. I know the key to these little paintings is not thinking too much or letting them sit, so I think I'll jump back into it tomorrow and see if I can finish it. Hopefully that will warm me up for some of the larger pieces that have been patiently waiting! Thanks for your patience, too!

And Number Three!

2011-03-24T03:44:00.004-04:00

Clever delivered her fourth foal, a chestnut colt by the late Pleasant Tap, last night at 11:30pm. What a considerate group of mares I had this year, all foaling somewhat early in the night. We'll forgive Hummer the rather troubled aftermath of her firstborn, because he's so incredibly cute!

Once again Clever has produced a big, solid baby. She had to work hard to push him out, but seems to be okay. Momma and baby are both resting peacefully, and approaching 4AM now, I think I might try to grab a bit of sleep myself. Kind of nice be done foaling by the 24th of March!

Home Again!

2011-03-15T20:28:00.003-04:00

Well yesterday I brought home Hummer and her boy, which was both a relief and a stress! He's looking great and the attendants at OVC assured me he was feeling great and had come out of the surgery well. He sure is a feisty, outgoing boy, which is going to make the post-op care a challenge! He has a fair-sized incision on his belly, and has to be on stall rest for the next month, with hand walking. Have you ever tried to hand walk a foal who is too young to lead? Yes, it's going to be a long month. He had a couple little sessions today, and he was actually really good...as much as he would just like to explode! Hummer followed along devotedly behind, and seemed happy to get some exercise herself. We just stayed in the barn aisle, because it's muddy and horrible outside. Maybe I can bring him in the house and put him on the treadmill!

We're also into breeding season, and the first mare will probably go to be bred this week. That means regular vet visits, so there's lots going on around the farm right now, and for the moment, not a whole lot going on in the studio! I will work it all in - it's just a bit of a challenge right now. Below is a little 5 x 5 oil on Ampersand Artist's panel that I started last week. One of these days I'll get back to it!

A Little Painting Between Foals

2011-03-09T20:41:00.006-05:00

The last week has been a long one, and a bit stressful as well. Our little chestnut boy is up at the University of Guelph's OVC Teaching Hospital, and had surgery yesterday to repair a patent urachus. While outwardly he has always been bright and happy, he did have a few issues as I'd mentioned in my last post, and developed this problem Monday morning after being there since Saturday night. I can't help worrying about a baby that age, of course - so many challenges in his short life so far. I'm hoping very soon he'll be home again and bouncing back in full chestnut fashion. Interestingly, all three chestnut foals I've had born here have required special care off the farm. Peaker and Gracie are both big and strong today, so we'd like to see this guy follow suit! And in the absence of our flashy little boy, I give you our little Einstein! He's nearly two weeks old now, and if I ever need to be cheered up, I go visit him!

I finally settled down to some painting this week, after the disrupted schedule of the last couple of weeks. I completed the underpainting of the oil of Billy and Clever last night – it's currently drying so that I can jump into the colour. I have started to put some colour into one I have on the go of "the Widgets" Leo and Spider, but it's set firmly in the uglies right now! And last night, just so I could say I finished *something,* I got back to a little 5 x 7 oil on linen I started a while back of Miss Keller, one of the top turf mares last season. It needs a proper scan, but above is the preliminary photo.

And just for fun...this is what I saw when I came into the studio yesterday afternoon. I've taught Swish to sit on a chair, but this is the first time she's done it of her own accord! Well, maybe I'd better rephrase that - this is the first time I've seen her do it! I was hoping she'd done some work on the painting that was on the easel, but no such luck! Maybe next time?

And Then There Were Two...

2011-03-05T14:40:00.003-05:00

Our second foal of the season arrived not long after midnight on Wednesday. This is Hummer's first foal, a flashy little chestnut colt by Mutakddim. If you remember Pip (also known as Mute), he was also a son of Mutakddim. The new boy has had a couple little problems in his first few days, but through it all has been bright and spunky. I'm hoping his troubles are behind him and in a couple of weeks, he'll be out playing with Twine's colt! Now, what do you think, will Clever have a colt or a filly?

And This is How It's Done

2011-02-25T18:32:00.006-05:00

Breeding horses is not for the faint of heart - have I said that already? First there's the whole process of getting a mare in foal, then surviving eleven or so months until the foal is actually born. Twine, mother of Gracie and Leo, was our first mare due this year. She is a bit of a challenge reproductively - she has aborted two foals in four years, so every year we're holding our breath. Last year she went to Kentucky to be bred to first-year sire Einstein, which for me upped the stakes again - it is always heartbreaking when a mare loses a foal before term, and this time the owners had spent a lot of money in transport and Kentucky board, which would make me feel even worse if Twine didn't get there. Once she got near the point where she had aborted previously, I'm pretty sure every day I said to her, "Hang onto that baby, Twiney, we need a genius around here!"

Usually Twine foals at around 338 days, so my stress increased every day past that. She has always been textbook, telegraphing when she would foal, but of course with all I'd convinced myself was resting on this foal, I was sure this was the year everything would go wrong! Despite that, I'd even given him a name - and I didn't even know if it was a colt or filly. Silly human!

Well, last night, at 355 days, after following her usual lead-up, Twine foaled a dark bay colt. It was her usual easy foaling - though a little bit tougher because this boy was bigger than either Gracie or Leo at birth. From there he was very methodical - up in 45 minutes, and once he got his bearings, he zeroed right in on finding that first meal. I think we have our genius. ;-)

As with Twine's other two foals, he's showing all the signs of having that same gregarious personality. I'm hoping Hummer (a maiden who was bred five days after Twine) was watching carefully and taking notes from the stall next door, because, dear Hummy, that is how it's done!

Getting One to the Wire, and Starting a New One!

2011-02-13T21:31:00.003-05:00

This weekend I finished what may be my most ambitious painting to date - remember this one? I don't even remember when I started this painting, and I'll admit it had me intimidated more than once! It is, however, complete. Well, I haven't signed it yet - I'll put it away for a week or so and take a final look before I do that part, then sometime after the mares are done with foaling, it will be among those I take to be photographed. This one is 24 x 30 oil on canvas.

As a reward, I let myself start a new one today! I think my working title for this will be, "Not Here, Mom!" Billy used to make the funniest faces as a baby - I have a lot of really silly photos of him. Come to think of it, he still makes some pretty funny faces! Oh well, do boys ever really grow up? ;-) This one is 14 x 18 oil on linen. It's always fun to start a new painting, and you know how much I love doing mares and foals.

A Reminder of the Good Thing About Winter

2011-02-09T10:48:00.005-05:00

Ah, February. It's the month people start to get really fed up with winter, and look to a groundhog for hope. Around here we didn't get any real snow until last week, so I don't feel too hard done by. There are good things about snow when you have horses - it covers up the ugly brown paddocks, and the horses always look clean! Add to that, I always have fun taking photos. So this will be a short post, with pics!

I'm still waiting for foals - I think Twine is waiting for Hummer to catch up. Yesterday Gracie joined Peaker and Maria on the 'limo' up to Pine Valley to start training again, and Leo, Spider and Billy shipped from Pine Valley to Woodbine. A cold week to start in at the track, so I'm feeling sorry for my friends in there! Galloping horses in this weather burns your lungs!

Defining a New Series

2011-02-04T09:11:00.006-05:00

I've been a little absent around here, haven't I? No good excuse, really, except that I haven't been nearly as productive at the easel as I should be. I did realize that I've failed to post the final version of this painting! This is 8 x 16 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel. I'm sticking with the working title on this one: "Watch and Learn!" I used a few photo references when I was composing this painting, because I wanted to make it look like Pip (in the middle) was giving Billy (yearling, on the left) a lesson in roughhousing. That's Rupert on the right, looking a little wary.

A lot of artists develop series, be it a colour theme, or subject, etcetera. It struck me that I have been doing that on some level, without actually making it formal. I love doing paintings of horses interacting - so much of my day is spent observing them doing so. Driving back from Guelph one day I was listening to The National on my iPod, and glanced down at the name of the song that was playing - "Conversation 16." Bingo! There was my series, and I already had a few pieces that fit the theme. So "Watch and Learn" is the most recent addition to my not-exactly-new series, "Conversations." I guess the first one was "Promises, Promises," and Rupert and Pip also made an appearance for "Here, Let Me Help You With That," which was my Christmas card this past season. "Ground Rules" might be on the fringes - it's a horse-human interaction, so maybe I will have to have a second "Conversations" series if I can produce more such pieces.

It's getting close to foaling time around here, don’t be surprised if my posts remain a little inconsistent for the next bit! Rest assured there will be pics of the new arrivals as they come.

Dreaming of Spring

2011-01-18T21:47:00.004-05:00

We finally got a real snowfall on the weekend, followed by the coldest day and night of the year, so it's been kind of nice to think about nice green pastures as I finished up this painting. It's great to get this one done, as it's been in the works for longer than I care to admit! When I first started this, I had my doubts that it would ever amount to much (which is why it's taken me so long to complete it) so I'm reasonably pleased how it turned out! For a change, this is a warmblood mare and foal, and the painting is 22 x 28, oil on gallery wrap canvas.

I am doing my best to finish up a couple of these long lost WIPs - next one is on the easel, and I worked on it last night. After that, I will reward myself by starting a couple of new ones! In the meantime, I need to come up with a name for this one. As always, input is welcome!

The Year of the Chestnut?

2011-01-10T21:09:00.001-05:00

Gracie

Just a quick update on what's happening at the easel. It's strictly coincidence that the two paintings I've been focusing on these first days of 2011 feature chestnuts (and one dark bay!). One is fairly small, 8 x 16 oil on Raymar, and it features the boys from a couple of winters ago. The other is a bit larger, 18 x 24 oil on gallery wrap canvas, a warmblood mare and foal.

"Watch and Learn," work in progress

Out at the barn, I still have my token chestnut amid the bays and dark bays. Gracie is a three-year old now, and will probably go back into training in March. Maybe by then one of the mares will give us a chestnut to take the role in her absence? Hummer is in foal to Mutakddim, a chestnut...won't be long now!

Work in progress

Of Decades and Parallel Universes…

2011-01-04T20:03:00.004-05:00

While most people were contemplating the year’s end, and the start of another, I was thinking about the past decade – the first of the new millennium. I guess last year was really the beginning of the next ten years, but I missed that, so you’re getting my meandering thoughts now! Think of it as getting a bonus year. ;-)

I was in school in the year 2000 – I’d just switched my major from Biochemistry to Food Science. Refer to my profile at right for comment on “the other side of my brain!” That May my mare Sass foaled a bay filly, who came to be known as Monster.

Monster helped dictate the course of my life even before she was born. I chose to take a job at the University of Guelph that summer so that I could be close to home to take care of the new girl. It wasn’t a very well-paying job, but the tradeoff was it had flexible hours – which worked well while I was raising Monster – and we had a lot of fun. Unlike me, my co-worker Ben carried on in the academic world. Every time I hear of a food-borne disease outbreak, I think of the people I worked with that summer. I have to admit, if there is a parallel universe, I’m sure I’m a research scientist!

The following year I worked for Campbell’s doing product development. That’s where I hovered at that crossroads, I think – the one where on the right was the path to the “real job.” I didn’t end up taking that path – instead, after I finished school I ended up back working at the track. Why? Because Monster was three, and supposed to be a racehorse. I had also done next to no painting while I was completing my degree (labs….labs….and more labs made sure of that), and by the time I was done with it, I was ready to dive back in. When my oil pastel painting “Fresh Outlook” received an award and sold for an amazing price at the Harness Tracks of America auction in 2004, I had the encouragement I needed to carry on with my art. Long story short….here I am today.

I’m not good at making plans or goals for the new year – I like to keep a low profile, as best I can. And I think I like surprises, at least positive ones. All I can say is I've always wanted to go to Australia. I'm going to leave it at that. Happy New Year!

PS - I never got Monster to the races - ran out of money, basically. As I always say, she's at least made me money as a model, as I've sold a number of the paintings of her that I've done!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T20:43:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday, which includes lots and lots of chocolate!

~ Linda, and the silly TBs and BCs. :-)

Reassessing

2010-12-04T09:32:00.004-05:00

If you are a regular visitor to this blog and have been checking up on me, I'm sure you've noticed there has been no new baby girl painting since week twenty-four. The filly herself is alive and well, so no worries there, but I'm admitting I have reassessed my decision to do this project for a year. The last painting marked the six-month point, and I've decided not to continue, because believe it or not, doing a daily painting once a week, for me, is much tougher than doing one every day like I've done with my Thirty Horses Thirty Days projects. I've found it doesn't have the same benefit, artistically, and I haven't been happy with the paintings themselves. I've been fortunate enough to have sold a number of my larger paintings in the last few months, so I'm finding myself in an inventory deficit in that department! This winter I need to do something about that! Never fear, there will be more Baby Girl paintings, and definitely photos. The one above was taken yesterday, when the sun decided to shine! She is very fuzzy and sweet right now.

I think we may have finally decided on a barn name for the little girl. While "Jelly Bean" was contemplated (her mom's nickname, Jubie, is shortened from JubeJube!) and in her tough-girl stage I thought about Zena, Warrior Princess :-D , I think it will be "Polly." That actually came about when she first had to walk across mud and wasn't too impressed with it - I told her it was okay, she would be running at Woodbine and it's Polytrack! I think Polly is a pretty cute name though. They may very well end up calling her Jelly Bean at the track though. Mom's reputation precedes her!

Tomorrow is closing day at Woodbine, and we're holding our breath and hoping good things for the final start of the season for the first UnStable homebred, Peaker. C'mon Peaks! After that the gang will go on holidays for a couple of months. Here on the farm, we'll be counting the days till foaling season. First mare is due in early February, so it's not far away. In the meantime, I have a Christmas commission on the easel, and half a dozen WIPs in the wings. One of my favourite comments? Sleep is over-rated!

In the meantime, if you are looking for any holiday gifts, be sure to check out my Etsy store for some ideas, or visit my online gallery, Red Willow Gallery. And, if you haven't seen it already, I have some of my daily paintings for sale on my Facebook page for very special prices. Tomorrow, December 5, is the last day.

Okay - back to work!

Did the Internet Kill the Photography Star?

2010-11-23T20:58:00.006-05:00

The progression of the internet has been both a blessing and a curse to artists. On the plus side, we are able to reach a much larger audience with our work, and do more marketing on our own than the old days. The negative is that sharing our work online – through websites, blogs, and social media – makes us vulnerable to image theft. One of my artist friends, Michelle Grant, likes to say, “You can die of exposure,” and when it comes to the internet, it’s very nearly true!

Image theft has become a huge problem for artists and photographers. Just in case you don’t know, grabbing someone else’s photos (by right-clicking or doing a screen capture, that sort of thing) and sharing it with your friends is more than wrong – it’s illegal. We artists are usually nice people, but this sort of thing makes us rabid. We hate appearing as ogres. It’s really not in our nature. We’d rather be creating new work than chasing after infringers. We try to be gentle about educating people, but it’s frustrating, when so many are oblivious. The thing is, it’s hurtful to us. It threatens our livelihood. It robs us of the control of our rights.

In one recent situation, an individual on Facebook has gathered an album of photographs from all over the internet. He claims he is just sharing them with his friends – which, or course, still doesn’t make it right. He hasn’t received permission from any of the professional photographers whose work he’s posted. Some of the images have obvious copyright watermarks on them. He may think this is innocent, but just as he grabbed these images, one, or many, of his friends may now do the same. We know how viral the internet is. In no time at all, an image can be used in various contexts, none of which have been authorized by the actual creator.

I know a number of horse show photographers who are considering no longer shooting events, because so many people now just steal images from their websites – blatantly watermarked as a copyrighted proof. It makes me sad when I see this. Perhaps they don’t realize that in most cases, show photographers don’t get paid for being at a show – they rely on the sale of prints to pay for their time. Or maybe people don’t think we need show photographers anymore, seeing as everyone and their three-month old kid has a digital SLR these days.

The thing is, it only takes a moment to send an email and ask permission. We like to hear from people who like our art. Take the time to start up a dialogue – you never know what might come of it. Depending on the situation, the artist or photographer may be happy to have you share their work. Or consider sharing the image in context – the entre blog post, or website, so that others can not only see the image that you have enjoyed, but more of the artist’s work.

We don’t want to stop showing our work online. We don’t want to have to plaster our images with lengthy copyright declarations, like my example above, so that you can’t even see the artwork (and by the way, all the information in that diatribe is true). We need everyone’s help to educate on copyright law so that there is greater understanding. So pass it on. Artists everywhere will thank you!

Please feel free to share this blog post!!

Just a note about the title of this post. If you’re of a certain age, you’ll know the song “Video Killed the Radio Star.” A couple of weeks ago, I heard a new song, by the Limousines, called “The Internet Killed the Video Star.” I had to laugh. And just FYI – titles cannot be copyrighted! It’s too bad the Jockey Club doesn’t realize that – if they did, our boy Leo would be named “Sharp Dressed Man” right now! Sigh…

A Monster By Any Other Name...

2010-11-22T14:17:00.005-05:00

I was just scanning through updates on Facebook, and smiled when I saw the most recent verse posted on "The Bible" page. It's the verse after which I named Monster, Hebrews 13:2. "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Her registered name is Entertainingangels, in case you didn't know that already. ;-) More accurately it came from a song by the Newsboys of the same name, and because of Jockey Club rules on naming, I had to take out the space to keep it to 18 letters!

Monster was merely a month old - and yet to earn that particular barn name - when I applied for and got approval on her name. I had no idea how appropriate the name would come to be. She was always a feisty filly with lots of attitude. Her "official" barn name is Javelin, which got shortened to Java, which morphed into Javamonster, just so you know the progression! I would laugh when the vet would see her halterplate and want to call her "Angel" and I would say, "Actually I call her Monster!"

Anyway...I do have a point behind this story! At ten, Monster still has lots of attitude. She can be a rather grumpy girl, though will instantly turn on the charm if she thinks there's a treat in it for her. She tends to rule whatever paddock she's in - don't mess with Monster! So when I think of her registered name, and that verse, the irony is not lost on me! She's not the lovable, sweet mare in the storybooks. I don't take any garbage from her, but I'm always aware that I need to handle her with patience, and mutual respect. Regardless of your beliefs, that verse offers up some very valuable advice. You really don't know who that stranger may be, so you can't afford to treat them with anything other than courtesy, can you?

And that is Monster's lesson of the day!

Week Twenty-Four: Kinda Sweet

2010-11-21T22:04:00.003-05:00

Late again - bet that's not a shock! This week's filly painting is 4 x 6 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel. I used only three colours: burnt umber, gold ochre, and titanium white. Just a quick little head study of our girl. She can be quite the little sweetheart right now, but when turned out she reverts to her well-known wild woman status! Where does a baby learn to rear like that? It's the most impressive part of her freestyle repertoire!

Week Twenty-Two: Who Said Life Was Fair?

2010-11-09T21:10:00.004-05:00

Yes that's right, it's not even Wednesday yet! Here's the painting I meant to do for last Wednesday. This is the hairy eyeball Baby Girl gave me when I took her momma away from her! She was not a happy camper, to say the least, to graduate to weanling status.

This painting is 4 x 6 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel.

Week Twenty-Three (Yes, this is out of order!)

2010-11-08T23:10:00.003-05:00

Better late again this week, though technically this one is early (and week twenty-two is very late!). A few weeks ago, Gracie was my excuse for lateness when she injured her eye and required a couple of vet visits and treatment; last week she managed to cut the back of her pastern somewhat significantly and the vet was out to visit her again! Either she was missing the vet, or perhaps the Baby Girl is hogging the limelight these days. Rest assured, Gracie, you have my attention! So this week's painting feature's Gracie in her official capacity as babysitter/weaning buddy, a job she is not fulfilling at the moment because she has to stay in her stall for a few days with her injury!

This painting is 8 x 10 oil on panel, prepped with Gamblin's oil ground. I admit I sketched the horses quickly over the weekend, hoping I'd get some time to do this, but didn't manage that till today. The colour work took about an hour. I tried not to think too much or obsess over the inaccuracy of my sketch! Just a little early fall morning scene.

All right....let's see if I can get *last* Wednesday's assignment done *this* Wednesday!

Week Twenty-One: Weedeater

2010-10-31T22:32:00.003-04:00

Better late than....well, you know. I dashed this one off very quickly! Wednesday is coming around yet again and I really wanted to get this done before then. This is 6 x 8 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel. Just a little nibble at the remaining bit of grass in the paddock, and the odd sampling of weeds!

Hello, Goodbye...

2010-10-28T19:06:00.004-04:00

Well...suffice to say I've been busy. I've had many things to write about, but no time to do so! This is my attempt to catch up a bit...and hopefully distract you from the fact that I haven't done my filly painting yet this week!

I'm taking part in a couple of shows that will be happening in November. A couple of weeks ago I was invited to be in a show at Cazenovia College, dubbed, "Le Cheval." I will be showing some of my smaller paintings, as unfortunately this came together somewhat last-minute and I was unable to send larger work. The most exciting thing for me about this show is that my work will be hanging with that of several of my very good artist friends, including Juliet Harrison, Kathi Peters, and Kim Santini. While we may not be able to be there in person, it's quite cool that our work will be hanging out!

The second show is the Royal Winter Fair Fine Art Showcase. I was in this show last year, and this year my 12 x 16 oil painting "Ground Rules" (above) was accepted. Today I drove into the city with friend and fellow artist Lise Leblanc who was also accepted, to deliver our work. Stay tuned for more details! The Royal runs from November 5-14, 2010.

Around the farm, I've been busy with a lot of juggling! Last week Vivien came back from Fort Erie, and I needed to wait till we got her shoes off to turn her out with anyone else. Yesterday ended up being a big day. Viv got to go out with BJ, and they were fast friends - I think I'll call them the Mud Twins! Then at feed time, I finally broke down and weaned Baby Girl. Such sad whinnies! Gracie even helped her out on the chorus a few times! Today those two went out on their own, and Jubie was introduced to the three broodmares in the front paddock. I expected fireworks, but they seemed quite understanding of her plight! Anyway...bonds were broken, but new friends made. And so it goes!

Week Twenty: Last Call!

2010-10-20T21:30:00.004-04:00

I've actually had to put off Baby Girl's weaning because her weaning buddy-to-be, Gracie, has had a bit of an issue with one of her eyes that has required a couple of vet visits. Until I'm satisfied Gracie's eye is right - and I don't have to pull her out of the pasture for such vet visits - Baby Girl gets to stay with Jubie. Each time I see her nurse, however, I think, "Enjoy it while it lasts, Baby Girl!"

This is 11 x 14 oil on canvas.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! 19 weeks

2010-10-14T16:31:00.003-04:00

Well, to make up for a very rushed sub-par painting this week, I'm including some photos of our Baby Girl. I was actually just going to post the charcoal drawing I did last night - I wasn't feeling great but wanted to do something - then today decided to try a quick painting of the same pose. Part of my problem was, I upped the stakes by painting on a piece of inkjet canvas! Don't ask me why, except that I won't feel really badly about tossing it! I actually like the charcoal sketch better, even though it has some serious problems!

Baby Girl and I play this game. Yes playing games with babies is bad, but it's far too funny. I only come up on the outside of the paddock on this corner if I have my camera, so she inevitably comes over. Then she runs away. Then she runs back. And so on. I have a very similar photo to this one of Monster as a baby, as she would come flying at me - kind of a game of human-equine chicken! I did have the benefit of a fence between me and her for this one!

Sometimes I look at her and she looks so grown up...then others, she still looks like such a baby and I feel badly for planning her upcoming weaning. I keep putting it off! Then she tries something cheeky, and weaning seems like a good idea again!

Twofer!

2010-10-06T21:18:00.003-04:00

You were all very kind to me, overlooking my letting last week’s Baby Girl painting slip in my Studio Tour prep stress! To make up for it, I did two paintings today.

The first, featuring our girl at just over 17 weeks, is 4 x 6 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel. The reference photo was taken that first day she was out with Aunt Gracie, so that’s who she’s eyeballing!

The second is 7 x 6 oil on unstretched linen. Last Friday, I took advantage of a couple of visitors to snap the filly’s registration photos. It was a rather death-defying feat, as she put on a show for us, demonstrating her repertoire! Once she settled I snapped the photos so fast that I neglected to make sure that on the side views, she was standing with all legs visible. Somehow I managed that on the head-on and rear photos, as notoriously those are harder to capture, but I’m going to have to re-take those side ones! Ah well…Here you have her head shot, though I will be submitting an earlier one for the Jockey Club’s records, as she’s sporting a kind of scarred hairless look at the moment. I wanted to paint this though, because it just screamed TEENAGER! At me! She is just over eighteen weeks here.

Both these were done with a very limited palette of Red Umber, Yellow Ochre, Vasari Adobe, Ultramarine Blue and Titanium White.

Making New Friends

2010-09-27T16:29:00.003-04:00

In a few weeks it will be time to wean Jubie's Baby Girl - hard to believe, isn't it? Only foals are tough for obvious reasons. They need a buddy to keep them company once Mom's taken away. Monster's weaning buddy was a track layup named Storybound. For Peaker, I borrowed a pony mare, and then the owners bought Maria from the mixed sale, so she had a friend her own age. As much as I would love to have another baby, I personally don't need another horse right now! When Gracie came back from the track, I had my answer. Gracie has been on small paddock turnout in the space beside Jubie and the baby since she came home, which I find works well for pre-introduction, but I'm always a little tense on that first day.

I needn't have been, this time! I threw hay out in the big paddock, and Jubie went right to it. Next I slipped Gracie in, expecting Jubie to quite quickly switch into protective momma mode. Uh....Jubie? Jubie didn't even lift her head from the hay! Baby Girl observed from a distance as Gracie scoped out the paddock, sniffing every pile, nibbling weeds. When Baby Girl started to run around, Gracie ran a bit....but nothing alarming. Within a couple of hours the two fillies were off on their own, while Jubie ignored them. It wasn't until Gracie tried to nibble on Jubie's hay pile that Jubie exploded!

I think Baby Girl was a little concerned about her mother's indifference. She kept coming back to nurse - more frequently than normal. It was rather sweet when the three of them started hanging together, and Baby Girl seemed to be looking for reassurance that Jubie did still love her!

Week Sixteen - Wheeee!

2010-09-22T20:50:00.003-04:00

At sixteen weeks, Baby Girl is looking quite grown-up. Her foal coat is just about gone, with just a bit of light hair remaining on her legs - such that I can't do her official registration photos yet, because she has some rather ambiguous markings on her left hind. I want to get them done before she starts to get fuzzy for winter!

This past weekend's show at the Schomberg Village Street Gallery was a success. The weather cooperated, and lots of people were out. In a week and a half it will be time for the Milton Area Studio Tour, so I'll be busy getting ready in the upcoming days!

Week Fifteen: Itch

2010-09-15T21:46:00.003-04:00

This *is* from a different photo than last week, believe it or not! I'd started painting it before I clued in how similar it was...oh well! It's been a weird week, full of minor irritations, so I haven't spent much time in the studio!

The painting is 6 x 6 oil on canvas. Today the filly is sixteen weeks old - four months! Where does the time go? Time for her first vaccinations!

This weekend I'm taking part in the Schomberg Village Street Gallery - if you're in the area, or out for a drive, come by and say hello. There will be a great selection of artists - something for everyone!

Week Fourteen - A Compromise

2010-09-08T21:04:00.004-04:00

I spent the last four days at a show - once again displaying my work in the lobby of the CTHS Sales Pavilion for the Select Yearling Sales. Today meant regrouping - something like that really throws the routine out of whack! About halfway through the afternoon it struck me that it was not in fact Monday, which is what it felt like, but Wednesday, and filly painting day! I had pretty much decided I would postpone the weekly painting until Friday, as tomorrow I'll be setting up another show, but I just decided tonight that I would do a quick sketch from my intended reference. I will paint this at some point!

This is 11 x 14, done with a broken piece of sepia pencil! Super-quick, 5-10 mins. And you know what? It was fun! If you look closely at the background (which is why I didn't crop it to the edge of the paper) you'll see one of my commissions in progress...I'm really liking how its coming along, and can't wait to get back at it!

Week Thirteen: Mom's Eyes

2010-09-01T21:41:00.005-04:00

I had a moment of panic with this painting - an odd sensation I've had more than once where all of a sudden I think, "I can't paint! I've forgotten how! Help!" I wiped off the initial drawing about half a dozen times because it wasn't right. So I guess I went through *two* panics on this one, the first one being, "I can't draw!!" Fortunately I ended up with something resembling Baby Girl. Actually all things considered, it's a remarkably good likeness!

This is 6 x 4 oil on Raymar canvas panel. She certainly does have Jubie's eyes - something that has been apparent from day one!

Part of my problem today was probably the fact that I have a series of shows coming up, the first of which is this weekend, so I'm somewhat madly preparing for those. I have one painting in particular that I'd like to have at least done enough to show this weekend. I believe I've shown it in progress on this blog, at least in the underpainting stage. I'll give you a unique glimpse of it, but that's it for now! (Extra points if you can figure out how I got the shot!)

A Big Day!

2010-08-27T09:20:00.003-04:00

It's a long road from the time you start contemplating breeding a mare, until you actually find yourself with a racehorse, if you even get that far! Picking the stallion, the vet visits to determine when the mare is ready to breed, van ride to the breeding shed, then the waiting begins. Waiting for two weeks to see if she's in foal...two more weeks to make sure she's still in foal....45 days, 150 days...and so on, till hopefully around 340 days you're sleep-deprived from night watch and baby finally arrives, safe and sound. February 10, 2007, little Miss Peaks joined us on the planet, and she was a big strong girl from day one.

"COME ON, PEAKER!!!!!!"

She had her ups and downs - she had surgery when she was less than a week old for entropian, at three months she had an R. equi infection and resultant pneumonia, though not as serious as some of those cases can be. Once she started training, she had a few setbacks as well, and was back and forth from track to farm a few times for some rest. I've been scanning the entries every day for the last week because I knew she was finally ready to run...and yesterday was the day! And she made us all proud - after breaking slowly and spotting the field a few lengths down the backstretch (some 13 lengths behind the leaders), she started picking up horses on the far turn and really came on in the stretch to get up for third, beaten just over a length. A couple of jumps later she had them - and she still hasn't got everything figured out! You can watch the replay, courtesy of Woodbine Entertainment, here. (Her real name is Clever Peaks).

Week Twelve: Good Doer

2010-08-25T22:33:00.004-04:00

You don't hear that expression much these days - a 'good doer' is a horse that eats well! It may sound like an obvious thing to the non-horsey, thanks to that stupid expression, "hungry as a horse," but in fact horses are pretty finicky. Jubie's Baby Girl is quite the good eater. Usually the foals start to want to stick their noses into Mom's tub at 2-3 weeks of age; this filly was less than a week old! No wonder she's such a good size!

This is 5 x 7 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel. Unfortunately I haven't really finished it yet, as I had a pretty crazy day, doing some prep for an upcoming show and getting a load of hay, on top of my usual barn duties. Considering I wasn't sure I'd be able to post anything at all today, I'm hoping you'll overlook that! I will finish it, and post it again when it's done.

Twelve weeks! That's three months! Where does the time go?

Technology is Great...Until It Lets You Down!

2010-08-24T20:46:00.004-04:00

Oh, woe is meeeeeeee!!!!

Okay, so I do remember the days of dialup, really I do. I didn't need a reminder, honest! Apparently not everyone agrees with me. We have had high speed for almost two years now, and while it hasn't been perfect, it's been functional. Until for some reason we thought we should try for perfect...and ended up fixing things worse! Since last Thursday I've had next to no internet access...so here I sit in a coffee pub, like the old days, when I had to come to places like these to do things like upload photos. Our connection (that's hardly accurate really) right now is actually worse than dialup.

So, what happens when you start whining about something like horrible internet? Well, Hydro throws 16,000 volts at your house and takes out your power for eight hours...and with it several battery backups, a high end laser printer (despite surge protector) and the beloved treadmill. After initially being told that Hydro would pay for these losses, they are now claiming it was an "accident" so I'm just hoping both printer and treadmill can be saved, and I won't need to buy a new version of either! I am, however, very thankful that there was no fire, because the fried backups were smoking! The strangest thing? There was no storm involved. No warning.

Not surprisingly, without any kind of reliable internet connection, I've been getting lots of painting done. I've been improvising on the working out thing, going into the gym or torturing the rickety old stairclimber (maybe I'll get on the squeaky spin bike tomorrow!).

Soon I'll be heading back home, going dark again...though after Saturday night's power out, that's not literal! This is, however, a heads up that it's unlikely I'll be posting a filly painting tomorrow. Hope you'll forgive me, and I'll get it to you as soon as I have the means! Till then!

"Boy Meets Girl," 8 x 16 oil

2010-08-19T19:39:00.004-04:00

This is one of those paintings that has gone through a complete change in scenery, so to speak! I loved the photo from the moment I shot it, but debated painting it because, well, let's face it, it's cutesy. When it came down to it though, I guess I couldn't help myself.

Gracie and Billy are about five or six weeks old here. Being February babies, I had lots of beautiful snow shots of the two of them. In March, however, we got a thaw, and in the reference photo, these two are of course standing in a very muddy spot! My first inclination was to make it a snow scene, but after consideration, I decided I needed to go green. Maybe that was influenced by this year's baby, a May foal who has had to deal with neither snow nor mud, lucky girl!.

Their feet were of course covered in the photo, but in order to ground them, I needed to paint their feet, even though I knew I would be more or less covering them with grass. Foal feet are hard to paint, especially out of your head!

I think I've mentioned Gracie is back home from her adventure at the track. I was reminded how tiny she was, working on this painting. Look at her now! She's probably 16-2hh and still growing. And what a lovely girl she is.

The above painting is 8 x 16 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel.

Week Eleven: Racing the Birds!

2010-08-18T21:34:00.004-04:00

This form of play is one I became very famliar with, ten years ago, with my own foal, Monster. Poor Monster was an 'only baby' and used to play with the birds for entertainment. Jubie's Baby Girl has taken up the same pastime!

This painting was an experiment, in that I used a very unique surface. It's paper made from stone, basically - 75% mineral powder. No trees, no water - talk about an eco-friendly art supply! Does that balance out the use of my solvent-based oils? It's called TerraSkin. Very interesting product. The paint handles very differently on this surface, needless to say! Obviously I need more practice to figure it out a little better, but I'm hoping it might be a cool way to put out some sketches. I think this one is about 6 x 8.

When I was painting this week's painting, I was thinking a lot of a painting done last December by another artist friend, Kathi Peters. Kathi did a lovely painting of a foal playing with birds...which I bought! Kathi is one of my favourite artists, and a very cool person to boot. She's been experimenting herself lately, painting in oil on copper! Definitely worth taking a look!

Ten Weeks: Bugged

2010-08-11T17:41:00.005-04:00

Baby Girl was not very impressed with me when I took off her mask last week in order to get some photos. I think her look says it all - this is *not* acceptable for The Princess! This week's painting is 6 x 6 oil on canvas.

She's in for another rude awakening - today the *original* princess came back from the track for some R&R. That would be Gracie, of course! Gracie left a week after the new filly was born, and I do admit having the new foal to dote over helped me deal with my separation anxiety for Gracie. Miss Grace will get the rest of the year off to grow - she is such a big, tall filly, and still growing. It was good for her to get into Woodbine and see the sights, but physically she still needs some time. Of course it's anyone's guess whether she'll actually make it to the races. Such is the game! I'm happy to have her home.

"Firstborn" 14 x 11 Oil on Linen

2010-08-08T18:35:00.004-04:00

Well, I signed this painting today - that's supposed to mean it's done! I have enough other paintings on the go which I'm working hard to bring to completion, so that should help me leave this one alone. My final painting session was a few nights ago, when I was at that stage where I was thinking, "Just a couple more touches and it'll be finished" which usually means I should just stop! The specs: 14 x 11 oil on Raphael linen panel.

It's hard to believe this is the same cheeky little ten-week old I have out in the paddock right now. I am feeling sorry for her - she needs a buddy! She reminds me so much of Monster, resorting to racing the birds for entertainment. Oh well...we'll see what we can come up with!

Hopefully I'll be reporting back shortly with another newly signed piece!

Nine Weeks, Can You Believe It?

2010-08-04T12:17:00.004-04:00

Today's painting shows our little girl at nine weeks old...which means she is now two and a half months (remember I'm a week 'behind' with the paitnings)! Today she got her first real trim and was quite well-behaved for that. I waited till *after* we were done to tell the blacksmith about how she likes to practice rearing repeatedly when she's on her own! After we did the filly in the stall, we pulled Jubie out to do her in the aisle, and the little girl handled that so well, I was proud of her. Momma and baby are both very well-adjusted, which hasn't always been the case with some of the foals from previous years!

This painting is 8 x 10 oil on canvas. I played with a couple of my new Vasari colours - scarlet sienna, and Adobe, which is a proprietary blend, apparently. Love both, even if the tubes are a bit too oily. The consistency of the paint is very nice, and the colours are beautiful. Think I need to get back to the easel and play with them some more!

We Came. We Saw. We Ate Ice Cream.

2010-08-02T21:29:00.004-04:00

Another Saratoga visit is history! For the first time I can remember since my initial trip to the 'Spa' in 2003, we had perfect weather. For me, rain and humidity in Saratoga is just a given, but this time around, after being overcast and muggy on Wednesday afternoon when I arrived (complete with a few token drops of rain, just to say it did) the weather was unbelievably beautiful.

One of the highlights of this trip was being joined by fellow equine artist and racing fan Sharon Passmore. Sharon and I were both Equine Art Guild members, and often correspond back and forth about racing, comparing our experiences and stories of the business. She was able to share connections that got us signed into the backstretch in the morning for amazing photo ops, as well as box seats for the races on Thursday afternoon. Add to that our paddock passes courtesy of the Beresford Gallery, which represents my work at their gallery across from the racetrack, and we were set! Juliet Harrison joined us Thursday, and after sending Sharon on her way home to Tennessee early Friday, Juliet and I took advantage of that backstretch contact for more photos. We also visited the yearling sales barns, and saw the recently renovated pavilion.

The joy of being able to rent a house for our short stay inevitably means ice cream. I can't help but take advantage of the US's greater selection of flavours (not to mention better prices!) of my favourites, Haagen Dazs and Ben & Jerry's, and fortunately my friends indulged with me! It is, however, tradition for Juliet and me to buy an overpriced serving at the racetrack at least once, which we did on our way out Friday afternoon. And of course no trip to Saratoga is complete without at least one stop at Mrs. London's for amazing pastries. We did a lot of walking, but I'm not sure it was enough to balance out the intake of calories!

I'm home again, and did make it back to the easel today. Each year I order some art supplies and have them sent to Juliet so that I can save some of the shipping costs. I'm anxious to try out some of the paints I ordered - decided to try some Vasari oils and see how they compare to my faithful Old Hollands. So far I've only tried one tube - the colour is brilliant, but they're a lot oilier than the rich OHs. We'll see how it goes.

One more thing that made the transition back to reality a bit easier - Ben & Jerry's on sale at Fortinos! Now if we could just get some of those flavours....

Going Green - 8 weeks old

2010-07-27T14:43:00.004-04:00

I did this week's filly painting a day early, because tomorrow I'm off to Saratoga for a few days. I feel better about this one that last week's, and I already have some great pics for next week, thanks to they baby girl showing off for the camera yesterday!

This is 6 x 8 oil on Raphael linen panel. I went back to my old limited palette - still love how those colours come together. If this would dry in time I'd take it with me, but that's not going to happen. As it is, there will be a few of my smaller paintings at the Beresford Gallery, across from the track on Union Avenue. Make sure you pop in if you're there! They have a beautiful collection of paintings for sale from a variety of International artists.

Back to work - lots to do before I go to bed tonight - I'll be leaving at 5AM so I get there in time for the races!

They're All Growing Up!

2010-07-25T20:36:00.003-04:00

It's been kind of a significant week here at the farm. Last Tuesday Gracie went from the training centre into Woodbine - there have been plenty of days in the last year and a half I didn't think that would ever happen. There are no guarantees she'll make it to the races, but this is a big step. I went in to visit her this morning. She's just going to the sand ring right now, and working through things like tire marks and puddles, because you know, those things are scary! When the water comes out of a hose, however, it's all good, as long as she gets a drink first.

Gracie's arrival means there are three homebreds at the track now. She's next to her old buddy Billy. Next to Billy is Medz, aka Rupert, and then we have Maria, and Peaker (the oldest homebred). It was pretty cool to see them all.

Friday, the two yearlings left for the training centre. They won't start the next stage of their education till September, but it was a big step in that direction. They both looked so handsome in their shiny new halters with nameplates...which they promptly checked out.

Jubie's little girl is a mere two months old now, though she trains herself every day, tearing around. A year from now it will be her I load on the trailer. She is growing up so fast - I can't believe how big she is already! By then, we will have welcomed a new crop of babies to keep the dream alive. Maybe one of them will make it big!

Gremlin!

2010-07-21T22:04:00.002-04:00

I really really didn't want to post this painting! I haven't had time to fix it, and it's really bothering me. Maybe I just shouldn't say anything! There are things I like about it...but the end result, just not working for me.

Anyway...this is week seven of my filly paintings. 5 x 7 oil on panel. Looking forward to redeeming myself!

Not Enough Hours! Week 6

2010-07-14T23:48:00.003-04:00

It was tough fitting in the week 6 painting today! After feeding and turning out this AM I had 175 bales of hay to take care of - a morning workout when there are just three people, total. The usual stalls waited at home, and tonight I had to be out. As a result I'm posting a somewhat sketchier than normal painting of our girl. Sometimes it's good to only have so much time. All things considered, I guess it's not too bad!

This is 6 x 8 oil on linen.

Baby Girl Strikes a Pose - Week 5

2010-07-07T18:43:00.004-04:00

Here's our girl at five weeks old. The interesting thing I'm finding in these paintings is while in real life she's grown and changed, when I look at photos of her, and do the paintings, she isn't appearing a whole lot different! I don't feel I entirely captured her likeness here, either.

This is 7 x 5 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel.

You're Right, That's Not a Horse!

2010-07-05T17:41:00.004-04:00

I mentioned that I was painting my first cow. Well, here he is. This is 7 x 5 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel. Seems this poor fellow has the same problem our little Mini Jube does - he hasn't got a name yet! So all I can call him is the dun Galloway calf! He's pretty cute. I hope to paint more of these guys in future!

Plate Picks from Mini Jube

2010-07-03T12:42:00.007-04:00

Doesn't she look like she knows what she's talking about?

Two years ago, the two foals I had did a great job of calling the Plate. Chestnut filly Gracie picked chestnut filly Ginger Brew, of course, because, well, chestnut fillies rule, don't you know? Billy went with the Ontario-sired angle, and Not Bourbon. Not Bourbon and Ginger Brew ran one-two. Not bad, kids! Following Gracie's example, Jubie's little girl has to go with Roan Inish (because, of course, *bay* fillies rule). For the Ontario-sired angle I kind of like Mobthewarrior (from the first crop of Billy's dad, Mobil), but I think I'm with the baby; I'll be cheering for Roan Inish, because I just like the story!

Mobilizer

I hear Sam-Son has got a big bash planned - hey, they only have three starters in the big race, one of which is the favoured full brother to last year's winner. At the other end of the backstretch is Roger Attfield's Mobilizer. It wouldn't be a surprise if either of those barns won.

Mobthewarrior (left) and Giant's Tomb from Sam-Son, first time past in the Plate Trial

For the first time in a long time, I'm planning to stay home on Plate Day. The reason many people will be visiting Woodbine tomorrow - some of them for the first time - is what influenced my decision to stay away. I would love to be there, the Queen herself being in attendance this time around, but it will be a zoo, which will give me little opportunity to get decent photos. For some reason Woodbine likes to give me a hard time about granting media credentials, and I figured this year would be even tougher. Very sad! Maybe next year, we'll have a horse running in the Plate again. Billy's looking pretty good as a two-year old - it could happen! Like I've said before, it's all about the dream.

Here's to a safe trip for everybody tomorrow.

Roan Inish and David Moran

Paying Tribute

2010-07-01T21:24:00.005-04:00

I really don't know what to write with today's painting; the story behind what inspired me to finally pull out the necessary reference photo is a dark one, one that seems so glaringly out of place during a week which is supposed to be a celebration of Canadian racing: Queen's Plate week.

Like many others, yesterday I learned of the death of Wake at Noon, a Canadian champion. He was thirteen, and died on the racetrack, when he never should have been on the racetrack. He was supposed to be enjoying a well-deserved retirement (some of us think winning $1.6 million should pay for that), not find himself the victim of a freak accident after his connections apparently lied about his identity (purely speculation on my part) to even get him on the backstretch. At thirteen, he wasn't eligible to race at Woodbine - or even allowed to been on the grounds. But nothing stays secret at the track for long.

Anyway...I won't ramble on. I took the reference photo for this on Plate Day ten years ago, and I've often looked at it over the years and thought he's a horse I'll paint one day. I never though it would be under these circumstances. So here he is, a rapid-fire tribute to an awesome horse, and a sad reminder of how pathetic the human race can be.

10 x 8 oil on Artfix linen.

One Month Old! Peek-a-boo

2010-06-30T20:08:00.003-04:00

A week ago today, Jubie's baby girl was a month old! Where did the time go? She's quite the observant little thing, always looking out over her stall door, or into the barn when she's outside, watching what I'm doing. She's got her momma's eyes, and it's pretty tough to ignore her. And as she's still without a name, I guess it's no surprise when I call, "Baby Girl!!" she comes running, with the cutest of whinnies.

This is 8 x 6 oil on Old Holland linen.

Work! In! Progress!

2010-06-29T21:10:00.004-04:00

Please forgive my title - what I used to find annoying (bizarre web punctuation) I apparently now find amusing, and so I've used it for this post. The painting in question is one that I can only say I started by popular demand! So many people commented on the photo after I posted it on Facebook, and thought it should be a painting, and I had to agree. This is 11 x 14 oil on Raphael panel. What you see above is the completed underpainting. It's pretty loose, and I'm going to have fun playing with this as I begin the colour, because in order for this to *work* there will need to be an interesting combination of detail and brushwork. Hoping I can pull off what's in my head!

I thought I'd show you a couple of early stages, too. First one is the panel, stained with transparent red oxide, and the rough tonal drawing. For the underpainting I used burnt umber, ultramarine blue and titanium white. As you can see from the image at the start of the post, I've let some of that red toned panel peek through. I just like the effect, even though it will be covered, more or less, once I add colour! The underpainting has dried very quickly (thanks to some less humid weather, and an efficient dehumidifier!) so it won't be long before I get to start that next step.

For a diversion, tonight I believe I finished my first cow painting! I'll show him off after I get the client's approval. See you soon!

Racecar Sounds!

2010-06-23T20:50:00.003-04:00

I know all foals race around, but Thoroughbred babies seem to do so with a particular intensity that reminds me it's what they're born to do. Jubie's little girl is as precocious as they come. I could watch her for hours.

This painting is 11 x 14 oil on board. I admit I plan to polish this one a bit more. I was pretty happy how I managed to get the drawing down with reasonable accuracy - those legs are always a challenge! I love the loose, sketchy look, but it needs to be taken just a little bit further. Maybe then this filly will make the trip to Saratoga - the one painted on board, at least! The one out in the barn has to wait a few years before we know if she's going to have what it takes!

Making Plans

2010-06-21T19:37:00.005-04:00

It's getting to be that time of year - when I start trying to plan the annual trek to Saratoga. Getting away from the farm for a few hours, let alone a few days, is always a challenge. It's kind of a dream to one day spend some time painting on the porch of the Beresford Gallery during the Saratoga meet - will this be the year I pull it off? I'm not holding my breath. It's more likely this will be another whirlwind. Theoretically, I could go down in the morning, go to the races, and come back at the end of the day - it's only a six hour drive...

I started a new painting this week, which is helping fuel the plans. This one is much larger than what I've been sharing of late - 24 x 30 - and my reference photo is one I took at the Spa a few years ago. I had to wait until I'd made a little progress on at least one of the horses to share it - this is very early days, very loose, throwing paint around just to get the canvas covered. As you can see, I have yet to accomplish that!

I've come to enjoy this messy way of doing things - starting with broad areas of tone and refining from there. This is just the underpainting, of course. It's quite fun to do a racing scene this way, concentrating on tone for the first few layers, then starting to gradually add all the colour that makes Thoroughbred racing such a beautiful sport.

A Busy Barnyard - I Mean, Studio!

2010-06-16T19:11:00.004-04:00

I had two paintings on the go today - one of which I finished. Being Wednesday, I completed the next painting of Jubie's baby (who you'll hear me calling Jubaby for reference only!). You had a little preview of my reference shot last week, and above is the resulting 6 x 8 oil on Raphael linen panel.

My other painting is also a small one - 5 x 7 - and also a baby, but a different species. I'm painting a little Galloway calf. He's not finished yet, so you'll have to wait a while to see him.

Sunday was a big day at Woodbine - both the Canadian Oaks and Plate Trial Stakes. It's just about time for me to do some Plate Preview paintings, so I went to get some pics for that. Looks like the fillies may be well represented again this year. I think we're due a filly winning the Plate!

Roan Inish out-games Moment of Majesty to take the Oaks.

New Project! Fifty-Two Weeks

2010-06-11T19:41:00.005-04:00

I've been pondering how to incorporate daily paintings into my schedule without committing to doing one a day, if that makes sense. While I really enjoy my Thirty Horses Thirty Days projects, it's tough when I've got the business of the horses on top of painting, so proposing a year-round thing isn't realistic. Yesterday a friend came up with a great idea, though, and I think it will be very cool!

Unless this is the very first time you've read my blog, you know that just over two weeks ago, we had a foal born here on the farm. She's the only one for this year, and already proving to be quite the princess. The new challenge? To document her growing up - once a week for fifty-two weeks, I'll do a painting of her. Yesterday's will be the first, when she was just a day old - and clearly already had mastered "The Look." My plan will be to do the painting every Wednesday, as that's the day she was born. I'm pretty excited about this. Hope you are too! Make sure you check in next Wednesday to see painting number two!

First Portrait of the New Princess

2010-06-10T21:53:00.004-04:00

Just a little study of Jubie's new baby girl from one of my favourite photos so far. This is 5 x 7 oil on Raymar canvas panel. The first of many, I'm sure!

Seasons...Nothing More Than Seasons.....

2010-06-09T22:51:00.004-04:00

Okay, so those aren't the real lyrics to the song. I've gotten back to another painting that's been on the back burner for a while, and I need to make a decision before I go any further. In my ref photo, these two foals were, sadly, in mud, thanks to a thaw - which, of course, will just not do for the painting! My original plan, you may have guessed, was to make this a snow scene, because that's what I'm really used to with babies around here. Now, of course, with a May foal, I'm re-thinking that plan. I don't want a green-green summer scene - mostly because green is a really hard colour to paint! Now I'm thinking of more muted, early spring colours. Grass starting to grow, but the background trees still somewhat grey. What do you think?

These two foals you may or may not remember from two years ago. On the right is Billy, who is currently home from the racetrack for a little rest. On the left, none other than Gracie. Gracie is in her very early days of the racehorse thing - after starting the basics with me here, last week I took her to a nearby training centre to further her education. I'm unable to be there every day myself, so I've enlisted the help of my friends at the training centre to fill in. Last night I went to see her. It's a good feeling to see a youngster show that she does know what you taught her, when someone else works with her! Yesterday she was just doing some free-longing - something I just don't have the room for. The photo isn't great, but she's such a pretty girl, I'm going to show her off anyway!

Repose

2010-05-30T16:05:00.006-04:00

Remember this one? This is the painting I started last November for the demo I did at the Royal Winter Fair - finally completed! It went through some serious uglies, but I'm happy enough with how it turned out. Don't you just love that? Far be it from me to be ecstatic about anything!

This is 14 x 18 oil on Raphael linen panel. My working title for this was "The Crabby Mares," because this is Monster and the two mares she was turned out with at the time. They were put together because they were the ones that would pick on those lower on the totem pole! All is quiet in the scene I painted, and I thought of calling it "Cease-Fire" but went for "Repose" instead. Just the girls taking a little break from the action, and pretending they get along!

Clockwork

2010-05-27T12:04:00.003-04:00

If Jubie were human, she'd be one of those ultra-organized women. Yesterday morning Jubie had her long-awaited foal, and she's definitely the most efficient mare I've ever dealt with! She was restless all night, but at that point had shown no signs of waxing - not that a mare needs to wax before she foals. I turned her out as usual at 7:30am after she'd had her breakfast - and she was waxing, so I knew I wouldn't be letting her out of my sight for long. She finished her hay, but broke out in a good sweat, so I thought, okay, this might be sooner rather than later! I cleaned her stall and banked it with lots of fresh straw, went inside and grabbed the phone, then came back to the barn and brought her in and wrapped her tail. She was going down as soon as I turned her loose, and it was time to play foaling assistant! Shortly after, Jubie had a new filly on the ground. I had just enough time to do everything.

I'm so used to having foals on the coldest days of winter, it's quite a change to have one in the middle of a May heatwave! Both mare and baby are doing well so far, and Jubie is an amazing mom. Next year, it's back to February foals, so I'll enjoy this while I can!

If A Picture Paints a Thousand Words, Does A Painting Really Need a Name?

2010-05-23T16:43:00.005-04:00

18 x 14 oil on Raphael Linen Panel

As if we artists don't sweat enough over the actual execution of a painting, we sometimes drive ourselves crazy trying to come up with the perfect name. Sometimes paintings name themselves, even before we start them; other times we so much want the perfect name, we struggle! I find in many cases I end up falling short. A great title can really make a painting, I think - but sometimes I'm also aware the viewer might not be in the same headspace as me, so how much does it really matter?

This is one of those paintings I haven't really named yet. The working title was "Bear Now" just because that's the name of the filly in it. Thoughts? I love the mornings at the track (though I admit I don't necessarily miss getting up at 3:30am to go to work), so I'm always looking for something that will exemplify that feeling - the quiet contrast to the tension of afternoon racing, the hope that pervades of winning that next race, big or small. Bear Now was prepping for a start in the Breeders' Cup Distaff here, one of the pinnacles of the game. I've already called a painting "Dreaming Big" (it was of my own Monster, no less!) or I might be inclined to call this something along the lines of "Dream Big or Go Home!" It's what makes you get out of bed at such a ridiculous hour - this is horse racing, and anything can happen. Might as well happen to you, right?

I'd Rather Be Going Racing!

2010-05-15T09:51:00.004-04:00

Grumble grumble...yes, I'm conflicted. I had fully planned to go to the races today, to watch my boy Rupert run (he really needs to overcome his recent second-itis, could today be the day?) as well as catch the Queenston Stakes, which will feature a couple of Plate hopefuls including last year's champion two-year old. But a comedy of errors last Saturday has meant I needed to reschedule an appointment with a saddle fitter for Monster, something I've been waiting on for a while, so I didn't very well feel I could tell them I had to go watch the ponies run instead! Sigh. Sometimes being responsible just isn't any fun at all!

I think I'm due a new painting featuring Rupert, and I actually have one in mind. Today I'm hoping my current commission on the easel is dry enough to start colour, but if not, maybe I'll indulge myself and start a new one. In the meantime, here's one of my goofy chestnut boy. Go Rupert! And happy Preakness Day, everyone! Safe trip for you all!

Ten Years with Monster: A Retrospective

2010-05-10T20:05:00.008-04:00

Today my wild child is ten - where does the time go? I could ramble on about her history, this by-nothing-out-of-nothing homebred, but I will spare you and instead share some of the paintings I have done of her over the years. If you'd like to see some photos of her, you can have a look at my Flikr album.

I will explain the evolution of her name, however. I love coming up with registered names, but have a hard time with barn names. She was very quickly christened "Entertainingangels" and registered with the Jockey Club, but it was several months - yes, months - before I decided what I would call her on a day-to-day basis. And then - well, it took on a life of its own! First she was Javelin, Java for short. As she became a feisty yearling, she turned into Javamonster! It wasn't long before I just dropped the Java part. In polite company she is Java, but her true friends know her as Monster!

HELP WANTED: Many positions available!

2010-05-06T09:24:00.003-04:00

Things were supposed to get easier, after finishing my Thirty Days, right? Well, one would think, but with two mares back from Kentucky, and an overdue GST return to do, that doesn't seem to be the case. So let me see, if only I could hire some help, what would I need?

Office assistant - someone to pack up the three painting that need to go to New Jersey, and four smaller framed giclées that need to go to Manitoba, and then take them to the post office (somehow I have to fit that task into today!). Send ad for Queen's Plate edition of Canadian Thoroughbred from designer in - oh look, that one's done!

Bookkeeper - to finish up that pesky GST. Seems my brain has decided it's late already, so what's another day or two? And I can accept having to pay a penalty for late filing; I can't, however, accept the paintings not getting to New Jersey on time, the giclées likewise. Sigh. It's only money, right? Why can't that big chunk I sent them for my income tax be enough to keep them happy? Maybe they're busy enough with that not to notice (hahaha...Rev Canada...right...).

Barn Help - back up to seven stalls, feeding four times a day, keeping an eye on the broodmare due on the 21st, making sure the boys don't kill each other with their antics...really, this is a full time job on its own! This one has the added bonus of physical activity!

Dog Walker - Finn has adopted my parents, so he's good. Swish is a little POed at me right now! But thankfully, dogs are very forgiving.

Rider - two horses here, one horse somewhere else. Various stages of development, from just-broke green, to not-quite-that-green.

Artist - work on commission with rapidly approaching deadline; finish painting to be photographed for a demo at Pirak Studios tonight; attend Open House at Pirak Studios.

Hours are flexible; must be willing to work for artwork. Any takers? :-D

I know...so much to do, why am I sitting here writing this post? Gotta fly!

Background Noise

2010-05-05T19:43:00.005-04:00

I joked on Facebook last week that I'd received some good news, but I wasn't going to share it yet. I had enough on the go, what with my Thirty Horses, Thirty Days and the income tax deadline. Now that the dust has settled from that, I'm preparing to ship three paintings south for the New Jersey Equine Artists' Association's Art of the Horse exhibit which opens on May 20th, 2010, with the opening reception Sunday, May 23. Getting one painting juried into an exhibit is an honour...three, well, that's just got me stunned – in a good way, of course. You'll recognize the three pieces - above is "Promises, Promises," then "Pause," then "Outside Chance." All are oil paintings.

The NJEAA runs this show every two years. I first took part in 2008, and was able to attend the opening when I made the trek to New Jersey to visit a friend. It was a lovely show and my little painting "Man on a Mission" even received an honourable mention. I wish I could manage the trip again, but my one and only in foal mare is due May 21, so I don't think I'll be going anywhere!

As a surprising bonus, the NJEAA asked permission to use "Promises, Promises" on the website announcement for the show (scroll down to see it), as well as on the show invites. You can guess what my answer was! Sometimes as artists we can go a long time without much news, and start to feel a little left behind, so it's nice to get a spring pick-me-up like this. The show is held in the Johnson Gallery of the Sommerset Art Association in Bedminister, New Jersey; if you're in the neighbourhood, be sure to take a peek! It will run until June 19, 2010.

Sweet Vengeance

2010-04-24T08:50:00.004-04:00

Today, round two of the Flymask Duel. Spider, outfitted with his new, improved mask, was set for the challenge. He wasted no time, showing impressive smarts to get Leo's mask off, stopping the clock at 8:45am. Rather than going for the velcro, which had proved to be his undoing yesterday (or...kept him from undoing, more accurately!) he went for the top of the mask, and simply pulled it over Leo's ears. Well played, Spider! That's right, folks, the Stanley Cup Playoffs have nothing on us!

(Truth be told, I had to save poor Leo and remove the mask, as that "supervelcro" wasn't going to give and who knew what trouble he could get into trying to run and fight with a mask hanging off his jaw! As I figured Spider was at a disadvantage in the competition yesterday with the less powerful velcro of the older mask, I awarded him the victory today, despite incomplete mask removal. ;-) )

Ah, Leo...payback's a bummer!

The Duel

2010-04-23T21:53:00.006-04:00

Things have been busy over at my Thirty Horses, Thirty Days blog, so if you want to see what I've been painting, take a peek over there! We've been blessed with some beautiful spring weather of late, and I've pulled out the fly masks for the horses. For the first time this year, I put them on the yearlings. Two yearling colts, to be exact. Then I started the stopwatch. How long before they got them off?

At first I thought they were going to disappoint me - I mean, make me proud with their maturity - as they grazed quietly, unaffected. Well, Leo walked around for the first bit like he'd never worn one before, with his head stuck high in the air - not the strangest reaction I've seen to a mask, but I thought if either of the two boys had a complaint like that, it would be Spider. It's Spider's mother, Clever, who put on the funniest fly mask-related performance I've ever seen, as she cantered around with her nose up, tossing her head periodically. Clever can be a little dramatic.

It was about 11:30am, then, when the match finally took place. Leo's mask is a new one, and it's pretty secure, so it was no surprise that in their little sparring session, he got the velcro of Spider's undone. It wasn't long before he had it over Spider's ear...

The Winnah!!! Leo shows off his prize.

And then, good friend that he is, he shares with his buddy.

That didn't last too long - the mask ended up in the dust, and Spider thought it was a time to work on Leo's, without success. Darn that new Velcro!

I have another of the new masks, which I'm going to try on Spider tomorrow - see how they make out with that. Just another day on the farm....

Feeling Cramped!

2010-04-17T22:04:00.003-04:00

I think it's official - I've been painting too small, for too long! This week it's been a challenge to put out the daily paintings for my Thirty Horse, Thirty Days, and first line of defence is to do smaller paintings because there's less surface area. Problem is, after too many in a row, I start to feel like I need to run away screaming and waving my arms! I have also become, would you believe, a little tired of horse heads. There might be another chestnut filly explosion coming on - though I promise she will have a head, if that's the direction I go!

I was hoping to decide tonight what tomorrow's painting will be, but I think it's best to leave it for now. My head needs a rest!

What's The Formula?

2010-04-08T21:28:00.005-04:00

The thing about my daily painting stint is, there are a lot of variables. I had a fellow artist ask me the other day which surface I preferred to paint on. On that particular day I said masonite (a.k.a. panel or board). Then today I was painting on Raymar canvas panel - which a week ago had lost favour with me - and at the moment it's my absolute favourite ground, because today's painting just fell off the brushes. I'm fickle, am I not? But do you think tomorrow I'll be able to recreate today's success? Doubtful!

I realize such things are probably in the artist's mind - I stated in response to a comment on the Thirty Horses blog that we artists are our own worst enemies, something that is not a newsflash! Some of us probably learn to deal with criticism because we know we're harder on ourselves than anyone. And I'm not sure it's wrong to be that way, as an artist. If we were always satisfied with our work, we wouldn't bother to try to improve, would we? With every painting we hope we get closer to where we want to be as an artist, and maybe every tenth painting, I know I might feel as if I've actually achieved a tiny step in the right direction. Tonight is one of those times. I'll enjoy that feeling while it lasts, because inevitably it doesn't last long!

You can see how the above painting turned out on the Thirty Horses, Thirty Days blog.

It's A Dog Show! I Mean, a Dog Art Show!

2010-04-06T09:04:00.005-04:00

I just realized I'd forgotten to announce the Canine Art Guild's latest online show. The CAG is celebrating it's fifth anniversary this year, and I'm proud to be a member. Oops - that reminds me, I also need to send in this year's dues!

All of the paintings are 5 x 5 inches, and there is voting for the People's Choice Award. Have a look through all of the great artwork there, and make sure you pick your favourite! I'm having a hard time deciding, myself - and no, I'm not going to pick my own work!

My contribution to the show is an oil on masonite of my Border Collie, Swish. I adopted Swish through Border Collie Rescue Ontario right about the time Kim Santini and I started throwing around the idea of the CAG. Time sure does fly - I was thinking Swish was five years old, but she was a year and a half when I got her, so she's six! In true Border Collie fashion, however, she doesn't act it! Forever young, it seems - gotta love those BCs.

Don't forget, the April Thirty Horses, Thirty Days is ongoing on its own blog. The first paintings are dry, so I'm going to be adding selling prices to them. Those prices are a limited time sort of thing, because once I start framing them for shows, the price has to go up, no way around that!

Better get going on today's painting!

Crisis!

2010-04-04T09:31:00.004-04:00

"What crisis?" ~ Leo

Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic. As I went to run a nozzle check on my printer, I discovered I was low on one of the inks, so couldn't do the necessary cleaning. Time to order ink - only to find out that all my usual suppliers are out of Light Cyan for the 4800, both sizes! Using an Epson 4800 as a reference photo printer is kind of overkill, but it keeps the printer going - the nozzles tend to get clogged when it's not used regularly. I have a colour laser, so I guess until I track down some Light Cyan I'll have to use that! Not near the quality as those off the 4800, but what can you do?

In the meantime...I'm exploring U.S. suppliers. I think their prices might even be cheap enough to cover what I'll get nailed with for shipping, taxes and duty! Now, how long will it take them to get here, I wonder?

On a more important note, Happy Easter to those who celebrate - "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 1 Cor. 15:54.

You can see the latest painting in my Thirty Horses Thirty Days, here.

I Should Be Sleeping...

2010-04-02T23:55:00.002-04:00

I was up early this morning to feed the horses before going into Woodbine to watch some of the horses work, so by the time I got to my painting today, I really just wanted a nap! It's always fun to visit the "kids" in there. Today was Opening Day at Woodbine but I needed to get home to do stalls and, of course, paint, so I didn't stay for the races.

It's two days into the Thirty Horses, Thirty Days for this April, and I thought I'd show some early stages of the paintings I've done so far. Yesterday's was an 8 x 6 and at this stage I'm still working out the drawing. Today's was an 8 x 10 and after getting the drawing to a reasonable point, I've started blocking in colour masses. You'll have to visit the Thirty Horses, Thirty Days blog to see how they turned out - or you can visit my page on Facebook.

Really...it's time for be now. After this morning, tomorrow morning will seem like sleeping in!

Another Commission, Another 30 Days, and Yellow

2010-03-31T08:49:00.004-04:00

I have to admit these days that I'm a little worried about how I'm going to fit everything in once the mares all come back, as I seem to be able to keep myself quite busy with just four horses in the barn. Either I'll become more efficient, or something will have to give!

I finished another commission last week - this one was an oil pastel, 14 x 17, of a Golden Retriever named Monty. I also did Monty's portrait when he was a puppy, so it was fun to do him again as an adult. I used to work almost exclusively in oil pastel, so this was like visiting old friends, though I admit it did take me a little while to warm up again! Oil pastels don't get the respect they deserve. Sadly, that's part of what drove me to work more in oils - well, that and the fact that oils don't need to be framed behind glass!

Tomorrow is April 1st, and I'm not fooling about doing another Thirty Horses, Thirty Days. I'm going to post the paintings over on that blog, so if you'd like to follow along, join the followers over there, or join my page on Facebook. Some will be for sale as we go, so this might be a chance to add a small original to your collection.

Yellow. You're probably wondering about that. You might remember that last May I went to Saskatchewan and took a workshop with Val Hinz. I've been using the palette she taught quite a bit since then, and more recently I've been exploring different yellows, to the extent that last night I had oh, twelve, on my palette. It keeps life interesting. Yes, that's what we artists do for fun!

Better get to it - hope to see you over at the Thirty Days blog in April!

PS - This is a little WIP I'm not completely happy with at the moment. I played with it in Photoshop (out of complete frustration, no doubt!) and I've decided PS can paint better than me...at least with this one! It may show up in the Thirty Days if I can get it sorted out to my satisfaction, we'll see!

Luxy

2010-03-26T23:29:00.004-04:00

This is another one of my recent commissions, a 16 x 20 oil on panel. Luxy is a Danish Warmblood gelding, he and his brother Luminous both sons of the famous stallion Lucky Light. Both brothers were named for their shining light - the sun for Luxy, and the moon for Luminous - hence the symbolic sun in Luxy's portrait. If you look carefully at the original, you will see a four-leaf clover in the foliage of the treeline, to pay tribute to the stallion Lucky Light.

The brothers are both lovely dressage horses, with natural jumping ability. While Luminous is sweet and eager to please, Luxy is playful, mischievous and impish. I think Luxy would like to meet the two young boys at my place - the three of them would have a lot of fun!

Luxy's portrait is framed and will soon be on its way.

March pARTy - Bellator #2!

2010-03-18T09:11:00.003-04:00

I've been having fun watching the pARTy paintings come in, and decided not to put off any longer posting my own. I did this one on 7 x 5 oil on shellaced masonite - every time I do a painting on that surface I learn how to handle it a little bit better!

Just a short post this AM - I'm off to take my two black and whites to the vet for their vaccinations, then I will see if I do better than yesterday at getting up to ride Miss Monster! I need to remember to take my camera, because I know all the horses will have their blankets off. Of course if they're anything like my horses here, they'll also be covered in mud. There's that trade off again!

Trade-Offs

2010-03-17T09:59:00.003-04:00

That's often how life goes, isn't it? Our weather of late has been an example of that. It's been so nice, but of course that means mud! Three straight days of rain didn't help matters any. Oh well, I've come to accept that the barn has to flood at least once in the spring!

Painting wise, the trade-off has been putting the "speculative" work on hold in order to complete commissions. One went to Winnipeg last week; another is at the framer's right now; an oil pastel awaits the finishing touches on my drawing table, and I'm perusing photos for the next one on the list. It's good to have the work! I do put in some time here and there on some of the smaller pieces on the go - yesterday I also did my painting for the March pARTy, which I'll show off later in the week.

Playing "hooky" has come in the form of some revision on my long-suffering closet-novel-in-progress. That might well be a lifetime task. It's worse than painting when it comes to actually making the declaration that it's done. I think they'll have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands! Maybe then someone will publish it!

Back to work...stalls, painting, and hoping to fit in a ride today, if my crusty mare will indulge me. I'll share those commissions and my pARTy painting soon!

Warming Up

2010-03-03T22:30:00.005-05:00

We can't complain about the weather here in Southern Ontario right now - after our first real snow last week, we've had some very spring-like weather lately. Two of the commissions I've been working on are complete - one is all framed and I will take it to the post office tomorrow; the other we're looking at framing options. My next portrait is an oil pastel, and it's been like visiting old friends to go back to that medium!

I was determined to paint something today, and it was this evening before I got to it. I've decided, crazy though I might be, to do another Thirty Horses, Thirty Days in April, so consider this one a warm-up of sorts. This is an 8 x 10 oil on canvas, using my old faithful limited palette of ultramarine blue, burnt umber, cadmium red medium, titanium white and a touch of yellow ochre. The subject is a very pretty filly named Van Lear Rose, Canada's champion two-year old filly in 2008.

On a sad note, I learned today that an old "friend" died. Millie was an older Thoroughbred broodmare, and actully my Monster's "aunt" - she was a half-sister to Monster's sire, Tejabo. I actually did a painting of Millie and one of her foals a few years ago, which I called "Signs of Spring." I worked with many of Millie's babies during the time I worked at the farm she called home. She was a very pretty, sweet mare. Long may she run.

Performance Art

2010-02-21T15:20:00.010-05:00

There's nothing like an untouched paddock to inspire equine action worthy of a photo shoot! I've been thinking about putting Gracie and Jubie out into the larger paddock that was occupied by the mares before they left for Kentucky. Today, warm with a clear blue sky, turned out to be the perfect day.

Jubie is about eight months along in her pregnancy right now, so she was relatively reserved next to Gracie. Miss Grace, however, did not disappoint, showing off her usual display of moves. I think she tired herself out, because she's napping quite peacefully in the corner right now!

Just a note - Gracie did not, in fact, strike Jubie in the face in that one shot! I just looks that way! Plenty of inspiration for now paintings here. This is just a small selection of the 200 or so photos I took. And please excuse the strange formatting of this post - sometimes Blogger has a mind of its own!

Beating the Blahs with a pARTy!

2010-02-18T22:17:00.005-05:00

I decided because my fellow Virtual pARTy organizer Kim Santini posted her pARTy painting, I could post mine as well. All's fair in painting and pARtying! This time around Kim provided our reference photo, from a photo shoot of her friend's Curly horses. This is up close and personal with Percy...which, come to think of it, is something like what Kim called her painting! If you'd like to see the photo, visit the pARTy blog. Thanks, Kim!

The details: this is 10 x 10 oil on gallery wrap canvas. This particular canvas was interesting, because it was prepped with clear gesso, so there was no need to tone it like I would normally do with a white surface. It was already the perfect colour for this particular painting. It's available for $300 US, plus shipping - once it's dry enough to go to a new home! Just email me if you're interested.

The pARTy officially runs until Saturday, so if anyone still wants to play with us, the instructions are also posted on the pARTy blog. Contact one of us if you'd like a high resolution file of the photograph. Sometime early next week, we will post all of the participants' entries on the pARTy blog, so be sure to check back then. Better yet - follow the blog so you get the latest updates.

You Win Some, You Lose Some...

2010-02-17T21:16:00.005-05:00

Some days paintings just seem to fall off the brushes...and others, well, are a hard-fought battle from start to finish (or abandonment, as the case may be!). Today was a bad case of the latter. I've wanted to do this painting for a long time - such a sweet moment between Twine and her first foal, baby Gracie. Gracie got her name because at only two and a half days, she was referred to the Ontario Veterinary College large animal clinic with colitis. She spent five days there, and fortunately recovered, though the reason for her illness was never determined. Out of that experience came her name, Therebutforgrace.

This painting is just a 5 x 7 sketch, oil on masonite, and I think part of the issue was the panel - I just felt as if I was fighting it the whole way. I think this is one I'd like to do larger, and it could be a partner piece to the 11 x 14 I did of Toula and her baby last year.

I could easily do a series of paintings of these mare and foal moments. I have some really cute photos of Clever and Billy. I think Leo and Spider were both tough love babies, though, because I don't remember too many touching moments with those two!

Contentment

2010-02-16T21:51:00.004-05:00

That's what came to mind as the two boys spent a large chunk of the afternoon grooming each other from head to toe. I couldn't believe how long and how thoroughly they went at it! Both were completely immersed - who knew two yearling colts could have that kind of attention span!

They had a slightly stressful morning. Really, these two have the life right now, but every six weeks they're expected to be big boys, when the blacksmith comes for their trims. When they're young, we just do the foals in their stalls, with walk-outs as necessary to check them. Today I finally decided it was time they both grew up, and stood in the aisle on the mats like the big horses!

They handled it pretty well. Leo had one good temper tantrum with a lurching half-rear, but Spider out-did that performance by basically falling/lying down. That's the ultimate cop-out for a horse, and I think they always feel somewhat embarrassed by it! Fortunately it was a slow-motion sort of deal, where he just kept sinking, until he found himself in a heap. He was certainly very good for the rest of the job!

Monster was next, up at the other farm, and after her trim I rode her. After that it was back home to work Gracie and do stalls, then a short break to watch another Canadian Gold at the Olympics before heading back to the barn to feed. That left the evening for painting! Tonight I started a new commission, working from a challenging reference photo - not that that's ever happened before! This one is a 16 x 20 oil on masonite panel.

Yesterday I started my "challenge" painting. My friend Elizabeth McCrindle of Scotland and I both want to improve our humans, artistically. When Elizabeth showed some photos from a trip to Ayr Racecourse this past weekend and said she now had lots of photos of the jockeys, so no excuses on the challenge. It made me think that I also have several photos of the riders, so we both agreed to do one this week. You can see the start Elizabeth made on her blog, and in keeping with accountability, I'll post the one I started here. I've got a much easier one than Elizabeth, I think - I find helmets really hard, and I found a shot with no helmet. I'm not going to tell you who it is. If you think you know, I want to hear it. Just a very rough start so far!

Another Birthday!

2010-02-14T21:53:00.004-05:00

Today it was Gracie's turn to celebrate a birthday - her second. It's somehow appropriate that Gracie is a Valentine's baby - she's been the farm sweetheart from day one. While she has been getting a little big for her britches in the last little while, I've started breaking her, and that structure has helped bring things back in line, so to speak! She's quite a lovely filly - not that I'm biased or anything!

In honour of Valentine's Day and Gracie's birthday, I began a new painting. I've had this one earmarked since the day I shot the reference last March - how could I not? This is the first day Gracie and Billy were turned out together last year - and their first encounter was priceless. Seconds after this moment, they each ran off in opposite directions! I've already got a title for this one - "Boy Meets Girl." Knowing the rest of the story, it's more than a little funny to me! This one is 8 x 16 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel.

As I've been on my own so far working with Gracie, I don't have any photos of us, but today after I was finished with her (no day off for the Birthday Girl!) I did a little quick sketch in pen from memory. I may try and turn this into a little painting - we'll see.

Tonight I went and got on Monster, who I've been in the process of rehabbing from a mishap - best I can figure, she slipped on the ice back in December, and threw her ribcage out of whack! I've finally started back riding her this past week, and tonight we had a great ride - so we're making progress! Then I came home to watch Canada's Alexandre Bilodeau win Gold in the men's moguls at the Olympics in Vancouver. A great day, all round!

Late Plate

2010-02-13T22:18:00.005-05:00

I think I might be calling this one done. I began this 8 x 10 oil on Classen's Linen panel (by Signature) last September. At this point I should probably just say it's two unnamed racehorses, but in fact it's the finish of the 2008 Queen's Plate, with Not Bourbon beating out the filly Ginger Brew probably by about the extra length his tongue provided!

Below is the painting in the very early stages, as I worked on it at the CTHS Yearling sales. Now, if I start the painting of the 2009 Queen's Plate soon...when do you think I will have it finished?

The Birthday Boy

2010-02-12T11:10:00.006-05:00

It was a year ago Tuesday that Leo was born - hard to believe that tiny, sleek baby is the same horse as the fuzzy young man out in my paddock today! On Monday I was over at a nearby farm to take some photos of some of this year's babies, and one always forgets just how tiny they are in those early days. Leo and Spider look small to me because the two-year-old Gracie is so tall and leggy...but they're nothing like the new little ones!

I've been working on commissions and larger paintings this week, so I thought today I was due a smaller, looser one. I was flipping through some of the reference photos I've got printed out, and came across this one of Leo when he was still tiny! This painting is 8 x 6 oil on shellacked masonite.

And now a couple of photos of Leo as he is today - one of him hamming it up, and another of him playing 'fighting stallions' with his buddy. These two have a long way to go before they can match the prowess of those that have battled before in these paddocks! And interestingly, the most noteworthy may very well have been a mare. Rest assured Gladzilla will never be forgotten around here.