Speaking of Meet The Model – I Want To Meet Yours!

This will always be my favourite blog - there's a lot of history here - but I decided recently I should probably have a blog attached directly to my website. I have this one linked, but Facebook doesn't like it. I don't know if it will like the new one any better, but I guess we'll see!

I've started a contest there to celebrate thirty – yes, that's 3-0, 30, three-zero! – years of painting portraits. You might want to check it out, if you haven't already seen it. Top three entries will win paintings of their horse! To see what's involved, hop over there and have a look. 

My poster girl for the contest is Trixie here, formally known as A Nifty Trick. The painting is called "Just A Look," and has always been popular. It's 24 x 36, and while the original is sold, there are limited edition giclées on canvas and smaller collector and fine art prints available, should that interest anyone!

Deadline for contest entry is October 15, 2017, so don't waste time! :-D

Special Ponies-Go-Back-To-Work Portrait Offer!

"Fire Filly,"  8 x 10 oil sketch on canvas...of Gracie!

It's that time of year for me - the time when the layups go back to work at the training centre or racetrack, and my income goes with them!  ;-)  I've been fortunate to be able to keep Gracie and Leo both in work for the last three months, but had to give notice for one of them on February 1st - I just can't afford to continue to pay board on both.  The likely candidate to come home is Gracie, as Leo has considerable momentum in his favour.  I hate to do it, but that's the way it is.

I know it probably seems rather indulgent to be boarding and riding two horses, but I've discovered, having that diversion has gone a long way to keeping me sane this winter.  Now, I know no one out there probably cares one way or another about whether I'm sane or not, but it occurred to me, some people might be interested if I dangled a portrait offer.  Some people who haven't been able to afford my regularly-priced portraits might be able to take advantage, and likewise, I might be able to afford to keep Gracie in work, and build on the progress we've made this winter...when I'd been having my doubts about both of our futures!

Lexi - 10 x 8 oil sketch on linen.

Here's the deal.  I'll accept two to three 8 x 10 oil commissions, to be done in what I call my "sketch" style, which just means I'm not going through the many-layered process involved in my "traditional" style portraits. Sketch portraits have the same longevity, and are produced with the same high quality materials, so there's no compromise in that area. 

The subject must be a horse, and you must provide photos, which I must approve.  If you haven't taken the photos yourself, I need to see written permission from the photographer, that allows me to use the photo to create your portrait.

The sketch will be a head study - so head and neck.

Price is $300 (regular price is $500), which will include shipping (worldwide), and payment must be made in full upon approval of your photos.

Deadline to take advantage of the offer is February 14, 2015, which is, conincidentally, Gracie's birthday.  If I don't have anyone booked at that point, I'll accept that bringing her home is what's meant to be.

Interested?  Questions?  Email me at lindashantz **at** gmail.com and I'll help you out.

PS - If you don't have a horse, or you want some other size, or more than a head study...send me an email, and we can talk about it. ;-)

"Peaker" - 8 x 8 oil sketch on board.