I received confirmation today that both of my photographic entries have been accepted to Art at the Classic, held in conjunction with the 26th Annual Draft Horse Classic in Grass Valley, California, September 20 - 23, 2012.
Now to get them framed!
"Days Gone Bye"
"Jeremy and Phil"
He is my very best friend. My inspiration. Muse. Mentor. My heart.
Mi Choyce. Handsome. Bud. Many of you will recognize him as he is most often referred to, The Love of My Life.
Today, we celebrate 30 years together.
There are far too many pictures and memories for one post to do justice, so I've created a page to share some of my favorites.
"Thanks, Bud"
On Tuesday, July 10, 2012, I will be celebrating 30 years with my very best friend, Mi Choyce. I wrote this blog post several years ago, and while trying to decide on this months featured art I felt this image summed up simply what all of us horse crazy kids know to be true, so I'm sharing it with you again:
Of little girls and horses...
This piece is quite possibly the one of greatest sentimental value to me. A tender moment is exchanged between my then two year old daughter Michaela and my beloved horse, Mi Choyce.
In appreciation of her ride, Michaela marched directly into the hay room, came back with an armload of hay - which she stuffed in his feed bucket - and patted him gently on the head.
That inexplicable connection between little girls and horses, captured in this heartwarming moment. An enduring reminder of one of the simplest joys: friendship.
Open edition. Unstretched canvas print, lustre finish. Image size: 24" x 16", $225.00. To purchase, click here.
Brush stroke finish, Gallery and Museum wrap also available. Additional sizes, papers and frame options on request.
Image also available as a large magnet and single or boxed notecards.
"Percheron Foal"
Spring may be months away yet here in Western New York, but it has not stopped me from dreaming of frolicking foals and green grass. This winter in particular has found me counting the days until warmer weather arrives; it has been unseasonably cold this year, and seemingly greyer than usual.
So, as I sit nestled in my studio until the grass reappears and that new crop of foals arrive, I thought I would share one of my favorite foal pics with you ~ a darling percheron colt dozing in the lush Spring grass and this month's featured art:
Open edition, unstretched canvas print, lustre finish. Image size: 24" x 16", $225.00. To purchase, click here.
Brush stroke finish, Gallery and Museum wrap also available.
Additional sizes, papers and frame options on request.
It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to Chief yesterday. I am grateful for the time he was with us, and that he went quietly in the end; though I'm not sure knowing that it would be soon was of any solace when the time came, just relief.
The day is grey and quiet, reflecting the mood on the farm, as if it knows we mourn. Manny and Choyce, Jordan and Caleb are all accutely aware of the absence and loss of their friend. There is a void in my heart this morning as big as his empty stall. How long before I will stop anticipating his greeting each morning I arrive at the barn?
Michaela and I will be planting a butterfly garden on his grave as a memorial; whenever he got out he would inevitably meander through the one by the pond - much to my dismay - completely obliterating it, as though Belgians hold some grudge against butterflies.
I am also setting up a fund that will benefit aged draft horses through sales of "Sentinel", a portrait of Chief, and September's featured art. At this time, I am not sure which organization(s) that will be. If you know of a worthy recipient, please let me know.
"Sentinel"
Open edition Fuji Crystal Archive print, 10" x 15", $50.00. To purchase, click here. Additional sizes, papers and frame options available.
Open edition unstretched canvas print, lustre finish, 12" x 18", $175.00. To purchase, click here. Brush stroke finish, Gallery and Museum Wrap also available.
Indee escapes a grab from Manny during his first turnout with the boys this morning.
"Grandpa's Team"
"Grandpa's Team" won first place in the photography division at the Art at the Classic exhibit at the Draft Horse Classic in Grass Valley, California. This award was a special honor for me, as the judge was one of my favorite artists whose work I greatly admire, Lesley Harrison.
Open edition photographic print on Fuji Crystal Archive paper. Image size, 15 x 10", $50.00. To purchase, click here.
Framed print, finished size 21 x 16", $275.00. To purchase, click here.
Additional sizes, papers and canvas prints available.
"September Miracle"
Born at the end of September, Diamond D Miracle was the first foal born at Diamond D Acres from their newly acquired herd of broodmares. Just a few hours old, Miracle, though already showing her extremely inquisitive nature, stays close to mom as a light rain begins to fall.
Open edition equine photographic print on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, matted and framed. Finished size:12 1/2 x 10 7/8" (7 x 5" image), $165.00. To purchase click here.
"Summer Pastures"
Ginger, a little paint mare, grazes contentedly in the brilliant late afternoon sun.
Open edition equine photographic print on Fuji Crystal Archive paper. Finished size: 15 x 12" (image 10 x 7"), $200.00. To purchase, click here.
Print only, size 9 x 6", $35.00. To purchase, click here.
"Morning Mist"
As the sun rises through the mist beyond the hedgerow, my neighbor's gelding stands silhouetted against the coming dawn.
Open edition equine photographic print on Fuji Crystal Achive paper, matted and framed. Finished size: 21 7/8 x 19" (image 14 x 11"), $295.00. To purchase, click here.Print only, size 15 x 10", $50.00. To purchase, click here.
Additional sizes, papers and canvas prints available.
"Pairs"
Reference photos from Saturday and Sundays performances at the 2008 Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition can be viewed by clicking here.
Images are for viewing and the personal use of the competitors only. Editorial and Avertising inquiries are invited. Please email me at solacepointe@equinesite.com
It was wonderful to see everyone. I also enjoyed making new aquaintences and the opportunity of meeting in person several people I've been in contact with throughout the year via email. Congratulations to all of the competitors. We'll see you next year!
For more information on the show, visit www.walnuthillfarm.com
"Coop"
Young Coop takes a break from the sweltering summer sun in a patch of shade beneath a stand of poplars.
Diamond D Cooper J Lane - "Coop" - now a yearling, is proudly owned by Diamond D Acres Waterport, New York.
Open edition equine photographic print on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, double matted. Image size: 10 x 7", $35.00. To purchase, click here.
Additional sizes, papers, frame options and canvas prints available.
"Thanks, Bud"
Of little girls and horses...
This piece is quite possibly the one of greatest sentimental value to me. A tender moment is exchanged between my then two year old daughter Michaela, and my beloved horse, Mi Choyce. In appreciation of her ride, Michaela marched directly into the hay room, came back with an armload of hay which she stuffed into his feed bucket, and patted him gently on the head.
That inexplicable connection between little girls and horses, captured in this heartwarming image. An enduring reminder of one of the simplest of joys, friendship.
Open edition. Printed on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, matted and framed. Finished size: 17 1/2 x 15 7/8". $215.00. To purchase, click here.
Print only, size 10 x 8", $42.00. To purchase, click here.
Below are the photographic entries accepted to the 2008 Art at the Classic exhibit at the Draft Horse Classic, September 18th - 21st in Grass Valley, California. "Braiding Ben", a pen and ink drawing, has also been accepted. Image of "Braiding Ben" currently unavailable.
"Grandpa's Team"
"Kentucky Morn"
Untitled, Belgian Portrait
"Grandpa's Team"
"Untitled"
A trio of Belgian draft horses plow under the remains of last years harvest, preparing the field for Spring planting.
Perhaps it is because one of the first equines I was introduced to as a child was an aged Clydesdale my friends family kept as a companion to their riding horse, that I have felt this affinity toward the gentle giants - the draft horses. Two of my own are drafts - Chief, an aged Belgian gelding and Manny, a Percheron/TB. Our featured art for the month is a new release featuring three beautiful Belgians demonstrating at the annual old fashioned days put on by our local draft horse club.
Open Edition. Unstretched canvas print, Premier Gloss finish. Image 16 x 10.6". Museum and Gallery wrap also available. $125.00. To purchase, click here.Below are the photographic entries accepted to the 2008 Equine Dream Art Exhibit at the Western States Horse Expo, June 6th - 8th at the Cal Expo in Sacramento, California. Two pen and ink drawings - "Sunday Outing" and (title pending) have also been accepted. Images are currently unavailable.
Prints may be ordered online by clicking on the links below the image.
For more info on the horse expo and art exhibit, click on the links above.
"Spring Plow"
Open edition printed on Fuji Crystal Archive paper. Image size: 15 x 10". $50.00. To purchase, click here.
Frame print, finished size: 21 x 16". $285.00. To purchase, click here.
"Summer Pastures"
"Kentucky Morn" Open edition printed on Fuji Crystal Archive paper. Image size: 15 x 10", $50.00. To purchase, click here.
Framed print, finished size: 21 x 16", $310.00. To purchase, click here.
"Grandpa's Team"
"Signs of Spring"
A pair of Belgian mares and their foals...one of the many signs that Spring has arrived.
Open edition Fuji Crystal Archive print, double matted. Image: 17 x 11" $65.00 To purchase, click here.
Additional sizes, papers and canvas prints available. Framed print 21 x 17" (14 x 10" image) , $285.00. Click here to purchase.
