Leading contemporary equestrian artist Kristine Nason adds: “The particular beauty and magnificence of horses has always entranced me, and growing up in the English countryside horses were always a big part of my life. As soon as I could hold a pencil they were my artistic inspiration - if I wasn’t riding them, grooming them, or mucking them out, I was trying to recreate them in two dimensions! I would spend endless hours observing their grace of movement and form, understanding their nature, and as my artistic skills have developed over the years I try to invoke all these truths in my paintings. As a leading equestrian artist now I use images of the horse as metaphors to call on all sorts of emotions within the human psyche. Pictures of horses can touch the soul...”
Paula Vize, who is renowned for her contemporary and non stuffy approach to the hunting and shooting world of art, adds: “The magnificence of this animal never ceases to amaze me. The rapport between owner and horse is like that of dog and owner only stronger, if that is possible. They are intelligent to a level that one can not understand without contact and pick up on ones moods as a dog will, making them exceptional company and very trainable, as in dressage. Different breeds react differently to humans. For example an Arab is much happier tuning into human company as it is not so much of a herd animal. Put this into the ‘picture’ with all that muscle tone, polished coat, and flying mane and how can one but produce a painting that captures the heart?!”
Tony Williams, a member of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts, says: “I have been the daily carer of a magnificent retired thoroughbred race horse
for 10 years. Over the years he has mellowed from a jumpy biter to the most relaxed and affectionate animal, and that has been achieved through love and understanding plus the teaching of others who know how to get the best out of these great beasts. His racing name was Irish Dominion, now "Paddy" he stands 16/1 hands, comes to a whistle, (plus a bowl of treats) and likes to give me a hug by squeezing me under his great neck when I'm trying to make his bed up for the night. I've worked with his farrier many times, making quick studies and photographing him in his stable, to paint in the studio later for the practical reason that he is too inquisitive to allow me to work close to him. It always amazes me how such a big and powerful animal is so gentle and careful in his actions close to humans. He could just take off and do as he pleases, but it seems to please him to co-operate in our routines of daily life. I built his stable in a two- acre paddock with permanent open access so he comes and goes, getting more than enough exercise and at rising 25 years old he is in remarkably good condition. With my shoulder now repaired I will be painting a new series of Paddy this year.”
Sally Martin has won two Cuneo Awards and has been the official artist at the London International Horse Show, Olympia. She says: “I can look upon many interesting and beautiful subjects and not feel at all compelled to paint them, but not so with the horse. Throughout my life this animal has held me in awe and I never tire of creating artwork that strives to convey this fascination and admiration for the way they move, the shape of the equine form, the expression and character of each individual horse and the astonishing fact that they let humans harness their power to whatever ends are required by mankind across the ages. I have worked with horses as an instructor and in the breeding industry. I have witnessed that horses can bring out the best and worst in humans, there are those that try and dominate the horse and use it to attain awards and status sometimes resulting in abuse and cruelty and there are those that truly wish to work in partnership and harmony, which becomes a thing of true beauty and can only enrich the human spirit. Above all I mostly feel that my instinctive compulsion to portray the horse is mostly beyond words, it just ‘is’ and I follow the direction as long as it makes me turn up at the easel each day with renewed hope that I can create work that can reveal the beauty of the equine and connects with others that feel the same affinity to this amazing animal.”
Scottish artist Cara McKinnon Crawford used to horse ride and when she exhibited at Newmarket her paintings focusing on certain aspects of horses won the appreciation of jockeys. “I decided to home in on the eyes which many believe lead straight to its soul – they are incredibly variable from horse to horse and really inspired me.”
The last year of the horse was in 1990 and prior to that it was in 1978, 1966, 1954 and 1942.
