Between the time I first learned to hold a pencil correctly and the day I left for college, horses were far and away my favorite subjects and I drew and painted them tirelessly. Art school encouraged/demanded me to branch out, and my professional life as an artist has since been filled with countless wonderful opportunities to turn my focus in all number of animal directions; though without question, there will always be a spacious sweet spot in my soul for equines and their reliable creative inspiration. The painting above is my first horse portrait in years, and it's been a pleasure, sweet Merlin...
Merlin was a beloved member of the Dream Catchers therapeutic riding center in Williamsburg, Virginia. A stately Tennessee walking horse gelding - calm, willing, and ever patient - he offered special needs children the opportunity to improve their motor skills, self-esteem, and confidence, through the simple act of riding. Climbing aboard a horse is immediately empowering, and forging a working partnership with a 1,000+lb animal is a lesson in courage, subtlety, and unspoken communication. Each Dream Catchers student had a chance to literally leave their disability on the ground when they settled onto Merlin's back... a magical, awe-inspiring feat, indeed. Merlin leaves 16 gentle stablemates to carry on their proud task without him, but he will be dearly and forever missed. *More of my animal portrait work can be viewed here.
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