Wild about Horses

I've been crazy about horses for as long as I can remember.  Although I never had a horse of my own, I was lucky enough to have a doting uncle who did.  Uncle Bob was a widower who lived with my grandparents and treated his nieces and nephews like his own children.

His hobby was calf roping in rodeos, and he had a horse called Smokey.  Smokey was named for his color, a dappled grey.  He was a large (actually, he always seemed huge to me) fairly good natured horse who allowed me to ride him without putting up a fuss.  Whenever Uncle Bob had time, which was not often enough to suit me, he would saddle old Smokey for me.  Sometimes, though, I just rode him bareback.  Riding him was always a treat.  Since then, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for grey horses.

I share my special regard for horses with my grandson, Danny.  We've spent hours of contented time looking together for "horseys" in my art magazines.  There are lots of horses here in the Fallbrook and Bonsall area, too, so we've been able to see lots of them on the hoof.  There is a pair of retired Arabians in a corral just a short walk from our house, so all the grandkids have gotten to know them.  When they see the kids coming, the whicker softly, knowing  that carrots are coming!

When Mary suggested that we spend some time studying and painting horses, I leapt at the idea.  I've spent a lot of time learning horse anatomy:  the skeletal structure, from the poll to the ilium to the cannon.  Even the tail has bones.  I've studied the muscles, both deep and superficial.  I'll never know enough, but am enjoying the journey.

But mostly, I am enjoying painting these beautiful creatures.  From the arch of the neck, the flow of the mane, the roundness of the rump to the delicate grace of the legs, they are a visual treat.

 This month I have four of my horse paintings on display at the Temecula Valley Art League Gallery:

This one is a tribute to old Smokey, and that's what I call it

I call this one "Follow the Leader"  I've never been able to decide which were my favorite:   Palominos or black horses


I loved the idea of the warmth of the sun on the snow reflecting on the under-planes of these almost white horses.  This one is "Snow Frolic" 

Even inanimate horses appeal to me!

On the Way to San Jose

Since Sara and her family have moved there, we have certainly learned the way to San Jose.  While we miss having them close by, we have had some beautiful drives to and from.  This last trip a few days ago was no exception.  

We usually beat it up the 5 in our eagerness to get there, but take the 101 and our time on the way home.  My camera and sketch book stay pretty busy then.  The oak studded, rolling hills are beautiful any time of year, and in the October light were spectacular.  Glimpses of the Pacific provide a nice contrast.

  

I have not yet done any paintings from the photos and sketches from this trip, but most certainly will.  In the meantime, here are a few from previous trips.

Moonstone Beach in Cambria is popular year round

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The Golden Hills of Paso Robles in late summer

A pair of ponies sunning themselves in Paso Robles

This one is pretty much from memory/imagination, but the clouds were real