Tag Archives: Thoroughbred

Just a Peek….

September 3rd, 2010 | Posted in Juliet Harrison


Here are a few B&W images from Saratoga. Many more proofs to come.

©Copyright 2010 by Juliet Harrison. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , | 0 Comments

Week Thirteen: Mom’s Eyes

September 3rd, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


I had a moment of panic with this painting – an odd sensation I’ve had more than once where all of a sudden I think, “I can’t paint! I’ve forgotten how! Help!” I wiped off the initial drawing about half a dozen times because it wasn’t right. So I guess I went through *two* panics on this one, the first one being, “I can’t draw!!” Fortunately I ended up with something resembling Baby Girl. Actually all things considered, it’s a remarkably good likeness!

This is 6 x 4 oil on Raymar canvas panel. She certainly does have Jubie’s eyes – something that has been apparent from day one!

Part of my problem today was probably the fact that I have a series of shows coming up, the first of which is this weekend, so I’m somewhat madly preparing for those. I have one painting in particular that I’d like to have at least done enough to show this weekend. I believe I’ve shown it in progress on this blog, at least in the underpainting stage. I’ll give you a unique glimpse of it, but that’s it for now! (Extra points if you can figure out how I got the shot!)

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , | 0 Comments

A Big Day!

August 27th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


It’s a long road from the time you start contemplating breeding a mare, until you actually find yourself with a racehorse, if you even get that far! Picking the stallion, the vet visits to determine when the mare is ready to breed, van ride to the breeding shed, then the waiting begins. Waiting for two weeks to see if she’s in foal…two more weeks to make sure she’s still in foal….45 days, 150 days…and so on, till hopefully around 340 days you’re sleep-deprived from night watch and baby finally arrives, safe and sound. February 10, 2007, little Miss Peaks joined us on the planet, and she was a big strong girl from day one.

“COME ON, PEAKER!!!!!!”

She had her ups and downs – she had surgery when she was less than a week old for entropian, at three months she had an R. equi infection and resultant pneumonia, though not as serious as some of those cases can be. Once she started training, she had a few setbacks as well, and was back and forth from track to farm a few times for some rest. I’ve been scanning the entries every day for the last week because I knew she was finally ready to run…and yesterday was the day! And she made us all proud – after breaking slowly and spotting the field a few lengths down the backstretch (some 13 lengths behind the leaders), she started picking up horses on the far turn and really came on in the stretch to get up for third, beaten just over a length. A couple of jumps later she had them – and she still hasn’t got everything figured out! You can watch the replay, courtesy of Woodbine Entertainment, here. (Her real name is Clever Peaks).

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , | 0 Comments

Week Twelve: Good Doer

August 26th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


You don’t hear that expression much these days – a ‘good doer’ is a horse that eats well! It may sound like an obvious thing to the non-horsey, thanks to that stupid expression, “hungry as a horse,” but in fact horses are pretty finicky. Jubie’s Baby Girl is quite the good eater. Usually the foals start to want to stick their noses into Mom’s tub at 2-3 weeks of age; this filly was less than a week old! No wonder she’s such a good size!

This is 5 x 7 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel. Unfortunately I haven’t really finished it yet, as I had a pretty crazy day, doing some prep for an upcoming show and getting a load of hay, on top of my usual barn duties. Considering I wasn’t sure I’d be able to post anything at all today, I’m hoping you’ll overlook that! I will finish it, and post it again when it’s done.

Twelve weeks! That’s three months! Where does the time go?

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , , | 0 Comments

Ten Weeks: Bugged

August 11th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


Baby Girl was not very impressed with me when I took off her mask last week in order to get some photos. I think her look says it all – this is *not* acceptable for The Princess! This week’s painting is 6 x 6 oil on canvas.

She’s in for another rude awakening – today the *original* princess came back from the track for some R&R. That would be Gracie, of course! Gracie left a week after the new filly was born, and I do admit having the new foal to dote over helped me deal with my separation anxiety for Gracie. Miss Grace will get the rest of the year off to grow – she is such a big, tall filly, and still growing. It was good for her to get into Woodbine and see the sights, but physically she still needs some time. Of course it’s anyone’s guess whether she’ll actually make it to the races. Such is the game! I’m happy to have her home.

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , , | 0 Comments

"Firstborn" 14 x 11 Oil on Linen

August 9th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


Well, I signed this painting today – that’s supposed to mean it’s done! I have enough other paintings on the go which I’m working hard to bring to completion, so that should help me leave this one alone. My final painting session was a few nights ago, when I was at that stage where I was thinking, “Just a couple more touches and it’ll be finished” which usually means I should just stop! The specs: 14 x 11 oil on Raphael linen panel.

It’s hard to believe this is the same cheeky little ten-week old I have out in the paddock right now. I am feeling sorry for her – she needs a buddy! She reminds me so much of Monster, resorting to racing the birds for entertainment. Oh well…we’ll see what we can come up with!

Hopefully I’ll be reporting back shortly with another newly signed piece!

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , | 0 Comments

Nine Weeks, Can You Believe It?

August 5th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


Today’s painting shows our little girl at nine weeks old…which means she is now two and a half months (remember I’m a week ‘behind’ with the paintings)! Today she got her first real trim and was quite well-behaved for that. I waited till *after* we were done to tell the blacksmith about how she likes to practice rearing repeatedly when she’s on her own! After we did the filly in the stall, we pulled Jubie out to do her in the aisle, and the little girl handled that so well, I was proud of her. Momma and baby are both very well-adjusted, which hasn’t always been the case with some of the foals from previous years!

This painting is 8 x 10 oil on canvas. I played with a couple of my new Vasari colours – scarlet sienna, and Adobe, which is a proprietary blend, apparently. Love both, even if the tubes are a bit too oily. The consistency of the paint is very nice, and the colours are beautiful. Think I need to get back to the easel and play with them some more!

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , | 0 Comments

2 Weeks Late

August 3rd, 2010 | Posted in Juliet Harrison

I can’t believe I let two weeks go by without a post. I apologize to those of you who tend to hold their breaths, waiting for my next post. Did you give up on me?

I have to admit that this is my busiest time of the year. Mostly because of my son and his Pipeband competitions. Summer is pipeband season. You may remember that Jax is a tenor drummer in the top pipeband in the US, the Oran Mor Pipe Band. And a snare drummer in a youth band. Every weekend in the summer he is either at a competition or at practice. All culminating in competing in the World Pipeband Championships in Glasgow, Scotland in mid August. Which is…looming on the horizon. We leave for Ireland on Thursday. They compete outside of Belfast on Sat. We move on to Glasgow next Wed for them to compete at the World’s the following Sat. So as you can imagine, I am in packing mode.

I always struggle with figuring out what camera to travel with. I will be taking my film body and lenses with lots of B&W film. And I recently got a little Nikon Coolpix which will serve as my color snapshot camera. It also takes video, which will be perfect for the competitions.


In the mean time…I have survived the heat that pounded the Northeast through July. Stayed indoors as much as I could. But least week I went on my yearly visit to Saratoga for the races. This was the 4th year that I have gone up and met with painter and Thoroughbred person, Linda Shantz ( http://www.lindashantz.com/) . We have such a great time when we go. Painter and former pony girl (track term) Sharon Simmons-Passmore joined us this time. We were able to get in and photograph in the the saddling paddock. And for the first time, thanks to Sharon, we got backstretch passes and wandered around with our cameras during the morning activities. Went over to Oklahoma and the yearling sales as well. My film is at the lab so you will have to wait to see what I got. This years trip was culminated with the opening reception at Terry Lindssy’s Equidae Gallery ( http://www.equidae.com/saratoga/index.html). As always…the work there was WONDERFUL. Terry has 8 of my photographs hanging this year. One of the most wonderful things about the reception is the opportunity to meet with the other artists that show up. This year included Sharon Crute, Susan Dorazio, Ann Wolfe, Werner Rentsch and Anthony Alonso.

If I get a chance to scan more of the negatives from the NE Welsh Pony Association show I will post them here before I head over the ocean. If not….I hope you all have a wonderful next two weeks. And I will post again after I get back August 16th.

Cheers!

Juliet

©Copyright 2010 by Juliet Harrison. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , , , | 0 Comments

Going Green – 8 weeks old

July 30th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


I did this week’s filly painting a day early, because tomorrow I’m off to Saratoga for a few days. I feel better about this one that last week’s, and I already have some great pics for next week, thanks to they baby girl showing off for the camera yesterday!

This is 6 x 8 oil on Raphael linen panel. I went back to my old limited palette – still love how those colours come together. If this would dry in time I’d take it with me, but that’s not going to happen. As it is, there will be a few of my smaller paintings at the Beresford Gallery, across from the track on Union Avenue. Make sure you pop in if you’re there! They have a beautiful collection of paintings for sale from a variety of International artists.

Back to work – lots to do before I go to bed tonight – I’ll be leaving at 5AM so I get there in time for the races!

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , , , , , , | 0 Comments

They’re All Growing Up!

July 26th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


It’s been kind of a significant week here at the farm. Last Tuesday Gracie went from the training centre into Woodbine – there have been plenty of days in the last year and a half I didn’t think that would ever happen. There are no guarantees she’ll make it to the races, but this is a big step. I went in to visit her this morning. She’s just going to the sand ring right now, and working through things like tire marks and puddles, because you know, those things are scary! When the water comes out of a hose, however, it’s all good, as long as she gets a drink first.


Gracie’s arrival means there are three homebreds at the track now. She’s next to her old buddy Billy. Next to Billy is Medz, aka Rupert, and then we have Maria, and Peaker (the oldest homebred). It was pretty cool to see them all.


Friday, the two yearlings left for the training centre. They won’t start the next stage of their education till September, but it was a big step in that direction. They both looked so handsome in their shiny new halters with nameplates…which they promptly checked out.


Jubie’s little girl is a mere two months old now, though she trains herself every day, tearing around. A year from now it will be her I load on the trailer. She is growing up so fast – I can’t believe how big she is already! By then, we will have welcomed a new crop of babies to keep the dream alive. Maybe one of them will make it big!

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , | 0 Comments

Gremlin!

July 23rd, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz

I really really didn’t want to post this painting! I haven’t had time to fix it, and it’s really bothering me. Maybe I just shouldn’t say anything! There are things I like about it…but the end result, just not working for me.

Anyway…this is week seven of my filly paintings. 5 x 7 oil on panel. Looking forward to redeeming myself!

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , | 0 Comments

Falling Of The Wagon

July 19th, 2010 | Posted in Kathi Peters

Actually what really happened is that my husband was thrown off the carriage when he was driving with a friend up at Acadia National Park. The pair of Canadian horses they were driving bolted and the fun began! Les hit the gravel carriage roads on his right side, which left him with 4 broken ribs and a very bruised arm…..and a wicked case of road rash on his arm and face. I received the news Thursday afternoon and life as been in a turmoil since.

After several days at the Bar Harbor hospital, Les is home now recuperating. I get to be nurse maid, farm manager, lawns keeper and chief cook and bottle-washer. Needless to say, I have not had any time to paint.
Studio work has been put on hold.

“Holly Bull”  casein on board  7 x 5″

The above casein was the last painting I finished…..along with an oil on copper that I have not photoed yet . “Holly Bull” will be put on my website in the Small Works Collection. Now back to the patient patient, who needs his meds and a cool drink. This will be slow healing process…..and I am anxious to get him healed!!

©Copyright 2010 by Kathi Peters. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , | 0 Comments

Rejected!

July 19th, 2010 | Posted in Judy Johnson

I got word last week that these three paintings were not accepted into the American Academy of Equine Artists Fall open show. Sigh. I had been on a little bit of a roll artwise and was hoping for the best. I will keep trying year after year but am wondering if it will really do me any good to get in when I am 90? Guess I will have a lot of nice paintings in the interim at least. Maybe if I added a crow or painted on brown paper (inside joke).

I have been away from the easel for awhile enjoying the summer and the horses but have a lot of things in mind to work on and will get back soon. Love to my fan(s).

©Copyright 2010 by Judy Johnson. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , | 0 Comments

Not Enough Hours! Week 6

July 15th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


It was tough fitting in the week 6 painting today! After feeding and turning out this AM I had 175 bales of hay to take care of – a morning workout when there are just three people, total. The usual stalls waited at home, and tonight I had to be out. As a result I’m posting a somewhat sketchier than normal painting of our girl. Sometimes it’s good to only have so much time. All things considered, I guess it’s not too bad!

This is 6 x 8 oil on linen.

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , | 0 Comments

Baby Girl Strikes a Pose – Week 5

July 8th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


Here’s our girl at five weeks old. The interesting thing I’m finding in these paintings is while in real life she’s grown and changed, when I look at photos of her, and do the paintings, she isn’t appearing a whole lot different! I don’t feel I entirely captured her likeness here, either.

This is 7 x 5 oil on Raymar cotton canvas panel.

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , , | 0 Comments

Plate Picks from Mini Jube

July 4th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz

Doesn’t she look like she knows what she’s talking about?

Two years ago, the two foals I had did a great job of calling the Plate. Chestnut filly Gracie picked chestnut filly Ginger Brew, of course, because, well, chestnut fillies rule, don’t you know? Billy went with the Ontario-sired angle, and Not Bourbon. Not Bourbon and Ginger Brew ran one-two. Not bad, kids! Following Gracie’s example, Jubie’s little girl has to go with Roan Inish (because, of course, *bay* fillies rule). For the Ontario-sired angle I kind of like Mobthewarrior (from the first crop of Billy’s dad, Mobil), but I think I’m with the baby; I’ll be cheering for Roan Inish, because I just like the story!

Mobilizer

I hear Sam-Son has got a big bash planned – hey, they only have three starters in the big race, one of which is the favoured full brother to last year’s winner. At the other end of the backstretch is Roger Attfield’s Mobilizer. It wouldn’t be a surprise if either of those barns won.

Mobthewarrior (left) and Giant’s Tomb from Sam-Son, first time past in the Plate Trial

For the first time in a long time, I’m planning to stay home on Plate Day. The reason many people will be visiting Woodbine tomorrow – some of them for the first time – is what influenced my decision to stay away. I would love to be there, the Queen herself being in attendance this time around, but it will be a zoo, which will give me little opportunity to get decent photos. For some reason Woodbine likes to give me a hard time about granting media credentials, and I figured this year would be even tougher. Very sad! Maybe next year, we’ll have a horse running in the Plate again. Billy’s looking pretty good as a two-year old – it could happen! Like I’ve said before, it’s all about the dream.

Here’s to a safe trip for everybody tomorrow.

Roan Inish and David Moran

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 0 Comments

Paying Tribute

July 2nd, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


I really don’t know what to write with today’s painting; the story behind what inspired me to finally pull out the necessary reference photo is a dark one, one that seems so glaringly out of place during a week which is supposed to be a celebration of Canadian racing: Queen’s Plate week.

Like many others, yesterday I learned of the death of Wake at Noon, a Canadian champion. He was thirteen, and died on the racetrack, when he never should have been on the racetrack. He was supposed to be enjoying a well-deserved retirement (some of us think winning $1.6 million should pay for that), not find himself the victim of a freak accident after his connections apparently lied about his identity (purely speculation on my part) to even get him on the backstretch. At thirteen, he wasn’t eligible to race at Woodbine – or even allowed to been on the grounds. But nothing stays secret at the track for long.

Anyway…I won’t ramble on. I took the reference photo for this on Plate Day ten years ago, and I’ve often looked at it over the years and thought he’s a horse I’ll paint one day. I never though it would be under these circumstances. So here he is, a rapid-fire tribute to an awesome horse, and a sad reminder of how pathetic the human race can be.

10 x 8 oil on Artfix linen.

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , , , , | 0 Comments

Racecar Sounds!

June 23rd, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


I know all foals race around, but Thoroughbred babies seem to do so with a particular intensity that reminds me it’s what they’re born to do. Jubie’s little girl is as precocious as they come. I could watch her for hours.

This painting is 11 x 14 oil on board. I admit I plan to polish this one a bit more. I was pretty happy how I managed to get the drawing down with reasonable accuracy – those legs are always a challenge! I love the loose, sketchy look, but it needs to be taken just a little bit further. Maybe then this filly will make the trip to Saratoga – the one painted on board, at least! The one out in the barn has to wait a few years before we know if she’s going to have what it takes!

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , , , | 0 Comments
RSS for Posts RSS for Comments