Tag Archives: Thoroughbred

Warming Up


We can’t complain about the weather here in Southern Ontario right now – after our first real snow last week, we’ve had some very spring-like weather lately. Two of the commissions I’ve been working on are complete – one is all framed and I will take it to the post office tomorrow; the other we’re looking at framing options. My next portrait is an oil pastel, and it’s been like visiting old friends to go back to that medium!

I was determined to paint something today, and it was this evening before I got to it. I’ve decided, crazy though I might be, to do another Thirty Horses, Thirty Days in April, so consider this one a warm-up of sorts. This is an 8 x 10 oil on canvas, using my old faithful limited palette of ultramarine blue, burnt umber, cadmium red medium, titanium white and a touch of yellow ochre. The subject is a very pretty filly named Van Lear Rose, Canada’s champion two-year old filly in 2008.

On a sad note, I learned today that an old “friend” died. Millie was an older Thoroughbred broodmare, and actully my Monster’s “aunt” – she was a half-sister to Monster’s sire, Tejabo. I actually did a painting of Millie and one of her foals a few years ago, which I called “Signs of Spring.” I worked with many of Millie’s babies during the time I worked at the farm she called home. She was a very pretty, sweet mare. Long may she run.

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Performance Art

There’s nothing like an untouched paddock to inspire equine action worthy of a photo shoot! I’ve been thinking about putting Gracie and Jubie out into the larger paddock that was occupied by the mares before they left for Kentucky. Today, warm with a clear blue sky, turned out to be the perfect day.


Jubie is about eight months along in her pregnancy right now, so she was relatively reserved next to Gracie. Miss Grace, however, did not disappoint, showing off her usual display of moves. I think she tired herself out, because she’s napping quite peacefully in the corner right now!

Just a note – Gracie did not, in fact, strike Jubie in the face in that one shot! I just looks that way! Plenty of inspiration for now paintings here. This is just a small selection of the 200 or so photos I took. And please excuse the strange formatting of this post – sometimes Blogger has a mind of its own!

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Contentment


That’s what came to mind as the two boys spent a large chunk of the afternoon grooming each other from head to toe. I couldn’t believe how long and how thoroughly they went at it! Both were completely immersed – who knew two yearling colts could have that kind of attention span!


They had a slightly stressful morning. Really, these two have the life right now, but every six weeks they’re expected to be big boys, when the blacksmith comes for their trims. When they’re young, we just do the foals in their stalls, with walk-outs as necessary to check them. Today I finally decided it was time they both grew up, and stood in the aisle on the mats like the big horses!

They handled it pretty well. Leo had one good temper tantrum with a lurching half-rear, but Spider out-did that performance by basically falling/lying down. That’s the ultimate cop-out for a horse, and I think they always feel somewhat embarrassed by it! Fortunately it was a slow-motion sort of deal, where he just kept sinking, until he found himself in a heap. He was certainly very good for the rest of the job!

Monster was next, up at the other farm, and after her trim I rode her. After that it was back home to work Gracie and do stalls, then a short break to watch another Canadian Gold at the Olympics before heading back to the barn to feed. That left the evening for painting! Tonight I started a new commission, working from a challenging reference photo – not that that’s ever happened before! This one is a 16 x 20 oil on masonite panel.


Yesterday I started my “challenge” painting. My friend Elizabeth McCrindle of Scotland and I both want to improve our humans, artistically. When Elizabeth showed some photos from a trip to Ayr Racecourse this past weekend and said she now had lots of photos of the jockeys, so no excuses on the challenge. It made me think that I also have several photos of the riders, so we both agreed to do one this week. You can see the start Elizabeth made on her blog, and in keeping with accountability, I’ll post the one I started here. I’ve got a much easier one than Elizabeth, I think – I find helmets really hard, and I found a shot with no helmet. I’m not going to tell you who it is. If you think you know, I want to hear it. Just a very rough start so far!

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

2008 Queen’s Plate ~ Not Bourbon

Here’s a smaller painting that I just completed.  This is an 8 x 10 oil on Signature linen panel of the finish of the 2008 Queen’s Plate.  Not Bourbon, on the inside, just held off the filly Ginger Brew to win the mile and a quarter classic in a thrilling stretch duel.  I’m pretty sure it was probably his tongue sticking out that made the difference!

This painting is available for $500 unframed for a limited time.  If you’re interested, drop me an email!

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Strategizing

This is the finished version of the painting in my banner, above.  The painting  is a 15 x 28 oil on linen of the first time past the grandstand in the Canadian Oaks a few years ago.  I love the interaction of the riders as they find their positions early in the race.

This painting is framed and available for sale, for $2200.00.  Just email me if you’d like more information.

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Late Plate


I think I might be calling this one done. I began this 8 x 10 oil on Classen’s Linen panel (by Signature) last September. At this point I should probably just say it’s two unnamed racehorses, but in fact it’s the finish of the 2008 Queen’s Plate, with Not Bourbon beating out the filly Ginger Brew probably by about the extra length his tongue provided!

Below is the painting in the very early stages, as I worked on it at the CTHS Yearling sales. Now, if I start the painting of the 2009 Queen’s Plate soon…when do you think I will have it finished?

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

The Birthday Boy

It was a year ago Tuesday that Leo was born – hard to believe that tiny, sleek baby is the same horse as the fuzzy young man out in my paddock today! On Monday I was over at a nearby farm to take some photos of some of this year’s babies, and one always forgets just how tiny they are in those early days. Leo and Spider look small to me because the two-year-old Gracie is so tall and leggy…but they’re nothing like the new little ones!

I’ve been working on commissions and larger paintings this week, so I thought today I was due a smaller, looser one. I was flipping through some of the reference photos I’ve got printed out, and came across this one of Leo when he was still tiny! This painting is 8 x 6 oil on shellacked masonite.


And now a couple of photos of Leo as he is today – one of him hamming it up, and another of him playing ‘fighting stallions’ with his buddy. These two have a long way to go before they can match the prowess of those that have battled before in these paddocks! And interestingly, the most noteworthy may very well have been a mare. Rest assured Gladzilla will never be forgotten around here.

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

A Sure Cure for the Winter Blahs

Heading out with the camera never seems to fail to cheer me up if the weather is getting to me. I’m going to post some pics of the ‘kids’ while I’m working away at various WIPs. The commission currently on the easel is coming along well, and hopefully it won’t be too long before I show it to the client for input on the progress before moving on to the final stages. I happen to know this particular client likes to see photos of the ‘kids’ and by the sounds of it, this horse I’m painting would like to hang out with my boys!


I’ve started working with Gracie, and it’s so far been a reminder of why this time of year is not great for breaking horses! We had quite a cold snap last week, and the normally spunky Miss Grace was all the more exuberant! I’m taking it very slowly with her, as that’s the whole reason it’s me doing the job. She has a growth issue with one of her pasterns so my goal is to get those early lessons done without causing too much stress to the joint. At the training centre, things would proceed more quickly.


Friday was a ’spa’ day for Gracie – she got her feet trimmed, and I pulled her unruly mane so she looks more like a Thoroughbred! The vet was also out to float her teeth and remove a couple of wolf teeth – it was the sedation required for that which allowed me to pull her mane (*not* her favourite thing). I’m not sure most would entertain the thought of a visit to the dentist as part of a spa day, but, well, that’s just the way it worked out!

The boys are having a lot of fun these days. They’re opposites, as potential racehorses: Leo (above) is often quite happy to watch Spider/Batty (my name/owner’s name!) tear around, but when he gets going, wow, he can move. So Spider is our sprinter, and Leo will be the one coming from behind! And Leo has a registered name now – officially, he’s “Jultagi.” First name choice of “Sharp Dressed Man” was rejected because it was deemed to have ‘commercial, creative or artistic significance.’ I wondered about that, but hoped it might get through. I think Jultagi is rather clever – it’s the Korean art of tight-rope walking, and Leo is by Strut the Stage, out of Twine Flies…get it?

Spider’s first name choice was rejected for the same reason – it was “Bat Out of Hell” (hence the ‘Batty’ barn name, because that’s the way he tears around!). I’d warned the owners the Jockey Club might not approve it, so we’ll see if they’ve come up with a second choice!

Spider

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Control vs. Abandon


I know as an artist, I tend to stay closer to the ‘control’ side of the equation. It’s not an uncommon pursuit among artists to want to ‘loosen up,’ the whole ‘less is more’ scenario. If I can throw yet another cliché at you – the good old “a picture is worth a thousand words” – those words, translated to artspeak, might be brushstrokes, and I doubt I will live long enough to get where I want to in mastering those! The goal is efficiency – to be able to put the stroke down once, and have it say what I want it to say. Right now all I’m saying is, “Not in this lifetime!” though I wish that weren’t so!

Today I worked at both ends of the spectrum, or as best I can at this point! I continued to put colour into my present commission project – just a very light, thin layer, and I’m really liking how it’s coming along. I have a few issues to resolve with the photos I’m working from – they were taken mid-day, which means high contrast, strong shadows. Great for drama, but this is a portrait, so I’m toning those down. As the paint will dry quickly because this layer is so thin, I’ll be able to proceed fairly soon on this one, and I’m looking forward to it!

Tonight, in order to balance an afternoon devoted to careful work, I did a little 8 x 10 sketch. I’m not calling this one done, but one thing I know is I’d like to do this much larger, so I’ll try to keep myself from going too far with the sketch. The reference I’m working with is of Alphabet Soup, who is standing this season at Gardiner Farms. I was at Woodbine the day he beat Cigar in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, so to see him up close, and be able to get some pretty cool photos – well, it made my day, back in December at the stallion parade.

This oil is on shellacked masonite, a surface I’m still getting a feel of. I love leaving the panel showing, so this and future attempts will include figuring out how to use that to its advantage!

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

January pARTy


As promised, here’s my painting for the Virtual pARTy. I went with a simple crop to be sure I could get it done in the time frame, given the rest of my schedule! This is 6 x 8 oil on Raymar cotton panel.

We had some great work in this month’s pARTy, so I hope you’ll take a moment and have a look. Think about joining us next time!

I’ve been busy at the easel for most of today, working on getting that painting of the three mares I posted the other day past the uglies! I should have an update to post soon…unless I decide to wait till it’s complete. I think it actually might be turning out!

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

And This, My Friends, is What We Call ‘The Uglies’


If you listen to artists long enough, you’re going to hear that term – “The Uglies.” It’s a stage most paintings go through – a necessary one, most of the time – and one we would just as soon no one saw. I really hadn’t intended on showing the latest progress on this one, but hey, sometimes it’s good to see more than just the finished work. If it turns out the way I want, you’ll see it again. If not, then just don’t ask!


In order to balance that piece of panel above masquerading as a painting, I’ll post a couple more recent photos. I’d really like to show the whole series, or put together the gif, of what led to this one of Rupert and Leo. Leo was trying to entice Rupert to play, and Rupert kept raising his head just out of reach. He seemed to be making a point about Leo’s size. Forgive me for saying that it seemed to go over Leo’s head!

And now, Leo at a more serious moment. He doesn’t have too many of those! He’s such a handsome boy.

The next few days will be busy with horses leaving – mares going to Kentucky, layups heading back to work. After that, it will be time to dive into painting again. I have a show deadline for the end of the month – one for which I’d like to have some new pieces. Time to get cracking!

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

First Painting of 2010


The truth is, the first painting I did this year is one I’m not going to show. I’ve got a sort of informal challenge on this year with fellow equine artist friend, Elizabeth McCrindle, to work on painting humans. I did my first one on the first day of the month, but I used a photo on the front page of a magazine as it was just for practice. Had it been one of my own photos, I would have showed you – even though it will probably be a while before I think my humans are presentable!

Instead, you get to see something I’m much more comfortable with! I’ve done a little painting on works in progress in the last week, but today I wanted to do something quick for a greater sense of accomplishment. This, then, is an 8 x 8 oil on panel and the model is Peaker, now a three-year old. That’s Gracie behind her. It’s not perfect, but it served the purpose. This probably took two and a half hours all told.

I can’t say there’s really been a dividing line between this year and last, as these past weeks have been a bit of a blur. I guess in the next week I’ll do what most people did two weeks ago – sit down and look at the year ahead, and what needs to be accomplished. 2009 was a great year for art for me, which was a blessing when surrounded by all the nay (neigh?)-sayers predicting doomsday with the economy. We had some rough times with the horses, and of course I really didn’t need to go through getting two new trucks in one year, but so it goes. Let’s see what the new decade has in store.

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Chestnut Filly Showdown


As the paintings I’m working on at the moment are all commissions, all you’re going to get for now are photos. But really cute photos! At least I think so!

Yesterday was noteworthy, in my opinion. For the first time, I put Gracie and Peaker together. Peaker is Clever’s “first born” – a chestnut filly (now two). Gracie is Twine’s “first born” – another chestnut filly! Gracie is a yearling now. They both have very gregarious personalities, and have from day one. And well, perhaps it’s been a little indulged by me. There is a stigma in the horse world attached to chestnut fillies, but that’s not going to hold either of these girls back!


After the first few minutes of silliness – inevitable when introducing horses to each other – the girls were fast friends. They are far too cute. Not that I’m biased or anything!


A new arrival on Tuesday was Sunny, a Paint gelding that has been employed as pony at the track. He gets the winter off too, though his new job will be as babysitter for the two weanling boys. He’ll have help soon though – because Rupert (aka Medz) is coming back once the season is done. I expect the two elder chestnuts will keep the youngsters in line!

“What have I gotten myself into?” ~ Sunny

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

“Love Story,” Commissioned Portrait


I’ve been quiet of late because I’m hard at work on commissions at the moment. I usually don’t post commissions as works in progress – you won’t see them here until they are complete and have been approved by the client. Sometimes that’s because they are gifts, and sometimes it’s just because there is often fine-tuning at the end once the client has seen the almost completed portrait, and I’d rather wait until those details have been worked through.

Above is one of my latest pieces, an 8 x 10 pencil portrait of a retired jumper mare named Love Story. The photo we ended up going with for this one was actually supplied by Diane McFarlane, a photographer who commissioned me to do the drawing for her friend. I did get to meet this beautiful mare, however, and really enjoyed that time!

I’ll post an oil portrait I’ve also recently completed next time. Now, it’s back to the easel, where I have two more oil commissions on the go. For now, my other works in progress are on hold!

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Another White Horse

I have been working on this 11 3/4 x 13 3/4″ casein for a few days now, on and off. Yes, another white foreshortened horse. This is a subject that I can not get tired of exploring. And I will be doing more white horses over time…a series of sorts. [Like my 'Shades of Black' series that can be seen on my website.] This is a stallion from the Darley Farm in Lexington KY., a wonderful Thoroughbred Stud Farm that I was privileged to visit last spring. You don’t see many farms like this here in Maine!

It is quiet today at Cob Cottage Studio…Nellie, our non-stop Jack Russell Terrier, is at the vet’s, where she will spend the night, recuperating after having been spade this morning. She is doing well..or so I was told when I called a bit ago to check on her progress. Addie, our Corgi, is enjoying her reprieve from her nemesis and napping and taking leisurely strolls around the farm. How Nell has changed our life…for the better….since she came into it a year ago. But for today we are enjoying a quiet time.

©Copyright 2009 by Kathi Peters. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

NEC Birmingham


Very exciting. My painting has been packed off and on it’s way to the NEC Birmingham, England.

My painting “Racing Stripes” has been chosen to be exhibited at the annual Simply the Best leisure painter magazine exhibition. It will run from the 5th – 8th of November 2009. It runs along side the amazing Art Materials Live event show held at the NEC.

Visitors can vote for the peoples winner and shortlisted entrants will be shown in the Leisure Painter Magazine in the New Year!!!! Fingers crossed and lets hope it sells too :D

©Copyright 2009 by Kathy Lewis. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

School Days!


Today I took a drive to Pine Valley Training Centre to pay a visit to our boy Billy. The weather has kindly warmed up for us, and the trees are brilliant right now – and you can’t much beat the landscape up in King, so it meant for a pleasant drive. Billy even came right over to the fence to say hi when I got there – and I even remembered to take him his favourite treats, so we were both happy!


Billy obviously likes having a job to do, because he’s being a star. Soon he’ll get a holiday for a few months before starting back up in the new year. Needless to say, I snapped a few pics while I was there. He looks like he’s going through another growth spurt, so he’s a little all over the place right now!


Pine Valley is operated by Paul and Gemini Caine – apparently a website is in the works! I also got to meet Gemini’s pony, the very handsome James. :-) Doesn’t this look like a face that needs to be painted?

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Nothing Like a Fall Day at the Races


…to get one back to the easel! I seem to have hit a bit of a dry spell of late, and being as I’ve always been one to say ‘just paint,’ it’s a bit inexcusable in my books. It’s a bad sign when even the cadmiums have started to dry out on the palette – definitely means it’s been too long! I did pick up the brushes and started a small study for an upcoming commission one day last week, but sadly, that’s as far as it’s gone!


Yesterday was Canadian International Day at Woodbine, which featured three Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races. It was cold and windy, but the sun was shining and that made for some great photos, in my book. The light this time of year is so amazing, definitely inspiring when it comes to potential paintings.

The International was won by Champs Elysees in what was his last start before retirement, so it was nice to see him win. He just oozed confidence in the walking ring before the race. The EP Taylor Stakes for fillies and mares was also on the card, and 40-1 shot Lahaleeb won convincingly. The third “Win and You’re In” race was the Nearctic, and Ontario-bred Field Commission finished on top there.

Now, all the dried paint is scraped off my palette, and it’s time to lay out a fresh one. Hopefully I’ll have something to show for it before it dries out again!

©Copyright 2009 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

RSS for Posts RSS for Comments