The minimal amount of light in this piece I felt so keenly with my own life at that time. For days I would go into the studio in attempt to work on its progress but lacked the strength, only to collapse in defeat. The cowboy’s posture is stooped and spoke to me of my own debilitation. The dim light beam faintly shining down on the cowboy and his horse, matched my own dim ray of hope in life. The expression of the horse is the soul of this work. Among all the darkness and exhaustion the horse’s body is erect and full of life. He seemed to be bubbling with energy. His body wraps around the weary cowboy almost as if embracing him. The eye of the horse the most important of all, exemplifies the incredible amount of strength I pulled from to get through those tough times.
Originals
Without something to Love...Love has no meaning.
I am excited to share my latest drawing fresh off the drawing board, featuring a dear friend, which I have titled "Alone Together." My desire for this piece was to express the connection, and partnership between man & horse. The composition & design of the horse's neck coming down towards the cowboy, keeps a soft harmonious, connection between the two. The cowboys left hand & arm leads your eye back around to the horse. This softly invites the eye in a continuous circular motion, with the focus never leaving the two. I intentionally created a tonal background with the light illuminating the two to create almost a divine quality. To me it feels symbolic that God's Love always surrounds us through the grind of every ordinary day. "Alone Together" expresses there is "Glory in the Grind" with two great partners right beside you - the visible & invisible... a horse sniffing on your shoulder & God in your heart.
Her first love. Her own puppy. Her dream come true. A moment like this, we don't want to ever end.
Solitary trees such as this cotton wood, always inspire and speak to me of timeless, ancient meaning. They have weathered through the storms of life as years come and go, from one generation to the next. They speak of strength, & endurance, in a world that is ever changing.
The perspective, space, the land, the light and this lone cottonwood here in the valley, made this rural county road a must to capture in pencil. We are all on a journey towards the future. In life we do not see where our path may lead but we trust in due time to reach those glorious mountain tops.
It’s all in the eyes of this young horse! So young, innocent and still a lot to learn - but the willingness in his eyes and his positive attitude captivated me. He inspired me to be a better person.
My little friend and his beloved "Long Eared" mule had to be drawn. No way around it.
Compassion in the Chicken Coop, comes from a childhood memory that I fondly hold in my heart. It represents my only sister with which I played in our chicken house when we were probably 4 and 7 years old. We would tuck their heads under their wings to rock the chickens to sleep, perch them on their roost and they would not even fall off. I have wanted to do a work such as this for many years in dedication to my sister. This piece was a pure joy to create.
09.19.19 Fresh off the easel. Completed just a couple days ago. This Flee Bitten Grey proved to be a great challenge in drawing a textured white coat. Best Pals, this innocent child whispering a 'Secret' in his horse’s ear made this drawing irresistible!
My respect for Jack is expressed with real Reverence. Jack is one of the most inspiring animals I've ever known. His gaze, and the look in his eye penetrates my heart deeply. I desire to have that same obvious connection as Jack, does with the unseen Master.