Karen Brenner Blogs about her Horse Paintings and Equine Adventures

Shane
Posted December 30, 2009

Shane, whose AQHA registered name is The Silver Digger, is an over 21 gray gelding with energy to spare. He was king of his pasture, looking beautiful in the sunny acres of grass for my photos. Then he headed over to the trees that edged his fence line. I loved how he looked nestled in the foliage.

Shane's owner, Nicole, is an author. Here's a link to a wonderful wintry story she wrote about Shane:

http://www.nicolewritings.com/html/writing.html

JUST OUT: Shane is the main character in Nicole's brand new children's book, Shane's Mane. Here's a link to information about the book. http://www.shanesmane.com/

Enjoy!

Here's a link to more paintings in the Pennsylvania series: Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Do you believe in magic?
Posted December 27, 2009

As we start to plan for 2010, as Jonathan Swift said, "May you live every day of your life."

Click here to download and print the newest quote/painting/to-do list.

posted by Karen Brenner

In a Stable . . .
Posted December 24, 2009

This seems the perfect painting for Christmas eve, reminiscent of the most famous stable in history. Horse owners know that stables can be beautiful places. Even the most rudimentary barn, with the right sun beam, is set aglow -- filled with glorious shapes and shadows -- with an otherworldly warmth.

Who can imagine the inside of a stable lit by a brilliant star?

When I first met Morning's Millie -aka "M" - she was patiently waiting my arrival in her stall. The lighting was wonderful, so I started taking photos immediately. Charlotte had written that M, her Haflinger mare, was "unusually dark . . . with a sooty covering that outlines all her dapples . . . one of the most beautiful Haflingers I have ever seen." She is beautiful!

I hope you enjoy this special Christmas eve painting!

Here's a link to more paintings in the Pennsylvania series:Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Love it, Karen. One of my favorite memories is sitting on a bale of hay in the run-in with my horse after he survived surgery from a severed tendon. The moonlight was the perfect lighting in Jack's stall that night. Merry Christmas! - Pat

Felice
Posted December 21, 2009

During Christmas week, I just happen to have two very special "Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania" to share with you. The first isn't a horse, but a burro. That seems so appropriate for Christmastime.

Felice is a very sweet miniature donkey -- 18 years old -- and just about the cutest thing in Pennsylvania! Her owner, Charlotte, wrote: "... she always makes me laugh every time I see her. She has been in parades, gone into nursing homes to visit the patients and takes me for drives in her little cart....Everyone agrees she is one of a kind."

Here's a link to more paintings in the Pennsylvania series:Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Beautiful! A co-worker of mine gave me photos of her mini donkeys to use for a painting. See the result in my Pet Portrait Album - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30128963&l=2702de15a4&id=1169874845 - Leona

Do you believe in magic?
Posted December 20, 2009

As Christmas draws near, this quote reminds me of the shepherds who received the first message about the good news. Being curious (and amazed) they followed the advice of the angels and went to find Jesus. I hope we are all curious this Christmas, and all year long.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Click here to download and print the newest quote/painting/to-do list.

posted by Karen Brenner

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A Unique Christmas Gift . . .
Posted December 20, 2009

If you read my monthly newsletter, you know I found the cutest T-shirts for little girls at Neighsayer. Here's the scoop:

And Tis the Season for Gifts . . .

One of my Twitter buddies has an online shop called Neighsayers. There is the Most Darling T-shirt ever on her website. For anyone who ever dreamed of getting a horse for Christmas ...

http://www.neighsayers.net/girls-long-sleeve.html

Woodstock
Posted December 18, 2009

First, I must say that this horse is fine. Not fine in a delicate way - Oh NO! Fine in a sleek, muscular, fit way. Woodstock is fine in the way an elegantly engineered locomotive engine is fine. Built in a way that exudes power, Woodstock moved carefully through the small pasture as I snapped photos. He started out slowly, gradually picking up speed. Never for a moment was he out of control.

Woodstock in a Belgian Draft Horse, who carries his owner Bill over the fences at jumping shows and fox hunting. A favorite at local shows and parades, Woodstock has a fan club to cheer him on and a wall of ribbons for his efforts.

In this painting, I wanted to capture Woodstock's latent energy. He's just starting to gather steam, capable and ready to pull a train.

Here's a link to the Pennsylvania series: Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania.

posted by Karen Brenner

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I think you did a wonderful job of capturing his presence and thanks for featuring him on your blog - Bill

Bally Shannon
Posted December 15, 2009

Bally Shannon was such a calm, well-mannered horse that I wanted to his painting to show his peaceful manner. He stood absolutely still while I flitted around him snapping photos. He just stared off into the distance. He looked to be in fantastic physical condition, and I cannot believe he is 24 years old, because he looks like an eight year old.

His owner, Trudy, shared some of his many accomplishments:

"Bally Shannon, or Paddy as he's known, has proved himself to be a multi-talented, gracious equine. Although retired now, his career has spanned from an eventer to an unlikely FEI dressage mount to the compassionate Paralympic equine partner. He's probably the oldest horse the USEF has ever issued passport. He's competed for both United States and Canada at Para-Equestrian International Dressage Show.

"Although successful at horse trials, having qualified for the DeBroke Preliminary Level Championships, Radnor and Essex Three-Day Events, his legs were too weak. After numerous lay-ups, the previous owner considered euthanizing him. He was only 8. After I paid for his leg surgery, I had her consent to try dressage. Little did we think that he would take me up to Prix St. George and Intermediate I. The owner sold him to me when she got sick. He's probably the only horse to have competed at Dressage at Devon that cost a dollar.

"Since it is difficult to find a good dressage horse who will behave for the physically disabled, and I board where Paralympic Team train, I was asked if they could try him. At several dressage shows I would compete in a FEI class and Paralympic rider would compete in their class. Paddy helped several para-riders make the team. He won the Festival of Champion Par-Equestrian Division at Gladstone, NJ, three different years. The USEF and USET flew him to Seattle, WA, to compete in an International Paralympic competition in Vancouver, BC, where he won for USA Team and Canadian individual."

Here's a link to the Pennsylvania series: Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Thistledown Sheridan
Posted December 11, 2009

Thistledown Sheridan was so fun to photograph, although I took most of the shots while hiding behind a large tree in his pasture! As you can see he has some bulk and quite a bit of energy! And he was showing off both of these assets as he galloped through the trees of his shady-filled pasture -- obviously thrilled that he was getting his picture taken. Such joy! But I was never quite sure if he was going to plow me over at full speed .... thus my hideout behind the tree.

Susan, "Danny's" owner, has become an expert on Gypsy Vanners since acquiring her young gelding. She told me that the Gypsies (people - not horses) in Europe had endured centuries of wars -- often having their horses confiscated by passing armies. They hit on the idea of breeding horses with vibrant colors! Who in their right mind would want to be sitting on a boldly colored horse like Danny during a battle? Might as well have a black and white target printed on your uniform. Gypsy Genius!

As Susan's fox hunting mount, I'm sure Danny stands out as they gallop through the fields! And after seeing him in action, I'm sure he is fearless in the field.

I wanted to mention the inspiration for the color palette for this painting. This summer I saw a wonderful exhibit, "Blossom~Art of Flowers" at the Canton Museum of Art. One small striking painting kept drawing my attention. It was very simple: a black vase with a couple round white flowers surrounded by a solid black background. It was painted by Dana Levin. It was beautiful! I loved the stark contrast and simplicity, and wanted to try to a similar color scheme. Of course I needed a black and white subject -- and Danny was perfect.

His painting is part of my newest series:Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Okay, this comment is from me - Karen. Is that allowed??? Anyway, looking at this painting reminded me of one of my favorite Christmas stories ever.(It is December after all!) When my daughter was just 2 years old she attended a day care center in town. Right before Christmas she brought home a package for me! Upon unwrapping it, I was speechless -- there was a - [really bad] - horse head painting on velvet. Unbeknownst to me, people contributed their used "treasures" for students to select as gifts for their parents. And my daughter was so excited to find the perfect gift for her mom who loved horses and art! Hopefully I'm the only one who thinks of Elvis paintings on velvet when looking at this painting! It's oil on masonite- honest! -- Karen

Chrissy
Posted December 10, 2009

Chrissy is a Haflinger mare who is one of the wonderful horses at Reins of Life - a therapeutic riding program in Landenberg, Pa.

Reins of Life's founder, Judy Freedman, was excited to tell me all about Chrissy:"She is drop dead gorgeous and just going to be so photogenic. Her full name is "Christie Brinkley", but is called 'Chrissy'...we also call her Prissy Chrissy. She is a Halflinger 14' h pony with the most gorgeous long blond wavy mane and matching tail. She will be a part of Reins of Life's therapeutic riding program, to lighten, and brighten up the lives of our sweetest little riders, ages 2-25 with special needs. Just imagine our littlest girls seeing this outstanding pony who will remind them and every little girl of 'Barbie's' pony."

Chrissy is such a sweetheart! When we visited, she came right up to welcome us, and then posed, prettier than a picture, for photos. What a doll baby! I'm sure she is a favorite with all the students at Rein of Life.

Here's a link to learn more about this therapeutic riding program: Reins of Life.

Here's a link to the Pennsylvania series: Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Eliron Ring of Fire
Posted December 8, 2009

After reading Glenna's description of her Arabian Stallion, Eliron Ring of Fire, I could not wait to meet him. She wrote, "Eliron Ring of Fire has a gentle temperament and level head and passes on his exotic beauty, symmetry, elegant motion, and athletic ability."

I knew the minute "Ringo" appeared from the barn doorway that he was going to be fun to photograph and paint. Even on his lead line, he exuded energy. He could hardly wait to show off.

Once free in his pasture, he let loose. Racing majestically, head held high, Ringo was like a rich golden stream of light. He had the grace, beauty and airiness of a ballerina and speed and athletic ability of an Olympic sprinter.

One of Glenna's friends, Doug (whose horses Forest and Manastash Nation are in the Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania series too), also nominated Ringo. His words are so true! "Ringo is moved about the earth by a whimsical puppeteer. He is barely affected by gravity. Able to go from standstill to canter in a flicker. Sculptured, chiseled head set on an elegant neck up from a powerful, compact frame carried on springs for legs. He is graceful in temperament and aware of his own beauty. Modest among his people, his is handled by children even while he wears his passion on his sleeve. He should be painted to capture how he displays his energy for life."

After meeting Ringo, I too thought he should be "painted to capture how he displays his energy for life." He's an amazing horse!

Here's a link to Eliron Ring of Fire's website. (Click on Gallery to see some photos of Eliron Ring of Fire.)

Here's a link to the Pennsylvania series: Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Baron of Friesian Spirit Farm in Michigan
Posted December 5, 2009

Baron is a magnificent Friesian stallion who was at the Michigan Horse Expo where I exhibited the Beautiful Horses of Michigan collection of paintings last Spring. He had just performed in the show ring, and I, like many others, followed him outside where Rachelle Grabowski, his owner, and Michelle Hibler, his trainer/rider were letting fans take photos. I had to run back inside for my camera!

Baron has that proud stance that is unique to the Friesian breed. Add that to a magnificent presence and exuberant athletic talent, and you'd begin to see why Baron has so many fans! Plus of course he's beautiful!

Baron looked spectacular in his sparkling crystal studded bridle and breast collar which Michelle had created just for him. It glittered in the sunshine -- accenting the shine that radiated from this gleaming black coat. I wanted to capture his special sparkle in his painting.

See Baron perform on YouTube.

And here's a video with Baron -- so dashing in his sparkling tack!

Click here to see more Friesian paintings.

posted by Karen Brenner

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EBV Airwalker and His Girlfriend, Clononeen Cash
Posted December 4, 2009

When I read about EBV Airwalker's many accomplishments, I knew this Gypsy Vanner had to be part of the Beautiful Horses of Pennsylvania. Here's what his owner, Mary Ann Riess, wrote:

"Airwalker has done a lot in his short life. Air walker comes from a line of well known and respected horses. His father is El Brio stallion Charlie whom is out of RoadSweeper UK and his mother is Mariah out of The old Horse of Wales. We purchased Airwalker as a yearling and his first show was Dressage at Devon in hand. Which he won 1st in his class! We can't wait to see what he does as a 3 year old this year! He is already riding x-country and is a safe and quiet mount. He goes both western and English and we have started to jump him and work on low level Dressage moves with him. Air walker already has his first foal on the ground and has another one due this spring by our grand champion mare Pretty Penny."

Airwalker was out in the pasture with some of his girlfriends when I visited, and I couldn't resist including this pretty mare (right) with him in his painting. I hope Mary Ann will provide her name!