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Horse Paintings Blog - February 2011

 

Fiona
Posted February 24, 2011

Okay, how many of you have heard of this breed: Zweibrucker. I had not even seen that word until Laura's nomination for her mare, Fiona H, arrived in my inbox. Curious, I of course Googled it. You can too! Or check the Zweibrucker entry in Wikipedia about this German warm blood breed.

Fiona is very tall. Laura writes, "...thank goodness she does not know how tall she is!" But in this painting I wanted to emphasize that Fiona looks down on just about everyone she meets!

You can see how Fiona towers over Laura even when grazing!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Charlie
Posted February 22, 2011

Klavohn's Charlie Horse, "Charlie", is a palomino-pinto miniature horse who simply sparkles with cheerfulness. Just watching him with his owner Keith, who is in high school, brings on lots of smiles! Charlie calmly posing -- knowing he is a star, and Keith gleaming with pride -- knowing his mini equine is a real bundle of joy!

The two have won grand champion titles at many 4-H, open and breed shows. They have grand champion trophies in driving, halter and liberty classes. Keith's mother Katrina writes, "[Charlie] is absolutely regal when he runs in the liberty class."

While I was there, Keith escorted Charlie to a large grassy arena for a private liberty session so I could photograph this proud palomino in action. Zooming full speed around the ring, Charlie strutted his stuff just for us! He's a dynamo!

Katrina lists Charlie's many honors: "Charlie has recently won the honor of Indiana 4-H Horse of the Year for his contributions to others and myself. He has brought joy to people in nursing homes and Bible schools. He has helped in equine education through demonstrations, judging clinics and agriculture class presentation. One of his greatest accomplishments was helping to teach others how autistic people can benefit from horses."

She adds, "His mystical look makes you wonder if unicorns do exist!"

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Beautiful Horses of Indiana Paintings will be at the
Eiteljorg Museum's Women in Art Market!

Posted February 17, 2011

Beautiful Horses of Indiana Paintings will be at the Eiteljorg Museum's Women in Art Market!

I just found out that I'll get to have a booth at the market and wanted to let you all know the news! I'm excited because I think the Eiteljorg is an amazing place! I'm so happy that the paintings will get to be exhibited in Indiana -- so you can come see them! And am super excited they will be at the Eiteljorg! Hopefully you've already visited the Eiteljorg, but if you haven't -- get ready for a treat!

The Women in Art Market, which will include paintings, fiber art, ceramics and more from 40 regional women artists, runs from 10 AM - 5 PM - Saturday, March 26, 2011.

Of course I still have eleven more paintings to complete by the end of March, so I'll be working overtime to get them all done! If you've been following the series on my website, you know I have lots of the paintings and stories posted on the Beautiful Horses of Indiana pages. http://www.karenbrenner.com/beautiful_horses_of_Indiana.html. This show will be an opportunity to view all 52 paintings in person -- and even purchase your favorite if you'd like! Bring your checkbook. :-)

As with previous series, people at the exhibit will be able to vote for their favorite painting. You may vote once at the show and once online - during the month of April. I'll send you details when the online voting opens. The painting with the most votes will get its own Cafe Press shop and be reproduced on T-shirts, mugs, and all sorts of nifty merchandise.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art's collections include work by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, as well as many American Indian artists. Admission to the Museum is Adults: $8; Senior citizens 65 and over: $7; Children 5-17 and Full-time students with ID: $5; and Children 4 and under: free. Admission to the Women in Art Market is included. The museum is located at 500 West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN.

I found this online coupon for $2 off general admission to the museum: http://visitindy.com/web_coupons/73

Let me know if you have any questions about the exhibit.

I hope to see you there!

 

posted by Karen Brenner

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posted by Karen Brenner

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Gidasp
Posted February 15, 2011

Gidasp is the first Akhal-Teke I've met and based on this stallion Akhal-Tekes are now one of my favorite breeds! Gidasp has the shiniest coat I've ever seen. Gleaming like a pure gold vessel, I could almost see my reflection in his coat!

Check out the sheen in this photo with him and Eron, his trainer/rider, who leases Gidasp. Eron breeds pure bred Akhal-Tekes in Indiana at IRUS Stables.

Along with his gleaming coat Gidasp's lean athletic confirmation and elegant nature are characteristic of the breed. I love his unique look - with his high withers, dished face, long neck, high headset and lanky body. This is a breed that has its own "look."

I was in awe as he galloped through his large grassy pasture, enthusiastically extending those mile-long legs in ground-covering strides. At a trot he seemed to float above the ground.

This rare breed is said to be over 3,000 years old, originating in the ancient deserts of Turkmen. Click here to read more about Akhal Tekes, a fascinating breed!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Bayli

Bayli
Posted February 14, 2011

I love painting white horses and Bayli was no exception. Her coat is pure white accented by her dark black eyes and purple-gray muzzle. Of course I had to throw in pinks, blues, yellows and even orange hues. In this painting Bayli is a rainbow!

Bayli's owner, Donna, was wonderful! She allowed me to photograph Bayli in the many beautiful settings that are sprinkled throughout her farm. Bayli posed outside her gorgeous old barn, alongside a white shed, and even beside a wonderful antique tractor. Then Donna put Bayli through her "Parelli Paces" -- jumping, circling and twisting and turning in her arena.

Donna is an artist too! In fact she'd had her artist club over to her lovely farm for some plein air painting a few days before I was there. I was amazed to learn no one in the group had focused on painting Donna's horses. Bayli is a model that is hard to resist!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Dante and Tipper
Posted February 10, 2011

Pasture pals, Dante and Tipper, are American Trakehners. The warmblood breed, originating in Prussia, is known for its floaty trot, good substance and refinement. Often used for jumping and dressage, they are wonderful all around sport horses.

Dante and Tipper's owner Carrie explained that Tipper, her gray mare, is full Trakehner, while Dante is a cross. His dam is a Percheron/Thoroughbred cross.

They were both extremely playful when we visited to take photos. With their keen interest in people and curiosity about the "scary" props we brought along to prick ears for pics, it was very hard to get this pair to move far enough away from the camera to take anything but the closest of close-up photos. They are definitely people lovers!

Carrie wrote about Dante: "His dark eyes are intelligent and full of mischief. . . . He comes when I call him and can't get enough belly rubs. He's a horse that is everyone's friend in the pasture and if he were a guy would be the one that everyone wants to hang out with."

Now Tipper, according to Carrie, is a princess: "She is definitely my princess being not at all stoic when in pain. If she gets the smallest cut on her leg she is immediately lame and wants lots of love and attention. After the proper amount of attention she is suddenly not lame anymore. She hates walking in mud or water and I indulge her diva attitude by trying to find ways around. She makes up for it in her wonderfully floaty canter and a fabulous extended trot. Even though she's a princess she has a very sweet attitude and loves to be loved on."

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Ben - POA

Ben
Posted February 7, 2011

Ben's owner, Barbara, described him as "an unusually beautiful palamino leopard P.O.A." Intriguing description, isn't it?

Since I'd never painting a P.O.A. (Pony of America), decided immediately to include Ben (whose registered name is Phantom's Spanish Pants) in the Beautiful Horses of Indiana project. I'm so glad I did because he is a perfect example of a P.O.A. Actually, with his lush mane and tail, he's beyond the norm for the breed. And he loved running through the pasture flashing his good looks. But it was an interior pose that captured my attention for his painting. I love the play of light inside barns -- it creates beautiful highlights and shadows that are just begging to be painted.

This painting of Ben is one of my new favorites!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Bettin on a Storm - TWH

Bettin on a Storm
Posted February 3, 2011

In Dianna's nomination of her Tennessee Walker, Bettin on a Storm, she wrote Stormy's conformation and temperament make her "a calendar girl for the walking horse industry."

Stormy is a beautiful Tennessee Walking Horse! Calendar girl material for sure!

Dianna added, "Stormy will show horse lovers all over the nation that we grow more than corn in Indiana." They sure do!

Dianna told me their family owns five TWHs, so I was hoping to get to take some group shots.... I always love to take group shots of horses racing through fields -- and Dianna's horses were so cooperative -- putting on a wonderful show! In fact I'm planning a major painting featuring four of her TWHs after I finish the Beautiful Horses of Indiana series. My favorite lumber yard -- Curry Lumber -- is cutting the wood right now!

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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This is very inspiring work you have created for us. Some people need to know that these things can ensue to anyone. You have shown me a better view now. -- Anonymous

Miss Makayla
Posted February 1, 2011

Miss Makayla lives at a Girl Scout Camp where -- at 18 hands -- she towers over all the campers! But Miss Makayla's personality is perfect for interacting with children. She seems shy, calm and very good natured.

Her owners, Jodi and Eric, work for the camp and live on the campgrounds. In describing her more, Jodi wrote:

"[Makayla] has the gentleness of an angel and eyes so deep that she can coax even the most reserved child into trusting her. . . . Her compassion and patience are reflected in the hearts of the children that only she could reach."

Jodi adds, "Makayla arrived while I was going through a life threatening illness and then she was tragically orphaned at one month of age. I needed someone to talk to and she needed someone to cling onto after the loss of her mother. We connected and met each other's needs. Makayla has made a draft size impression in my heart and the hearts of the kids that come to camp. She is a true blessing to our family."

The "Beautiful Horses of Indiana" web page showcases paintings from the series. More will be added each week.

posted by Karen Brenner

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Karen Brenner is a professional equine artist who is passionate
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