Horses in Art - Fall 2012

The World's Premier Equine Artisan & Lifestyle Magazine

Horses in art FALL 2012

NIGHNT RU

Inside: Cover Artist: Ritch Gaiti The Horses that Whisper to the Man $4.95 US $6.95 CAN

www.horsesinart.com

www.HorsesInArt.com

The Resilient Spirit of Austyn Peacock Ping Irving Peaceful Dreams and Horses Fall 2012 Horses in Art 1

"WEG Four Top" | Medium: Oil | 24"x36"

"Bill Horn & Be Aech Enterprise" Medium: Oil | 24"x18"

Dody Clifford

Sporting Artist

“My work is a manifestation of my life’s journey entwined with magnificent horses and barnyard mates. My nomadic nature has led me to, and inspired me to paint, the extravagant equine events on the East Coast and Kentucky, the wildlife, fly fishing & cowboys of Montana and recently the fabulous creatures and landscapes of Oregon.

I am most intrigued by color, light, atmospheric conditions and capturing that one moment in time."

Original Oils and Watercolors, Giclée prints available upon request. Commissions Welcome. www.dodyclifford.com • www.forelockfarm.com • 406.223.5488 • nobelena@gmail.com

"Katmandu" | Medium Oil | 18"x24"

"Snow Ponies" | Medium: Oil | 24"x 48" www.HorsesInArt.com 2 Horses in Art Fall 2012

"Jack and Jill" | Medium: Oil | 12" x18"

"Seeing Red" | Medium: Oil | 24" x 24"

"Lord Barclay" | Medium: Oil | 11"x14"

Fallat2012 Horses in Art 2 Subscribe online www.HorsesInArt.com

Ping Irvin

Passing Kiss 36"x36" oil on canvas Early Dawn 36"x36" oil on canvas Palomino City 24"x24" oil on canvas Rainbow Jungle 36"x36" oil on canvas www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

Evening Song 30"x40" oil on canvas

"I paint the peaceful poetry found in nature and serene harmony between humans, horses and nature."

www.craigirvin.com/ping ping@craigirvin.com Fall 2012 Horses in Art 3

Horses In Art — FALL 2012 —

Letter from the Editor

Publisher / Editor Davina Andrée Long

Dear Subscribers and Horse Lovers,

Greetings to you all once again! To me, this issue is one of the most

inspiring ones we have put together yet. In our everyday lives, we often get bogged down in a mind-numbing routine and can get caught up in the little things that really don’t matter. So to read about artist Ping Irvin’s history in Communist-run China, where art was not allowed unless you worked for the government, and how she never lost sight of her dream and goals is sure to make you think twice about living in freedom. Next we have the uncompromising attitude and grit of young Austyn Peacock. Born with what some would use as an excuse for failure, she sees it as the catapult for success.

Corporate businessman-turned-artist Ritch Gaiti is living proof you CAN do what calls to your spirit and you CAN make a living doing what you love.

We are also very excited to offer our first centerfold/ pull-out poster from

acclaimed artist Kim McElroy! We are so thankful for her wonderful work and generosity! And photographer Brady Willette makes a very welcomed return with another of his war-painted ponies. This issue also is chockfull of horserelated reading material- be sure to check out our reviews and special ads!

There are also a lot of art shows and events coming up that you may want to attend! Please let them know you saw them in Horses In Art!

I hope you enjoy reading our articles as much as we enjoyed creating

them! Don’t forget we are also officially set up to assist in horse rescue organizations through fundraising- call us for the details! As always, we look forward to your comments and love hearing from you, so let us know what you think of this issue.

Until next time, may the horse be with you always!

Davina Andrée On Our Cover: “Night Moves”

by Artist Ritch Gaiti This month our Featured Artist is corporate businessman-turnedartist Ritch Gaiti. He uses painting as “the messenger for the subject’s emotions.” Learn more about Ritch and his inspirations on page 20 in our featured article!

Creative Services Davina Andrée Long Creative Director Contributing Editors CaraLea Willoughby Precious Stahl Graphic Design CaraLea Willoughby Davina Andrée Long Subscription Customer Service michelle@horsesinart.com Advertising / Sales Lisa Crites Direct 940-337-1742 lisa@horsesinart.com Fax 682-292-3119 Contributing Writers Lala Corriere Kim McElroy Brady Willette Vanessa Wright Subscriptions One year within US - $19.95 One year Canada, Mexico - US $28.95 One year International - US $42.95 US currency only 940-691-0656 Horses in Art P.O. Box 9825 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 email: info@horsesinart.com www.horsesinart.com Horses in Art (ISSN#1550-3127) is published quarterly and does not endorse opinions of its writers or assume liability for the claims of its advertisers. Editorial and advertising submissions will be accepted at the discretion of the publisher. All submissions are subject to editing. No warranties of any kind, specific or implied, are provided concerning the accuracy or timeliness of any published material.

Horses in Art has undertaken no independent verification, with respect to infringement of copyright law, to ensure the originality of artwork that appears in editorial or advertisement. Omissions or errors will be compensated only by possible discounting of a future ad at publisher’s discretion.

Copyright 2012, Horses in Art. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without permission from the publisher.

Printed in USA

4 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

THE HORSE ART ENTHUSIAST Artist Ping Irvin, page 12

Resource

Cover Artist Ritch Gaiti, page 20

FEATURES

10

the

Art in Horses

The Resilient and Brilliant Spirit of Austyn Peacock

12

Celestial Horse Equine Artist: Ping Irvin

17

Discovering Horses With Equine Artist Kim McElroy

Austyn Peacock, page 10

20

The Horses that Whisper to the Man Equine Artist Ritch Gaiti

26

Brady Willette's Latest Release Crow War Pony 2

32

Book Reviews with Vanessa Wright

Brady Willette, page 26

Horses in art www.HorsesInArt.com

Like us on facebook! facebook.com/horsesinart

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 5

“Mat and Mike” 18”x18”

“Silver and Gold” 11”x14”

“PowWow Dancer” 11”x14”

Painting & Giclée Prints Available

Giclée Prints Available

Painting & Giclée Prints Available

“Calypso” 14”x18”

“Three Strays” 30”x24”

“The Workout” 16”x20”

Giclée Prints Available

Painting & Giclée Prints Available

Painting a& Giclée Prints Available

www.KathyEWalker.com • 303.932.2400 • Available for Commissions

Back Issues Available WInter 2010

Order your back issues today

Just $7 each

Horses in art SPrInG 2011

includes s/h within the U.S.

Inside: A Special Place Inside Lesley Harrison www.horsesinart.com

www.HorsesInArt.com

Piece by Piece sam Price

Inside: equine Cover Artist: Jan Taylor When Lightning Strikes

www.horsesinart.com

www.HorsesInArt.com

Designer: Sally Faith Steinmann Hats Off for the Horses Spring 2011 HorSeS In Art 1

6 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Winter 2010 Horses In Art 1

Visit our website to view available back issues and prices.

www.horsesinart.com

MARKET YOUR ART Want great results?

Advertise with us!

The perfect target market!

Read by100% Horse Lovers!

Horses in art Contact our Advertising Specialist

Lisa Crites 940-337-1742 lisa@horsesinart.com Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

Equine Artist

Helen Bailey WAOW Associate Member CPSA Signature Member

Ride - Relax - Recreate Grasslands Bed n Barn is uniquely situated across from the LBJ National Grasslands and an ideal retreat for the artist, hiker, horseback rider, naturalist, or overstressed human. A remote and private setting is a complement to the natural, primitive beauty of the Grasslands. An intimate inn with private baths and inviting central room.

Bring your horses where spacious corrals await!

Grasslands Bed n Barn,1081 CR 2461, Alvord, TX 76225

940-627-7176

"Chesapeake"

Winner of the Blue Ribbon for the State of Texas, 2009 Colored pencil on suede matboard Original $1800. ~ 11" x 14" Prints $150.

"The Swimming Lesson"

Colored pencil on suede matboard | 14" x 20" Prints $100.

info@helenbaileyart.com

214-673-8036 www.helenbaileyart.com

12 RV sites: All with 50 amp or 30 amp or 110V electric and water. New paddocks for RV sites. Bring your horses and see the Grasslands of Texas!

www.grasslandsbnb.com

Legacy Park Equestrian Center

SPECIAL

Hard Twist: Western Ranch Women S APhotographs N D R A D A Y by O ’ Barbara C O N N O Van R E XCleve HIBIT May THRO U17 G17-October H M A R C28, H 2012 22012 5, 2012 May - December 31,

Horse Motel - Bed & Breakfast Wichita Falls, Texas

Peace of Mind

when you travel 940-767-9284

Call Sam Cruse at 940-767-9284 for reservations www.LegacyParkEquestrianCenter.com www.HorsesInArt.com

1720 GENDY ST.

FORT WORTH, TX 76107

WWW.COWGIRL.NET

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 7

Will Rogers Memorial Center Upcoming Events

Monday, Oct 15 - Saturday, Oct 20 IALHA National Show - International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association Friday, Oct 26 - Saturday, Nov 3 World Championship Appaloosa Horse Show - Appaloosa Horse Club Wednesday, Nov 07 - Saturday, Nov 17 APHA World Championship Show - American Paint Horse Association Saturday, Nov 24 - Saturday, Dec 15 NCHA Futurity - National Cutting Horse Association

For information: 817.392.7469 www.willrogersmemorialcenter.com Follow WillRogersMC 8 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Subscribe Subscribe online online atat www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

Introducing

the new Equestrian Multi-Purpose Building - Two 100’ x 200’ Indoor Arenas - 740 Premium Metal Stalls 10’ x 10’ - 15 Wash Bays - Convenient access to all show arenas via the expanded tunnel system - Equi-Turf™ Ramp for safe travel between levels -

Improving Upon A Legend For information: 817.392.7469 www.willrogersmemorialcenter.com Follow WillRogersMC www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 9

the

Art in Horses

The Resilient & Brilliant Spirit of

Austyn Peacock I don’t need easy, I just need possible."

Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Austyn Peacock was born with just one arm, but that has not slowed her down! From dancing across Texas to being one of the best youth competitors, she’s making do with just one arm. Austyn is eight years old and has been riding since she was six. She started out with an old horse named Marlene that would just barely trot around the arena. She told her daddy that he needed to buy her a new horse that would go faster. Steven (her daddy) told her that if she could lope around the arena, then he would buy her a faster horse. Two nights later, daddy was looking for a new horse. Marlene was about 20 years old when Austyn received her. She would tell everyone that she was riding “Marlene the Queen” and she was the princess. When Austyn got a new horse named Mercedes, she passed Marlene down to her cousin. Mercedes was a great step-up horse but soon Austyn outgrew her too. She sold Mercedes to her best friend and purchased Cocoa. Cocoa was an older horse, but gave her the confidence to go a little faster. Pretty soon Cocoa would be passed down to another friend. Austyn was soon riding both of her mother’s horses and really doing good. Her barrel horse was A Busy Bee, aka “IBee” and her pole horse was Hesa Bandit N Texas, aka “Bandit.”

In January 2011, Austyn joined the NLBRA (National

Little Britches Rodeo Association). In just a short time, she qualified for her first National Finals. Austyn’s nickname in the NLBRA is “Chickenwing”. The announcer at the rodeos in Texas gave her this name because she has feathers on all her shirts! In the summer of 2011, Austyn was headed to Pueblo, Colorado for the Finals.

She qualified in two events: barrels and poles. The first round in poles and barrels were not very good – Bandit broke pattern in the poles and Ibee didn’t have a very

10 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Subscribe Subscribeonline onlineat atwww.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

pretty first barrel. So after the second round in poles and another broken pattern, Austyn decided she wanted to run Bandit in barrels. She hadn’t run barrels on him in several months.

However, he is a left-handed horse, so it was easier for Austyn to run him. In the second round Austyn won 8th place out of about 70 kids. This got her back to the short round. In the short go she placed 6th in the round. She also ended up 6th in the average and 5th in the world!

Since that day she hasn’t gotten off Bandit. He is now her horse for both barrels and poles – they truly are a team!

Austyn has been fea-

tured in a music video by Speed the Band called “To Be With You” sung by Carrie Owsley.

The song

was written by Mike Speed for his wife, one of the most beautiful love songs ever written.

Austyn and her

horse Bandit played a big role in the video. It was a lot of hard work for the kids in the film but it was also a lot of fun! Most of the video was filmed in Wheelock, Texas, on the beautiful property of Cedar Creek Ranch. The buckle in the video is actually the buckle that she won at the Finals.

Austyn has had an amazing year in 2012. She has won her first All Around title at

the Milam County Youth Rodeo in Rockdale, Texas. A few of her accomplishments are: Champion Barrel Racer at the Madagorda County Youth Rodeo, Red Hot Little Britches Barrel Racing Champion, Red Hot Little Britches Pole Bending Reserve Champion, 3rd in barrels, 4th in poles and 5th in straightaway barrels at the Pineywoods Youth Rodeo Association, currently leading the barrels in YRA and 4th in poles. Most recently she has attended the National Little Britches Finals again in Pueblo, Colorado.

She is working hard towards a world title this year!

Austyn is also playing softball this

year. She plays first baseman and right field. Austyn’s motto is “I don’t need easy, I

just need possible.” You can keep up with Austyn on her facebook page at Austyn “Chickenwing” Peacock.

TRACY MILLER STUDIO Horses and Wildlife of the West painted in a bold contemporary style. www.tracymillerfineart.com

719-650-0827

Commissions and Gallery Inquiries Welcome

The World's Premier Equine Artisan & Lifestyle Magazine

Horses in art Like us on facebook! facebook.com/horsesinart

www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 11

CELESTIAL HORSE Ping Irvin

I was deeply influenced by one of these ancient poems, The Celestial Horse:

He flies through the ageless sky, With hoofs, That pound like thunder, He gallops over the Milky Way, The silver river of stars, Each step sending out sparkling waves, The heavens are shocked at his passing, He breaks through the mists and the clouds run away, As he confidently runs, following after the white hot sun.

I grew up in Kunming, in Yunnan province. As a small child, about

three or four years old, I would sit at the dinner table and instead of eating my food, I held a chopstick up to one eye, and peering down it, moved it slightly to trace the features of my brothers or sisters. It was quite annoying to them, I'm afraid. But even at that age I was learning how to draw faces. In elementary school, the teacher would give me colored chalks and let me draw on a huge blackboard to fill it up. I began to dream Above: Palomino City 24"x24" oil on canvas Right: Evening Song 3o"x40" oil on canvas

of becoming an artist.

But my dream was shattered when I was13 years old and the Cultural

Revolution began in China. Schools were closed for over ten years; mayhem ruled. I still painted on my own. But communism had made my My Chinese family name is Ma. I was born "horse" -Ma means horse

family poor. My father, who had been a banker in India, was labeled a

in Chinese. When I paint a horse, I begin with a blank white canvas. As I

capitalist and sent to a countryside work camp. We couldn't even afford

paint my idea, there is legacy in every brush stroke. In Chinese culture, the

wood to stretch the canvas over. I nailed a canvas on the side of a bench,

horse holds an ancient position. Poets and artists have always chosen him

stretching it there. My mother managed to get enough money to purchase

as their special symbol -and he is prominent in mythical poetry.

five oil colors: red, yellow, blue, white and black. I used them to paint my

12 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

"I painted many subjects, but the horse was always with me.

I love to look into their beautiful eyes. You can see their stories in their eyes." ~ Ping Irvin www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 13

Passing Kiss 36"x36" oil on canvas

Early Dawn 36"x36" oil on canvas

first oil painting.

My older brother was able to borrow books from some of his

to look into their beautiful eyes. You can see their stories in their eyes.

I painted many subjects, but the horse was always with me. I love

friends. Some of them had photos of the classical masterworks. The

I remember one heartbreaking scene from China that forever changed

print quality was poor, but I could see enough to learn. I would paint my

me. I saw a horse struggling to pull a wagon full of iron and steel. It was

older sister's portrait making her elegant and princess-like, in the classical

drizzling rain, and he was on a steep, muddy mountain road. With a

style. Occasionally there was an opportunity to show my paintings to

farmer driving him, the horse pulled desperately but slipped and fell to his

friends or visitors. They seemed genuinely impressed and they gave me

knees. A harness around his neck complicated things, as he struggled to

encouragement. I began to weave my dream again.

stand up. The angry farmer swore loudly, striking the animal. I will never

In China then, no artist could sell their work. If you wanted to make

forget the look in the horse's eyes -filled with fear and great sadness.

a living as an artist, you had to work for the government. I applied with a

I decided then to use the horse with his strong emotions in my paintings.

variety of departments, but only people born in families who supported

the Revolution were eligible for jobs. Because of my father's background,

them more realistically, completing a series where they are shown

we were labeled capitalists and they wouldn’t consider me. My life was my

threatened by the industrial environment. I painted two leaping over a

art. I felt dejected and my pool of hope was small and shallow. I ended up

city of factories far above their noise and smells. I also painted them in

going to a factory to work, thinking I would have to spend my life there.

groups, close together, as if to protect each other. Lastly, I painted them

(In China's system, once you begin in a field, it is almost impossible to

with a girl - symbolizing love, security and peace.

change jobs later.)

But then a door opened. The Yunnan government began organizing

in Thailand. Collectors from Thailand, Germany, Japan and Switzerland

several art exhibitions. They gave the artist a theme and the artist created

bought my work. I was also published in "Who's Who in Modern Art in

work reflecting that theme. Perhaps, because I had interviewed with them

China -Chinese Edition" in Beijing.

in the past, I was on their list of artists and was invited to participate. This

made it possible for me to take several months off from my factory job

the biggest of my life.

each year and paint. Pretty soon my paintings received recognition and

they were even used for magazine covers. And now at the factory, I was

website in Australia for publication on the internet. I had not used the

allowed to paint posters, signs and large murals.

internet before. I don't know if I expected any response from it, and in

Finally the government re-opened the Yunnan Art College. It had

fact, there was very little. Two people emailed me. One man who emailed

been closed for more than ten years. Along with many others, I applied.

me was Craig Irvin, an artist from Texas, who had chanced to see my work

There was a strict examination which I passed. After four years, I graduated

on the website. He loved the work of Marc Chagall, and had seen one of

and my painting titled "Return" won the National Fine Arts Exhibition

my paintings of two horses in a flight of reverie. He saw a similarity in

of Excellence Award. But there was still no way to sell my paintings.

style and wrote a note of encouragement. I didn't check the site often, but

I spent many years working at a television station as a reporter on Arts

finally I saw his email.

and Culture, while painting at night.

14 Horses in Art Fall 2012

I remembered my poem, and my horses were born. At first I painted

Finally, I was able to show my paintings outside China in a gallery

But now it was time for the horse to go through another door, one of I had sent some digital photographs of my paintings of horses to a

I responded, thanking him for his comments. He answered back.

Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

Offering prints, mousepads and many more Rainbow Jungle 36"x36" oil on canvas And so it went. My replies were in very poor English, sometimes aided by a translation program. But my Texas artist friend was patient, and would

equine inspired products by gifted artists.

send me a digital photo of one of his new paintings for my critique. After weeks, probably months, we realized that we were both single and began to exchange personal photos as well. Soon it was clear: Craig needed to make a trip to China.

I was in disbelief when he flew to China: "Could this really be

happening?" When he stepped out of the airport gate, I was so relieved to see a smiling, kind-faced man, very similar to his photographs. I stepped into the restroom, and quickly phoned my mother with the good news -he was OK! We spent many lovely days together traveling and getting to know each other better. We even rented a couple of horses for a ride up part of Snow Mountain! He could stay only a few weeks and after a tearful goodbye, he returned to the U.S. Soon I was able to get a visa and come to Texas as his fiancĂŠe. Within weeks we were married and began our lives together as artists.

My paintings have become much more positive, especially emphasiz-

ing the girl and horse. The horse is strong and warm, and the girl is happy and at peace. I've begun to show my work in galleries and shows around the South and Southwest U.S. While I don't own any horses, my neighbors have several, and I am able to visit with them, and observe and learn from them. It's wonderful having these magnificent animals close by to inspire me.

Their eyes still fascinate me. In 2010, I became a U.S. Citizen and every day I am feeling more like the Celestial Horse of the poem -at last totally free to run among the stars. www.HorsesInArt.com

Ping Irvin at her studio in Texas

www.EarthWindandHorses.com Fall 2012 Horses in Art 15

q Pat Schermerhorn q

"Wildhorses" | scratchboard and watercolor | 14"x18"

Commissions, Prints and Note Cards

Horses and Mules

"Buddies" | pen & ink pointillism | 8"x10"

Visit Schermerhorn's display room at the "CODY ART SHOW" upstairs in the Historic Irma Hotel.

Cody, Wyoming September 20-22, 2012

P.O.Box 734, Cody, WY 307-527-6877 email: patsart@vcn.com

www.PatSchermerhorn.com

This stirring book fully justifies America's magnificent wild horses and burros while countering the biased machinations against them.

Written by an ecologist, Craig C. Downer- who grew up observing these animals in the West- it presents new evidence concerning their history and evolution in North America. It also describes their many positive contributions to soils, plants, animals and people. You can purchase this amazing book at Amazon.com

D.K. Wald *Animals

*Horses *Portraits

Website Coming Soon!

“3 Amigos� dkwaldthomas@aol.com 16 Horses in Art Fall 2012

605-390-4059 Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

Adventures in Art with Equine Artist

Kim McElroy "Night Run" Insights

All my life I have been fascinated with the

unseen, with spirits, and with hidden images in aspects of nature. I grew up in the city of Long Beach, California – where the only touch of

Discovering Horses

nature was a calm breakwater beach bereft of shells. The weather was a mild sunny constant and the rain only smelled of wet pavement.

Then my parents bought vacation property on the Hood Canal in Washington State. In contrast, Washington was a lush wilderness that filled me with fascination. I loved the dense mysterious woods, miles of oyster beaches, and tide pools, rivers, and waterfalls. The gentle rain had the smell of green, and the sky was as complex a world as the woods

I would often find driftwood on the beach

and see in it the shapes of dragons and sea creatures. My skill at carving wasn’t satisfying enough, so I turned to drawing the creatures in the wood. I loved to reveal what I could perceive to myself and to others.

My love of Nature and what I could see and

feel in Her presence was the true beginning of the “Horses in the Elements” series. When I saw the horses in the waves that inspired “Night Run” I hearkened back to the magic of my childhood, when I could see dragons in driftwood, and almost hear the voice of the sea.

I recall the moment when I first was

inspired to paint "Night Run". For years I had seen horses in clouds, but one day as I browsed through a book store, for some reason I was drawn to a photography book of waves. As I thumbed through the book, a chill went through me, for I clearly saw the shapes of horses in the waves, and simultaneously I knew that I had hit upon a momentous inspiration for a series I would call, "Horses in the Elements".

(See page 28 to see the horses of "Night Run" revealed.)

Enjoy your free poster of

“Night Run” From the distant corners of the earth… we have come Across the oceans of time… we have come Horses…

Horses…

Horses…

We are an ancient myth Formed of salt and water Earth and air Feel us as the stillness in the air after a storm Hear us as the roaring waves of a thousand hoof beats We have come to fulfill our destiny

"Night Run"

NIGHT RUN

in our centerfold and view more of Kim McElroy’s artwork and Horses in the Elements series at

~ Kim McElroy

www.spiritofhorse.com

www.HorsesInArt.com

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 17

Š Artwork "Night Run" www.SpiritOfHorse.com

Š Horses In Art Magazine www.HorsesInArt.com

Horses in art

Discovering Horses with Kim McElroy

"Night Run" Nine horses running in the crest, two horses appearing in the mist

"The Hard Breeze" Oil 24 x 48 A horse morphs from the heavily textured stone wall — in a conflict of constant permanence and the motion of change.

e love art. We deplore art. And worse, we try to categorize

his work of canyons, mesas and deep river valleys. He says, with a bold

it. Museums and collectors refer to the style as Modern, Impressionism,

personal conviction, “I’m moving west, one stroke at a time”.

Contemporary, Cubism, even Western. As unconstrained as the medium

can be, we still put it into boxes.

is Gaiti’s category. His work is a meteoric explosion of light that connects

If painting had a category such as what kinetics is to sculpture, this

In gallops Ritch Gaiti. This artist doesn’t fit into any box, and if he

us with our ancient past. His art seems to beckon everyone, if even only

did that box would soon burst open with no restraints. Born and raised

for a moment. The moment lingers because the art is movement and we

in Brooklyn, New York, he now lives in New Jersey. While his property

feel it. It is both a beginning and an end. The images of horses make us

is replete with an orchard, pond, and wildlife, it’s not the backdrop for

take pause and wonder what they are running toward. We remain longer

20 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Subscribe Subscribe online online at www.HorsesInArt.com at www.HorsesInArt.com

By Lala Corriere

in front of a piece depicting buffalo, questioning where it was they

have been. And as we gaze into the forms and faces of his American

quo. He is confident and self-assured, but also resilient. Self-mastered

Indian and ancient spirit worlds, we question what has just happened

in art, one would easily think he might have graduated with studies in

to them, and what has happened to us. Gaiti says of his work, [they

equine anatomy, or earned his doctorate in paleontology. He has already

are] “paintings of another time, another place. I want to convey the

earned the People’s Choice Award at the American Plains Artists show

ethereal and emotional aspect. They are not simply paintings of horses

2009, Judges Award of Merit in the Trail of Painted Ponies National Art

or Indians, but messengers of the subjects’ emotion in another time.

Competition 2006, and has been on numerous radio and television shows,

Shadows, I see, of lives I’ve never lived.”

including The Today Show. He’s been featured in several art magazines.

www.HorsesInArt.com

Gaiti is an introspective perfectionist, unable to settle for the status

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 21

In 2008, Gallery and Studio Magazine wrote, “Gaiti imbues his paintings

piece of lifelike sculpture. Edward Curtis would be a Gaiti collector!"

with a striking authenticity by virtue of his genuine affection for the

subject matter and his sympathy for the native peoples… All reveal Ritch

surprise that his work flies off the canvas. The movement he captures

Gaiti’s special gift for lending old myths new life… No other contemporary

is of air, born of both wind and stillness. Gaiti says, “When I started

artist captures the human/equine bond more sympathetically than Gaiti.”

painting I immediately gravitated to the horse—a unique combination of

beauty, grace, and strength. Most of all, spirit. When I paint the horse,

His talent goes far beyond sympathy. Even more correctly, he is

With titles like, ‘Emergence’, ‘Ascension’, and ‘Into the Sun’, it is no

somehow empathetic. He is one with the past emotions of pain and joy.

I am painting freedom."

He identifies with the romantic notion of the cowboy, and understands

the warmth and passion of the Indian culture the way it once was. But

feel right. He’s gone as long as two weeks without picking up a brush.

how? What brought him such quick success as a painter of Western

Instead you’ll find him playing tennis, flying a plane, writing, or watching

imagery and his ability to interpret the movement of horses? It wasn’t

and making films. On some cold morning you might see him out walking

But he isn’t always painting. He refuses to push his work if it doesn’t

his background. Gaiti was a corporate man, working on Wall Street as

his black Labradors, Raven and Brandi, or dining at one of his favorite

a technology Senior Executive, leading the planning, development and

Jersey haunts. He won’t be hard to miss. Look for the guy in jeans, boots,

deployment of strategic projects. He managed a project budget of over

and one of his winter-wool cowboy hats. One could believe he must have

$900 million dollars. And then he strode away, and never looked back.

a summer straw hat as seasons change.

His inspiration came from the emotive photography of Edward

When he does pick up the paintbrushes, he’s in his capacious sun-

S. Curtis, along with his many trips throughout the southwest. He’s

drenched studio, listening to the music that suits his mood, which could

journeyed to places like Santa Fe, Sedona, and Mesa Verde, where he at

be anything from country western, to classic rock and, when spirit moves

once felt at home in the ancient culture of what used to be. Although he

him, the Native American works of Peter Gabriel or Robbie Robertson.

loves his life in New Jersey, Gaiti says, “I want my ashes to live in Canyon

Once his studio fills with sound, he dives into the rich colors on his

de Chelley.”

palette, from haunting blues, riveting oranges, light and dark. Sometimes

he’s mixing his oils in sand, to further project the tactile sense of the story

Barbara Hope, COO of White Knight Productions and a collector,

says, "Ritch Gaiti's profound depth of talent and soul expressed so vividly

being unfolded on his canvas.

in his art creations move, touch and transport me/you to another time

in history and level of artistic expression. His Native American love and

“What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo

storytelling expertise shine brightly in, on, and from every canvas and

in wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses

22 Horses in Art Fall Summer 2012 2012

In his dying hours in April of 1890, Crowfoot’s last words were,

Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe online online online at www.HorsesInArt.com at atwww.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

itself in the sunset.” Ritch Gaiti’s art is the very essence of Crowfoot’s words.

Gaiti’s work can be found at Horizon Fine Arts

in Jackson Hole, Fine Art and Framing in Fort Collins, Gabriel’s Horn in Gatlinburg, and The Forms Gallery in Delray Beach. He has exhibited in many corporate centers including Johnson and Johnson and Merrill Lynch and many museums including The International Museum of the Horse, The American Quarter Horse Museum, The Great Plains Art Museum, The Gilcrease Museum, The Ellen Noel Museum and Trenton City Museum. You can contact him directly at Ritch.Gaiti@verizon.net, or www.gaiti.com

Gaiti resides in Hopewell, New Jersey with his wife,

two black labs, and a cockatoo named Ziggy.

Opposite Page: "The Wild and the River" Oil 36 x 60 Horses playfully romp through the shallows at day's end. The heavily textured paint reflects the low evening light off the splashing water.

Top Left: "Enchanted" Oil 30 x 24 A solitary horse glows through isolated light contemplating the destiny of the free horse. The textured layers magnify the shadows on the horse's coat.

Top Right: "Follow the Leader" Oil 24 x 30 A small herd stampedes as the leader emerges from the dust of the plains. The complementary blues and orange/ochres exaggerate the separation of the horses.

Bottom Right: "Stormy" Oil 36 x 24 Low light illuminates an anxious herd as they anticipate the oncoming storm. Slightly textured with a high contrast yields a very ominous tone.

Article written by Lala Corriere, a published novelist and freelance writer in Tucson, Arizona. Learn more on page 28. www.HorsesInArt.com

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 23

Spanish Mustang

Spirit of the Black Hills

Hot Springs, S D

m ww t.co i r w.sp i p anishmustangs

from the Institute of Range and the American Mustang (IRAM) and the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

er, and Sorraia Mustan ur, Kig gs h p l u ng S i d u l s inc c Pre tang s serva u . . . Cho taws! m tion of Rare Spanish

And

n o w, r a r e . . .

Pictured: 100% Choctaw Herd Sire “Lakna” (Sky Horse)

IRAM is proud to share an exciting program focused on the preservation of rare and historic Sorraia mustangs and other Spanish mustangs of Sulphur, Kiger, and other origins. The purpose of this project is to preserve, promote, and educate the public about rare Spanish and Portuguese equine bloodlines still found in today’s American mustangs. Other rare horses, including Choctaws and Curlies, add additional interest to our preservation work.

Contact us today to learn more about our Spanish Mustang Spirit program, wild horse tours, photography tours, sponsorship programs, ancient petroglyphs, Native American ceremonial site, and gift shop. Open daily and year round. www.spanishmustangspirit.com

605.745.5955 or 800.252.6652 - email: info@spanishmustangspirit.com Images and design courtesy of Karen Parker

24 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Subscribe Subscribeonline onlineat atwww.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 25

Equine Artists to Watch

The War Pony Project Brady Willette

"Crow War Pony-2 is the most recent piece created for my War Pony Project. This is my second collaboration with Kennard Real Bird on his ranch at the Crow Reservation in Montana."

Brady Willette

For The War Pony Project my goal is to create art that honors the

"Crow War Pony-2"

My 30-year career as a commercial photographer shooting ads

connection and history of the Indian Nation and the Horse Nation.

and marketing images has been a very valuable education in lighting,

I accomplish this by working with Native Americans of different tribes

composition and details. The War Pony Project is that and, for me, so much

and enlisting them to paint a special horse with the symbols and colors

more. I'm blessed with the opportunities and education I am receiving

that they may have used if they were a warrior and this horse was his

from the new friends I make in Indian communities.

partner in warfare.

By capturing only the horse in my work, I aim to create contemporary

the connection we get to make with them is another huge bonus. I'm

art that challenges the viewer to react to the power, dignity and freedom

honored to establish new friendships and share stories with all of my new

of the War Pony.

connections.

I'm sure other artists will agree with me that our patrons and

"Crow War Pony- 2" started with a photo shoot in a corral on the

ranch of Ken Real Bird in October 2011. I selected the month and the time of the day for the angle of light that I wanted on this horse. Photographing a running black horse with a high resolution camera that was not intended for action photography is a challenge.

For each shoot I average 500 images. I pay my pony artists for their

vision, use of their horse and property. I also share my net profits from the sales of art with them.

Following the shoot it's back to my studio for the process of editing

the images, processing the hero photos and beginning the (on average) 40 hour process to remove the background, digitally paint new backgrounds and prepare the image to be printed in sizes up to 40" x 60".

26 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Artist Brady Willette Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

A MUST READ Award-winning equine photographer Jayne M. Silberman showcases 136 of her finest Chincoteague and Assateague photographs in her deluxe new book, In The Herd. This is the largest collection of horse and pony photos ever to be published covering the beloved breed of Misty fame. Includes an essay on the natural history of the horses and their habitat.

The perfect gift for horse lovers of any age!

Available at all major booksellers, including Amazon.com, or order directly from Andover Press at (877) 736-5403 and orders@vantagepress.com.

Jayne M. Silberman, In The Herd: A Photographic Journey with the Chincoteague Ponies and Assateague Horses.

Large format hardcover edition, 160 pages, 12� x 10�, $50.00. ISBN 9781938183034.

Published by Andover Press.

Terry Swanson

818.957.0515 www.fineartstudioonline.com

Oils - Watercolor - Graphite Equine & Canine Original & Commissions WAOW & CAC Associate Member

Equine Artist

Megan Strassler

www.MeganStrasslerArt.com

440.473.7927 mjstrassler@att.net

Back issues of Horses In Art available at http://www.horsesinart.com/backissues.shtml www.HorsesInArt.com

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 27

Discovering Horses See our FREE centerfold to view the hidden horses of "Night Run"

by Kim McElroy.

Nine horses running in the crest, two horses appearing in the mist... revealed.

The World's Premier equine ArTisAn

& lifesTyle mAgAzine

Horses in art SPrInG 2012

Inside: Cover Artist: Karen Noles To Portray and Protect: $4.95 US $6.95 CAN

www.horsesinart.com

Sculptor: Douglas Hays From Forge to Fine Art Artist: Leslie Anne Webb For the Love of Horses

www.HorsesInArt.com Spring 2012 HorSeS In Art 1

Subscribe today!

Just $19.95 yr. (US)

$28.95 yr. (Canada / Mexico) $42.95 yr. International Four quarterly issues per year

www.horsesinart.com

940-691-0656 28 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

An Exceptional Online Gallery of Select Equine Artists: Kim McElroy, Diane Williams, Liz Mitten Ryan, Jan Taylor, Diane Soloman, Susan Williams, Sandra Wallin and Simona Tarakeviciute.

www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 29

Poster Art: “Kicking and Screaming” Oil Painting Brandon Bailey

DECEMBER 11 – 15, 2012

Meet the Artists View & Purchase Their Work Live Auction Quick Draws & Demos

LYNN BEAN

Roger Archibald Brandon Bailey Lynn Bean John Bear Tim Blueflint Sharon Brening Tanner Bryson Sang Choi David Craig Christy Daniels Judith Durr Brent Flory Troung Buu Giam Tim Harmon Scott Hayes Chris Huffman Oreland Joe Chip Jones Tim Joyner Robert Krogle Roger Kull Linda Manion Mary Michael Peter Obrien Lucas Orthmann Daniel Parker John Peterson James Reid Michael Swearingen Sam Thiewes Jane Vanderzanden Robert Walton

Caly Garris Waow Signature Member

503-394-4033 www.calygarris.com

"Show Girl"

Lynn Bean Gallery 293 Mill Street, Sumpter, Oregon 97877 Original mixed media for the "Art of the Cowboy Auction" South Point Casino, during the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas Come visit our show Dec 11-15, 2012

30 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Venus and Mars | oil | 24" x 24" | $3000.

Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

Women Artists

of the W est www.waow.org

“The Keeneland Paddock” | oil | 9" x12"

“Suns

Associate Member AAeA, WAoW 360-349-99 WAOW (wow!) offers Fine Art in all genre and mediums - visit our current online show on the web!

Upcoming Event: 42nd National Exhibition "WAOWing the Texas Hill Country" Women Artists of the West Show • November 15 ~ December 15, 2012 • RS Hanna Art Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX

Susan Carson

Helen Bailey

"Second Glance"

Colored pencil on suede matboard 14" x 20" • Prints $100.

WAOW Associate Member Signature CPSA Member

info@helenbaileyart.com 214-673-8036

www.helenbaileyart.com

"Rolex Jump" | Oil on Canvas | 16" x 20"

oil on canvas | 16" x 20" Susan Carson

"Rolex Jump" |

309-925-3180 www.chalkhorsegallery.com www.chalkhorsegallery.com 309-925-3180 www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

Portrait Of A Professional | 14 x11 | Oil on Canvas

Angela Edmonds Animal Impressionist Painter Associate Member WAOW

Laura Jo Sherman

2011_Summer_HIA.indd 7

WAOW Associate Member www.LauraJoSherman.com laurajos@msn.com

www.EdmondsRanchArt.com "Summer Afternoon" | 18" x 24"

Yvonne Kitchen

Linda Wallace

Virginia Carroll

WAOW Associate Member

Sculptor Sculptor

"Naptime" 8" x11" x 4.5" | $2925.

Bronze Portraits from Nature AAEA, IEA, Associate Member SAA, WAOW

541-535-5365 www.yvonnekitchen.com

www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

“White Horses” | Pastel | 24" x 24"

903-229-8897 www.LindaWallaceArt.com

"Dappled Appaloosa" | Colored Pencil | 26" X17"

vcarroll42@yahoo.com 520-743-9680 www.virginiacarroll.com

Fall Fall 2012 2012 Horses Horses in in Art Art 31 31

Orig

Anit

Horses in Art Magazine Book Reviews Book Reviews by Vanessa Wright This fall, bring in a harvest of color and light, mystery and wonder with these three books that celebrate the dazzle and depth of the world of horses!

Get Inspired The Majesty of the Horse: An Illustrated History,

by Tamsin Pickeral and Astrid Harrison India’s Marwari horses are as famed for their loyalty as for their inward-curving ears; Brazil’s Mangalarga Marchadors have a history as unique as their marcha batida and marcha picada gaits. Equestrian art historian Tamsin Pickeral circled the globe collecting the remarkable stories of these and more than 80 other horse breeds, in partnership with awardwinning photographer Astrid Harrison, who illustrates them with unusual, emotive equine portraits. A sophisticated take on the classic breed encyclopedia, The Majesty of the Horse swirls readers up in the romance and pageantry of history’s parade of the horse.

Colored Pencil Painting Bible: Techniques for Achieving Luminous Color and Ultrarealistic Effects,

by Alyona Nickelsen

Hone Your Craft

Make your audiences do a double-take! In your colored pencil drawings, the grass will flutter, the horses’ hides will ripple and gleam, and the cowboys’ campfire will dance with detail so exact and lifelike that viewers will wonder whether they’re looking through a window or into a picture frame. This innovative guide offers astonishing yet accessible techniques for rendering realistic light, color, and texture for traditional subjects as well as tricky particulars like grass and dew, ice and fire, wood, fabrics, and metals.

Pass it On My Horse Coloring Book, by John Green Do you know a 6-11 year old who wants to know everything about horses? The pictures and captions in this friendly coloring book introduce kids to basic horse care and riding practices, common tack and equipment, popular breeds and sports – even equine anatomy. An engaging complement to horse camp, riding lessons, or hopeful dreams of having a horse of one’s own, My Horse also pairs well with Green’s more panoramic coloring books, such as Favorite Horses, Horses of the World, and Ponies of the World.

Advertiser’s Index Bailey, Helen.................................................... 7, 31, 34 Bean, Lynn.................................................................. 30 Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary............... 24-25 Carson, Susan............................................................. 31 Carroll, Virginia......................................................... 31 Clifford, Dody..............................................................2 Cloud Foundation.....................................back cover Corriere, Lala.............................................................28 Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.....................7 Downer, Craig; The Wild Horse Conspiracy...16 Draft Horse Classic..................................................34 Earth Wind and Horses................................... 15, 29 Edmonds, Angela...................................................... 31 Finger, Gail..................................................................16 Garris, Caly................................................................ 30 Giles, Karen.................................................................33 GreatBooksForHorseLovers.com........................32 Grasslands Bed n Barn..............................................7 IEA.................................................................................33 Irvin, Ping......................................................................3 Jeanne, Stephanie......................................................28 Kitchen, Yvonne........................................................ 31 Kolda, Nora.................................................................33 Legacy Park Equestrian Center.............................7 Lenz, Holly..................................................................16 McElroy, Kim..............................................................35 Melby Ranch Properties.........................................34 Miller, Tracy................................................................ 11 Paden, Theresa...........................................................33 Sherman, Laura Jo..................................................... 31 Silberman, Jayne M., In The Herd........................27 Schermerhorn, Pat...................................................16 South Point Hotel / Casino / Spa......................... 30 Spirit of the Wild Horse.........................................27 Strassler, Megan........................................................27 Swanson, Terry..........................................................27 Stone, Kristi................................................................33 Wald, Deb Thomas..................................................16 WAOW......................................................................... 31 Walker, Kathy...............................................................6 Wallace, Linda........................................................... 31 Whimsy Wear / Susannah St. Clair.....................33 Will Rogers Memorial Center............................8-9 Zeller Quentin, Joanna.............................................33

Want great results? Advertise with us!

Contact our Advertising Specialist Lisa Crites 940-337-1742 lisa@horsesinart.com The World's Premier equine ArTisAn

The World's P

Horses in art HORSES in ART & lifesTyle mAgAzine

remier

SUMMER 2012

Are you looking for a great book, movie, or album for the horse-crazy kid - or adult - in your life?

Something inspiring, something edge-of-your-saddle-seat dramatic, something that grabs your heart with all four hooves and never lets go?

Visit Vanessa Wright and Pegasus’s blog www.GreatBooksforHorseLovers.com for more reviews of classic and newly-released horse tales you’ll love!

www.GreatBooksforHorseLovers.com 32 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Inside:

Cover Artist: Liz Mitten Ryan One with the Herd $4.95 US $6.95 CAN

$4.95 US $6.95 CAN

Sculptor: Chris McConnell Synthetic Organism www.horsesinart.

www.horsesinart.com

com Spanish Mustang Don Juan Iberian Equine Heritage www.HorsesInArt.com

equine ArTisAn

& lifesTyle m

AgAzine

SPrInG 2012

Inside:

Cover Artist: Karen Noles To Portray and Protect: Sculptor: Douglas Hays From Forge to Fine Art Artist: Leslie Anne Webb For the Love of Horses

www.HorsesInArt.com Summer 2012 HORSES IN ART 1

Spring 2012 HorSeS In Art

1

Subscribe today!

Just $19.95 yr. (US)

$28.95 yr. (Can / Mex) / $42.95 yr. International

NE W! $9.95 Digital - Anywhere!

Four quarterly issues per year!

www.HorsesInArt.com

940-691-0656 Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

International Equine Artists

www.Inter na t ional E quineAr t ists.com

Four Winds Design "Art with Spirit"

Karen E. Giles

Traditional and not-so traditional portraits and commissions Acrylic, pen and ink, watercolor

karen-giles.artistwebsites.com spiritmandala@yahoo.com

Vassalboro, Maine ~ 207-542-4086

"Bold n Regal Arabian" | 22" x17" Framed | $1500

Nora Kolda

www.NoraKolda.com NoraKolda@yahoo.com For Commissions: www.NoraKoldaArtStudio.com

425-292-0847

"ZX Remuda I" | Oil on canvas | 18" x 36" | Giclee' on canvas available

Kristi Stone www.krististoneartist.com Diamond-S Studio, Redmond, OR (541) 815-6234

Theresa Paden

PAINTING THE COLORS OF THE WEST

Dawn's Early Light, 30 x 40"

Theresa Paden

theresapaden@gmail.com www.TheresaPaden.com 805.532.9289 Gallery inquiries Welcome Sunset Frolic, 24 x 24"

www.HorsesInArt.com

Loyal One, 36 x 36"

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 33

Equine Artist

Helen Bailey

The DrafT horse ClassiC & harvesT fair PresenT:

WAOW Associate Member CPSA Signature Member

September. 20-23, 2012 Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA Free

"Chesapeake"

by Jean Requa Lubin

Winner of the Blue Ribbon for the State of Texas, 2009 Colored pencil on suede matboard Original $1800. ~ 11" x 14" Prints $150.

"The Swimming Lesson"

by Marianne Harris

Colored pencil on suede matboard | 14" x 20" Prints $100.

info@helenbaileyart.com

214-673-8036 www.helenbaileyart.com

Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney road, Grass Valley, CA Performance Tickets & Info: 530-273-6217 • www.NevadaCountyFair.com

Melby Ranch Properties One of the most Beautiful Areas in Southern Colorado ...Only 45 minutes from Taos, New Mexico

35 Acre ranches Starting at $35,000

- 2 to 4-acre Lake Front and Lake View Lots - 4 Mile Long Gorgeous Lake - 100 Wild Horses on the Ranch - Some of the Best Fishing in Colorado - 2 mile Long Private Airstrip - 25 Thousand Acres of Untouched Beauty

Interested parties will be treated to a night at Melby Ranch Lodge on Lake Sanchez, a sumptuous steak dinner, then breakfast before you leave. All this free, just for coming out and touring with one of our no-pressure land guides.

OWNER WILL FINANCE - Call for a free package with video

1-888-316-LAND

www.MelbyRanch.com 34 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Photos courtesy of JudyBarnesPhotography.com

Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com

www.HorsesInArt.com www.HorsesInArt.com

Fall 2012 Horses in Art 35

Dedicated to the preservation of wild horses & burros on our public lands before they are only a memory.

In 1995 Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ginger Kathrens filmed a newborn wild horse foal in Montana. She named the pale colt Cloud and has documented him through the seasons of his life, bringing the beauty and complexity of wild horse society to a worldwide audience.

Despite an Act of Congress to protect these iconic symbols of freedom, the Bureau of Land Management is on a course to manage our wild horse & burro herds to extinction...

A Colorado Non-Profit Corp. unless we can stop them.

Find out what you can do at: 107 S. 7th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 - 719.633.3842 www.thecloudfoundation.org 36 Horses in Art Fall 2012

Subscribe online at www.HorsesInArt.com