Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
“Racing Up a Storm”
I painted this scene many years ago, but unfortunately, I lost the original—likely overpainted in an attempt to refine it! Thankfully, I had saved a photo reference, which allowed me to recreate it. This version is smaller and more focused, with the composition becoming tighter. The gap between the figures creates a sense of anticipation, as the leader strides to the front of the group. There’s a subtle shift in energy here, where the moment of movement feels more pronounced, and the leader’s positioning takes on a greater sense of purpose. It’s a reimagining, but one that still carries the essence of the original inspiration.
“Race to the Line”
“Full of Grace”
This piece marks my first attempt at capturing the delicate features of a “pretty face,” with the subject—a well-groomed horse—rendered with a sense of quiet elegance. The use of large planes of color softens the brushstrokes, lending the horse’s coat a smooth, polished appearance. The horse is portrayed tacked up, with its signature smile and charm. To add depth and substance to the portrait, I include a glimpse of the animal’s belly and hindquarters, grounding the composition and enhancing the natural form. This piece successfully combines softness with structure, reflecting the beauty of the subject and my growing mastery of equine portraiture.
“Tadeusz Kościuszko in Kraków”
This quick oil study is a heartfelt re-imagination of Tadeusz Kościuszko as seen in his stately monument at Wawel Castle in Kraków. Capturing the engineer and statesman (heralded in the USA as well as his country of birth), the palette, reminiscent of the patina of the original statue, lends the piece both gravitas and a touch of nostalgia. While the study is little more than a quick ‘sketch’ in oils, it is imbued with the rich legacy of my early life and the enduring spirit of Kościuszko himself..
Prompted by my son’s reminder of a large version I painted over fifty years ago—a work long lost—this reduced-scale study became a journey back to those early artistic days. Drawing on numerous photographs from my visits to Kraków, I revisited not only the subject but also the emotions and memories attached to that ‘monumental’ encounter.
“The Race Within”
This piece, part of my equine series, places the jockey’s sleeve at the forefront, where its vibrant colours and dynamic movement draw the viewer’s attention. The heat and sweat rising from the horse amplify the intensity and urgency of the race, while the stark, cold backdrop creates a sense of isolation, emphasizing the physical effort of both the horse and the jockey. The contrast between the warm, pulsating energy of the sleeve and the lifeless, almost oppressive environment heightens the tension in the piece. The work captures a powerful moment of motion against stillness, blending the heat of exertion with the chilling atmosphere of the race.
“Frosty Gallop”
Part of the limited series on horses-in-motion, this piece breaks from tradition by opting for a white, cream, grey, or yellow backdrop—reflecting my personal distraction of green tones. In this work, the focus is on capturing the feeling of a gallop on a frosty morning, rather than aiming for realistic depiction. The frosty backdrop serves to enhance the sense of movement, creating a striking contrast against the warmth and vitality of the horse. The cold, still environment amplifies the energy and life of the subject, evoking a sense of urgency and power in a serene, quiet world. The piece captures the essence of a fleeting moment, more concerned with mood and atmosphere than strict accuracy.
“Flight of Fancy”
This painting captures the power and grace of a white stallion in full flight, turning at speed as he kicks up dust and swishes his tail in a rampant pose. The challenge of depicting such a majestic and dynamic animal is embraced here, with the stallion’s movement brought to life through bold brushstrokes and energetic composition. The horse’s muscular form and the swirling dust convey a sense of raw energy and freedom, while the swirling tail adds a dramatic, almost defiant element to the piece. This work is an exploration of motion, strength, and the beauty of a creature in its element.
“Mr T”
This quick study captures Tysor—affectionately known as Mr. T—my daughter’s handsome horse. Executed in just about an hour, this piece revisits a familiar subject, exploring his friendly expression with fresh eyes. The artist pays special attention to the folds of his coat, where light plays and creates subtle hues of grey, pink, and blue, beautifully complementing the natural warmth of his brown coat. This work is a testament to the ever-changing dance of light and shadow, and the enduring charm of Mr. T.
Click on the image to see the initial sketch
“The Deadly Fence”
Part of my short horserace series, this head-on action shot captures the tense moment of a horse and rider confronting a formidable fence reminiscent of those at the Grand National. Bold, sweeping brushstrokes and a subdued palette convey the gravity and danger of the scene, highlighting the raw power and vulnerability of the horse in motion. The painting invites contemplation on the perilous nature of the sport, provoking thought on its controversial legacy.