Saturday, November 2, 2013

"Finally Spring"
©Trish Stevenson
8 x 5.5" Original Pastel

This painting was inspired by a trip to Teddy Roosevelt National Park last May. I was searching for the wild horses that inhabit the park and late in the afternoon was lucky enough to come across a small band. I am always excited to see them! There is just something amazing about wild horses when we are so used to seeing horses in their domesticated state. Along with these two younger horses there were a couple of mares with new babies and several other horses. They all looked a bit ragged after the winter and very focused on the new spring grass. I was impressed by their footwork on the steep hillside, no wonder they are known for being sure-footed, living in the badlands of North Dakota. 







Monday, October 28, 2013

"Cottonwood Dance" 
6.5 x 8.5" Pastel
© Trish Stevenson

I enjoyed "pushing" the colors on this one to emphasize the drama of the sky and the fall foliage.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

"The Professional" 6 x 8" Original Pastel
© Trish Stevenson

A horse that is used to "pick up" cowboys at the rodeo is very well mannered and knows his job inside out. He has to remain calm in exciting circumstances as he and his rider get in the middle of wild broncs to insure the safety of the bronc rider. I never tire of watching a pick-up horse and rider do their job at rodeos as there is always great action to watch. I find it very inspiring as far as artwork goes. Here is a calm moment before the storm as the wise cow pony checks out his surroundings and waits for a cue. SOLD

Monday, August 12, 2013

Draft Horses

"Quittin" Time"
9 x 10" Original Pastel
© Trish Stevenson

Horses never cease to amaze me. Like these draft horses, so willing to be the beasts of burden for their humans, wearing all the gear necessary. Willing, but after a long day, tired and ready to quit for the day.
SOLD

Thursday, May 16, 2013

"Me and Mama"
6 x 7" Original Pastel 
©Trish Stevenson


I liked the way this little calf was tucked right into his mama's hindquarters, watching me from a safe distance but still so curious. I also liked the fact that the while the mama was facing away, the calf was looking at you and the postioning of these two made for interesting shapes in the negative areas around them. The dark shadow shapes also intriqued me. As always, black subjects can be challenging to paint but also fun exploring colors to bring out the form. 
SOLD

Thursday, February 14, 2013

"Roan Horse and Sagebrush" (Heads Up #24
Original Oil 6 x 6" © Trish Stevenson

I liked the contrast of the reds in the horse against the gray greens and lavender shadows of the sage. This oil is painted on a gallery-wrap canvas, painted on all 4 sides, ready to frame or hang as is.
SOLD

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Waiting Game

"The Waiting Game" 
7.5 x 6" Original Pastel © Trish Stevenson

Here is the wise and well-trained pick-up horse and his rider, patiently waiting for the next wild bronc ride, so they can do their job of keeping the dismounting cowboy out of danger when the 8 second horn blows. 
I truly enjoy observing horses -like this one on alert, waiting for a signal from the rider, while checking out his surroundings. Since the focus is on the horse I excluded details in  the otherwise busy background .
Click here for purchase information.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Comfort Zone

"Comfort Zone"  6 x 8" Original Pastel © Trish Stevenson

Not only was it a joy trying to capture the attitude expressed in this shy filly, but I also loved exploring the beautiful sunlit colors in her dark coat.  Sold

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

"Flying Colors"


Nature is amazing. A few hours after a foal is born he is pretty wobbly trying out his adult-size stick legs but just a day or two later he can gallop and keep up with the band. This one in the painting is a couple of months old so he is doing quite well, even staying ahead of his mother. 

I liked this grouping of colors with the buckskin, the blue roan mare and her smokey-looking foal. I decided to forego details in order to focus on the movement of the horses. I could watch horses running all day long! Click here for more information.