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"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. 

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"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.

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"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

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

"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

"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

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 .
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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

"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.

Morning Dew on the Hay

"Morning Dew on the Hay" 6 x 9" Original Pastel

© Trish Stevenson

Hay bales abound this time of year in all shapes and sizes and as I roamed around this particular cool fall morning, my eye was caught by the light hitting the big, round bales. There was a heavy dew, the sky was misty and seemed full of moisture causing the trees in the distance to look soft and faded. It all seemed to make an otherwise unremarkable scene into something worth painting!

Roan Surprise

"Roan Surprise" 5.5 x 6" Original Pastel 

© Trish Stevenson

This was from a little band of domestic horses that were friendly but also wary as they had been in the hills all summer and none of them were broke. I really enjoy trying to capture different aspects of the horse's personality - each horse has it's own unique characteristics, so much like people. Some are outgoing and greet you right away while others hang back a little more careful. This one seemed to be saying "I'll stay back here until I figure you out!"
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Curious Calf

Like most baby animals, calves are a curious bunch and cute, of course. I love the fresh white face on this one, a"brockle face". Once again, the shadowed area of the white invites one to explore the color possibilities. This is a 5 x 7" oil on linen panel. Sold 

Of all the cattle I have ever painted I would have to say that Herefords are a favorite of mine simply because of their coloring. The deep red-brown coats look great in sunlight and the creamy white markings present colorful opportunities, especially in the shadow areas. Because I do like to paint subjects in motion I also liked the fact that this particular cow was on the move and swishing her tail. Sold

"Tight Focus" Exhibit in Idaho Falls

This special small format exhibit is entitled "Tight Focus" with all of the pastel paintings being limited to a 6 x 6" image size - good things do come in small packages! I will have one painting, "Buck in Velvet" in this exhibit which is sponsored by the Pastel Society of the Northern Rockies and Blake G. Hall Gallery in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It runs from 11-5-12 through 1-5-13 with a reception TBA. You are welcome to stop by if you are in the area!

Colt Study

"Colt Study" 7 x 5 Oil on Linen on Board

Time to experiment again. This was a nice surface to work on, not as slick as the plain board. It's amazing the different properties of each surface, stretched canvas, canvas on board, linen board, etc. They all have their pros and cons, I guess that's why we give them a try. I really focused on big shapes and values and avoided details in this and enjoyed looking for warm colors in the shadows. Click here for purchase information

Three Round Bales

"Three Round Bales" 5 x 7" Oil on Board

I decided to experiment by using a gessoed board instead of stretched canvas. It is definitely a different surface to work on for me because it is slick and the paint doesn't sink in like it does with canvas and there is no give. I will probably try some more in the future. As always, it's good to leave the comfort zone.
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Wild N' Crazy

"Wild "N Crazy"

24 x 18" 

© Trish Stevenson

Who is wild and who is crazy? The horse, the cowboy? Or both?

Gathering Rope

"Gathering Rope"

9 x 6" Original Pastel

© Trish Stevenson

Springtime is a favorite time of year for most people. For the rancher it is too, time for new calves and brandings. At a branding, every cowboy and cowgirl has a job to do - this guy was roping calves all day long. This painting is currently available unframed.  Sold

"Oskar, The Icelandic"

6 x 6" Oil ©2012 Trish Stevenson

I have read that the Icelandic has a very long history (back to the Vikings who bred them) and could be the purest breed of horse in the world. I know for sure that they come in any color and with their abundant manes they are fun to paint! - Sold -