"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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"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.
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"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. 

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"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.

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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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"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.

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!

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

Brockle-Face Calf

"Brockle-Face Calf" 6 x 6 Original Oil

©2012 Trish Stevenson

Since moving to Montana many moons ago, I have often heard the term, "brockle-face" but never really knew how to spell it or even pronounce it properly. (I always thought it was brocko). I finally looked it up for this blog entry and now I know. I guess it is similar in a way to "freckle-face" for humans? Anyway, a brockle-face calf is the result of cross breeding Herefords (red cattle with white faces) with other breeds. Not that I am into breeding cattle, I just like the visually interesting results! Click here for more information.

Painted on gallery-wrap canvas, painted on all 4 sides, ready to display or frame as you wish.

Another Paint Horse

"Heads Up #20" - 6 x 6" Original Oil 

©2012 Trish Stevenson

Yep, just could not resist painting another paint. I'm thinking there may be some more of these coming along.

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There's Something about Cows

"Little Hereford" 6 x 6" Original Oil ©2012 Trish Stevenson

There's something about cows. I'm thinking it must be their mostly calm, tranquil nature. Even their eyes have a tranquil look to them. Not often do you see them bucking and snorting out in the pasture like the horses do. They just seem content most of the time. And with their deep red coats and white faces, Herefords are fun to paint. Click here to bid.

Big Red Roan

Here is a big red roan (or strawberry roan) out on the prairie enjoying the sun and wind. Painted on a 6 x 6 " gallery wrap canvas, ready to hang or frame as you wish.
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The Colors of Horses

There is an endless variation of color when comes to horses, which gives me a lot to work with. I enjoy the challenges of all of them, whether they are paints, sorrels, bays, palominos, buckskin, greys or whatever. I liked the calm and sweet look of this horse, like anyone could climb on board - which may or may not be true! I also like the touch of red provided by the halter.

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Excuse Me?

"Heads Up! #14 Original Oil ©2011 Trish Stevenson

What is this horse thinking? I just wonder what animals think of us humans sometimes, the way they look at you, kinda sideways, like "are for real?" I always enjoy exploring the colors of white in a painting and this time I contrasted the cool blues with a warm background, great fun. SOLD

Prairie Companions

"Prairie Companions" Original Pastel ©2011 Trish Stevenson

The wide open spaces of the prairie can be quite beautiful and peaceful - maybe a bit lonesome at times. This young horse seems content to munch alongside a couple of visiting birds keeping him company.

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Little Bold One

"Little Bold One"  6 x 9 inch Original Pastel ©2011 Trish Stevenson

It's entertaining to me to watch a calf as curiosity overtakes fear and it ventures away from it's mama to check things out. Mama is never too far away, though. Part of the 100 for $100 series. Click here to bid.

Longhorn Colors

"Longhorn Colors"  - 9"x 6" Pastel ©2011 Trish Stevenson

Longhorn cattle are such a classic icon of the West and they are really fun to paint because of their horns and colorful markings. As I was painting this one, I kept adding more color to the background, it just felt like a little more pizazz was appropriate for this guy. Click here for purchase information.

Swans on the River

"Swans on the River" - 6" x 6" - Original Oil - ©2011 Trish Stevenson

Here I am, out of my comfort zone, painting birds and water instead of horses and dust. Keeps me on my toes I guess, and actually was more fun than I thought it would be. It's amazing how many colors are reflected in clear water! Click here to bid.