Creating Captivating Equestrian Art: A Journey through Mixed Media

Artists often find inspiration in the most unexpected places. For me, the process of creating mixed media equestrian art begins with collecting various materials, which eventually find their purpose in a later projects. Im going to walk you through my artistic process, from collecting mementos to producing the final image.

1. A Spark of Inspiration:

As a collector at heart, I have a penchant for preserving cuttings from books and magazines, colour swatches, and trinkets. These items find their home in my studio, patiently waiting to ignite the spark of inspiration for future artwork. While they may stay tucked away for years, I always know deep down that they hold the potential to become integral parts of my artistic endeavours.

2. The project:

When the time comes, a particular project or image comes into my imagination. This is the moment when those collected fragments start revealing their purpose. With a clear vision in mind, I embark on the journey of bringing that vision to life.

3. Connecting with the right people:

Creating mixed media equestrian art often involves collaborating with other individuals who possess unique skills. Whether it's a master horse handler, a horse, or a professional rider, connecting with the right people is crucial to capturing the essence and beauty of these magnificent creatures. Collaborators bring their expertise and contribute to the overall success of every project.

4. Photography: Capturing the Essence:

Once all the pieces are in place, it's time to photograph the horses. This step allows me to capture the essence and energy of these majestic animals, freezing a moment in time that will serve as the foundation of my artwork. Through careful composition and lighting, I strive to evoke the emotions and power associated with my subjects.

5. Studio Work: From Digital to Tangible:

Back in the studio, the real magic happens. I begin by processing the horse photographs on my computer, fine-tuning colours, contrast, and other aspects to enhance their visual impact. Once satisfied with the digital results, I print out the images and move on to the tangible aspect of my work.

6. Adding Texture, Paint, and Wax:

Each printed image becomes a canvas for further artistic exploration. I employ various techniques, adding textures, layers of paint, and wax to imbue the artwork with depth and tactile qualities. This hands-on approach allows me to infuse the piece with a sense of craftsmanship and uniqueness, resulting in a mixed media artwork that is visually captivating.

7. Refinement:

As I progress, I continuously assess and refine the artwork. I may take another photograph of the modified piece, reintroduce it into the digital realm, and print it out again. This process allows me to experiment, adding more layers of wax and paint until the artwork reaches its optimal expression. Each iteration brings me closer to the final result I envision.

8. Presentation: Impactful and Varied:

When it comes to presenting my artwork, I strive to achieve maximum impact. Whether it's a miniaturised image or a grand, large-scale format, the presentation is carefully chosen to enhance the viewer's experience. The size and format are determined by the artwork's inherent qualities and the emotions I want to evoke.