Stories Behind The Art

Sometimes it is incredible how one story leads to another. I've been telling the story of “Guardian of the Night Wind” ever since the drawing of Tugi and Black Magic, our ranch horses, emerged from my pencil.  (See the story below.)

After hearing how the cougar attacked Black Magic, inquiring minds always want to know what happened to this handsome Appaloosa horse.  It hasn't been enough to say, “He's a fine stallion.” People want to know what he looks like today.

Black Magic was named because he changes color from his summertime black with a white blanket to nearly white all over in winter.  I have just completed this new drawing of Black Magic in his winter coat.

In late October I traveled to our family ranch to complete several chores. There are always the "have-to-do's" that nag and time always seems short when I finally get to enjoy the serenity of western Colorado . On this particular day as I drove into the ranch yard, Black Magic was standing by the corral gate with his winter finery on display. 

I couldn't resist going over to say hello. He came over to me with his typical request for scratches in all his favorite places. We had a great hour talking about how things were going. Horses are great listeners. Their ears perk up showing their active interest, twitching this way and that. On this day, Black clearly liked my company and agreed to pose for this drawing in his fine winter coat.

You can see how different he is from his coltish days. His summer black colors have transformed into winter white.  His strength is evident in his powerful neck and shoulder. His face shows little of his impish days as a colt. There is both power and gentleness scribed in the lines of his face.

He is my friend.

Are you a horse lover? What's your horse story? I would enjoy hearing from you..

My horse drawings are some of my best selling art. You can look at some of these drawings by navigating to New Works including Black Magic and also the Horses Collection under the Art Works tab. 

And, if you are looking for a commissioned drawing of your horse, please contact me to discuss what you have in mind.