Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone has a wonderfuly wicked Halloween! It is my favorite holiday so I know I will. What is there not to like? Costumes, spooky movies, candy & a brisk Autumn night! I love it so much I TIVO all the talk shows so I can see how other people dressed up. I'm a witch this year because I spent over $100 on my costume and that's what I have to be every year. Maybe next year I could be a wench:) This is probably the last year we pick our daughter Zoe's costume. It was a freebie and of course I love horses so she is a horse. Almost time to dress up and go out!
Jen

Hershey Park Happy?

We went to Hershey Park for their Haunted Park event and it was not very fun. The lines were as bad as they are in summer because of the nice weather we've been having. We did ride the "night mares" twice. Which, besides roller coasters, is my favorite ride. They played spooky organ music and it is one of the loveliest carousels you've ever seen. I wanted to post a few of the photos I took. Hard to take good photos when it's over cast and there are tons of people about.
Jen

Before the party...

I'm so excited. This year we can throw our first real Halloween party. I've been so busy with ebay that I haven't had time to decorate so I did it all this morning. Thought I'd share a few pictures from around the house. I think it looks pretty good for only a mornings work. I still have to carve the pumpkins so I better make this short!
Happy Halloween!
Jen

Our cute little 1950's built-in with old and new Halloween and my ringwraith horse too!

Dining table, no food on it yet. I love the angel of death my Father in Law lent me. All around the dark purple curtain are light up blinking skeletons.

My Halloween tree made with a spray painted dead dogwood branch and some spider webs. I love it! Next year I want to make a bigger one.
The entry table with my first two Halloween town pieces. I want to collect one each year. Just got these today for 75% off! Also notice I put a witch hat on the horse and some bats:)

A Series of Fortunate Events

My Mom and I competed in our 6th Great Pumpkin Carve last night in Chadds Ford, PA and what a night it was. First we went to the Brandywine River Museum to get some inspiration. While there we were lucky enough to catch a tour being given by Andrew Wyeth's granddaughter. She told some really fascinating stories about "Andy" and his amazing work. We saw two new egg tempera paintings that were huge. Can you believe he is 90 and still painting?
After the museum we headed over to the historical society to begin carving. We were blessed with a perfect pumpkin. It was lovely and round with no pock marks for flaws. I started drawing the design and my mom and her friends took turns scooping out the innards and making the pumpkin wall thin enough for the light to shine through. Luckily the rain stopped long enough for us to complete the carve which took 3 hours. Around 9 PM the judges announced the winners. We were very hopeful that we would be chosen. First they called the Best Overall, not us. Then they called Most Halloween, Best Use of Pumpkin and finally we won for Best Carving!
How exciting! We were even interviewed by the Philadelphia Inquirer for an upcoming article. The night could not have been better.
If you are ever in the area on the weekend before Halloween you must attend this event. We seem to have more fun every year.

2007 Pumpkin Carve Winners

My original painting we used for the pumpkin.



Finished pumpkin.

Introduction

Welcome to my 1st Gypsy Mare blog!
It all began with a mare named Gypsy. My mother purchased her as a weanling and eventually broke her to saddle. Then I came around and Gypsy probably changed my life forever. My mother would even trail ride with me when I was a baby. She had to sell Gypsy before I was at an age to remember her but the seed had been planted.

I have always loved horses and all animals for that matter. Nothing makes me happier than creating one of a kind works of art with horses as my subject. My art ranges from fine to functional. I have painted on furniture and signs as well as canvas and sculpture. I have been a professional artist selling my work exclusively on ebay since 1999 under the user name: horsesigns. Feeling constricted by the "sign" label, I have chosen to change my name to Gypsy Mare Studios as a homage to the mare that started it all as well as one of the most artistic breeds, the Gypsy Vanner.
Thank you for visiting,
Jennifer

Mom & Gypsy