Photography

Lately it seems that all I can think about is taking photos. When I'm not thinking about taking them, I'm thinking about editing them. I have thousands on my computer so this pretty much takes up all my free time. I am consumed with thoughts of photography. I lay in bed and night unable to sleep because I'm thinking about what I can photograph and how; where I can go and when. Driving in the car I see all sorts of things I want to stop and shoot but it would take hours to get anywhere if I did this. It's starting to worry my husband. Things aren't getting done that need to get done. Unfortunately it's not something that pays the bills (yet... I'm hopeful).

So earlier this month I was on the moon when I received word that I won a first and a third in The Horse of Delaware Valley's annual photocon. If you live in the PA, MD, DE and love horses you are probably quite familiar with this publication, it's been around for years. When I was a child I would cut out all the free horse and pony ads in the back and tape them to the fridge. I poured over that paper and cut out every pretty picture. I started entering their contest nearly 20 years ago. A few times I was a finalist and in 2008 I came in third in the action division. I never won a first... until this year. I think I'll use my winning to buy a ticket to Nevada to see my grandmother this summer (and maybe find some wild horses to photograph when I'm out there).

My photo of Pumpkin Pie chasing a squirrel was in the latest issue, chosen as a finalist .

My third place photo pf a hose jumping a Halloween/autumn themed obstacle at Fair Hill Three-Day.

 This photo I took at Devon in 2008 received a third place award in the action category. 

I still can't believe how intense that sunset was!

Another finalist photo from waaay back in 2000. The bay horse was my thoroughbred, Pewter's Bill. 

So I don't know where this is all going. I have no training, I just do what feels right. 

I have an okay camera but definitely not professional equipment. 

Perhaps its given me a little bit of encouragement to keep on clicking!

 To see more photos, visit my Flickr page or watch this You Tube video I put together today.

New - Arabian Painting

The kiddo has decided to finally take a nap today so I could finish (maybe?) a 12" x 12" oil painting of a black Arabian horse. I like the bright turquoise background.
I was working from a photo I took in York, PA at and Arabian show a few years ago. I guess this guy appeals to that kid in me that will always be in love with The Black Stallion. Probably one of the best horse movies ever made.
Here are some pictures...

All the pretty horses...

I love looking at people's photos on their blogs. A moment in time frozen forever.
Thought I would post some horse photos I've taken over the years.
I really miss my horse and being around horses.



This first picture is actually of me when I was a little kid.
"Hey, where'd my tack go?"


My friend Karen and her MOOSE of a Percheron mare, Prissy. I love that she's feeding her critters with a vintage 40's/50's apron on:)

Welcome to my Night Mare

It's the name of my newest Etsy treasury. Here is a screen shot but you have to click here to see the actual treasury. The more clicks we get the better our standing so please click away!



PS. If anyone wants to buy me any of this gorgeous artwork I will email you my snail mail:)
Jen

Head in the Clouds

I just finished my most recent painting and I'm really excited about this one. When you're making them they become your babies and it's so hard to let them go!
For this painting I used a photo I took of a friend's horse named Woody.
Woody is a Tennessee Walking Horse who has had a very interesting life. I believe he was supposed to be a show horse but didn't make it. He then switched careers to become a police horse in the city of Lancaster, PA. One day Woody was out with his officer and they were keeping the peace at a parade that has a reputation of inciting some violence. A riot broke out and Woody dashed into the thick of it. One of the rioters smashed poor Woody over the head with a bottle and grabbed his bridle. Being on a curb Woody lost his balance when the man pulled him and he fractured his pelvis. His officer didn't know that he was hurt so badly and being the brave soul that he is, Woody got back up and continued his duties as a police horse. The next day he was in really bad shape so they took him to New Bolton to diagnose the problem. Needless to say the Woody was on rest for quite some time even spending awhile in a sling to keep weight off his hindquarters.
When Woody was healed my friend took him in to use as a mount for her husband. He could no longer perform the rigorous task of a police horse but he is an excellent trail horse and companion to her other horses. He is truly a gentle giant standing at 17 hands. In the portrait I made I have painted him in his sunbleached summer coat. Click here to view the auction.


Thanks for looking!

Just started the painting.

A little more work.

Detail

Moon Dance

One of my New Year's resolutions was to paint more fine art and less sign art and I have finally finished a little painting I'm quite happy with. I just added it to ebay this afternoon and it is called Moon Dance. I also forgot to mention that the Friesian sign in my last post is also on ebay. Here is a link to my auctions:

Gypsy Mare Studio's Ebay Auctions

And photos of my newest painting:





Thanks for looking and have a happy day!
Jen