Etruscan Inspired

"Horses and dogs have been man's most intimate and faithful companions since the dawn of history, but the horse has certainly been the most useful. In sport, agriculture, transport and warfare, the horse has contributed more to human pleasure, ambition and progress than any other animal." ~ Prince Phillip

New original custom Painted Pony for 2012. Based on a bronze Etruscan horse figure. 

Now on ebay for 3 days only!

Click here for auction. 

Replica of Etruscan horse figure.

Custom Ponies

As an official Painted Pony artist I am permitted to take one of my figurines, like this one of Emergence, and repaint or embellish the Pony. I had an order this week for a black Pony with a crimson phoenix. I'm really happy with how he turned out.

If you would like to order an embellished figurine, they are $175 plus shipping.

Last week I had an order for a portrait Painted Pony of an Appaloosa mare named Honey.

Lucky for me Honey's owner took 50+ photos for me to work from so I could get her just right.

She reminds me a lot of Rosie, the mare I lease.

 I think Appaloosas have very unique personalities.

I  grew up riding my Aunt's large pony, also named Honey.

I'm the little girl in the photo. Don't we look grumpy!

Ponies in the Garden

My newest Painted Ponies have arrived and they look wonderful. I am amazed that they can take my original art and reproduce it into thousands of figurines. Still a bit strange to see my name on the bottom!
Here is The Unicorn's Garden in my garden. This one means a lot to me. It was the first Pony I painted that I had a really hard time parting with (back in 2007). I love medieval art, unicorn lore and everything to do with gardening.

I also had a Pony collector fall in love with Sakura and he wanted his own Pony similar to the first I created.

I love how Sakura II looks on the rearing Pony form. Part of the proceeds from the 2nd cherry blossom Pony will also be donated to aid Japan.

View from outside my studio window...

We have a lot of beautiful azaleas here planted by the original owners.

This crimson red one behind the house is my favorite!

Love this Lunaria that grows wild in our yard.

This is the most amazing tulip growing in my garden and I have no recollection of planting it!

My neighbor's yard is nothing but dandelion seeds.

Hope the wind doesn't blow them over here.

Pumpkin in the neighbor's jungle.

Bye, bye!

Sakura Painted Pony

50% to Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

CLICK HERE for auction.

'Sakura' is the Japanese word for cherry blossom. These spring flowers hold special meaning in the Japanese culture where their ephemeral beauty symbolizes the transient nature of life.

Japan gifted the United States 3000 cherry trees in 1912 which are planted in Washington, DC. This is about the time of year when they start to bloom drawing thousands to our capitol longing to view their beauty. The blossoms here often symbolizing hope, springtime and renewal.

 

Merry Christmas!

May the magic and wonder of Christmas be with your family throughout the year.

Here is to a joyous, healthy and prosperous 2011!

Peace on earth, goodwill to all!

Where have I been? (December Edition)

Decorating our Christmas tree.

Love a real tree and the warm glow of white lights (not LED).

Cats love checking out the tree and decorations.

 Lucky for us, they don't bother it.

Visiting Longwood Gardens and forgetting my camera.

(this one's from last year)

Love visiting King of Prussia Mall during the Holidays.

 They have the best decorations. A full carousel of deer encircled Santa!

 3+ story high reindeer outside the mall.

A first time trip to Johnny Brendas in Philadelphia to see the band Freelance Whales. 

They were awesome, check out this video! What a great venue too, very small and cozy with a great selection of beer. I had the Yards Love Stout, delicious and creamy! They only serve local beers, no Miller Lite here.

Finishing up my newest custom Painted Pony, Cree Beauty.

Based on a Woods Cree Indian saddle blanket from the 1800's,

 combines my love of flowers and nature with horses.

The Trail of Painted Ponies has my Celestial pony on the front page of their site. They also used this pony for the month of January in their new calendar. I should have some coming in the mail to sell soon. My pony, Appy Holidays, is the December image too!

Where else have I been?

Checking out this awesome treasury on Etsy: Santa's Animal Helpers

(stop by and please leave a comment)

Also making a coupon for my Etsy Shop.  Get a deal on last minute gifts for horse loving friends.

20% off your order if you use the coupon code at checkout: BLOGFOLLOWER

Only 2 Santa horse pendants left!

Don't forget to check out my Gypsy Mare Studios Facebook Page for all the latest news.

Mythical

Sister pony to my first Trail of Painted Pony reproductions, Celestial,

Mythical features a gorgeous, glittery pegasus on each side.

Leaping through the heavens, one sparkling feather has landed on the pony's base.

Silver metallic paint on the hooves, diamond dust glitter on the wings for a truly magical effect.

To see all of my original ponies, click on my Painted Pony Blog.

This pony is now available on EBAY.

Original 'Mythical' next to the reproduced 'Celestial'.

"For Mythology is the handmaid of literature;

and literature is one of the best allies of virtue and promoters of happiness." 

~Thomas Bulfinch

This feels weird (but in a good way).

I knew it was coming but I wasn't sure exactly how I would feel when it happened. When I signed the contract to have my Pegasus design put on a Trail of the Painted Ponies figurine, I knew I would be excited but today my ponies finally arrived and excited would be an understatement. I feel giddy, a bit nervous, butterflies are going mad in my stomach! When I left a "real job" 10 years and 6 months ago to pursue art, I never thought I would get to this place. Let's just say I count my lucky stars every day and am very thankful to all the great customers and friends I have made along the way.
It's has been a fantastic journey so far... onward and upward!

Original design for Celestial was on a running pony form.

TOPP designers translate the art to a rearing form.

So exciting to see my name printed on the bottom of this figurine.

Curious Equines

Last night we went over to my mom's house for dinner. She always makes a wonderful meal and after homemade mac and cheese, pizzas from scratch, choco chip cookies & ice cream and sticky toffee pudding (to DIE for) I felt we could use a walk. Here are two of the cutest equines we found on our 4.2 mile adventure through the countryside.

My mom's Amish neighbor's horse.

I buttered him up with a juicy red apple.

I love this guy, he's such a black beauty!

Down the road we met this sweet mule.

He didn't want us to leave!

I've been a busy bee this week. Painted a Sleepy Hollow Pony that is now on Ebay and am working on a Day of the Dead horse painting. Still may tweak a thing or two. Might have to get prints made of this one or at the least, postcards!