Monday, March 19, 2012

Blue Horse Dreaming

black Arabian horse running toward viewer blue highlights by Anita Jesse

(Click on the thumbnail to see the larger version)

"Blue Horse Dreaming" is currently available. For exhibition, this limited edition 12x18 piece is printed on Kodak ENDURA Metallic paper and will be shown in an 8 ply museum quality matte and a 20x26 frame.
                                                                                                                                                                

Typical of my process, I am not entirely certain where the idea of using these colors came from.  While working on the rough draft of this piece I wasn't certain where the image was going, but I knew it was calling out for something that I hadn't yet put my finger on.  Eventually, moonlight popped into my mind and that is what I felt triggered the blue. Now, I am not sure which came first— the color, or the word moonlight.


This gelding is an explosive horse—full always, it seems, with almost more energy than his body can contain. He loves to run for the sheer joy of feeling his hooves eat up the space and releasing some of that energy that he is bursting with. With him coming straight at me, raising dust around him, it was if he looked me in the eye and said, "Take note of my power. Make room for me." 

Blue is often associated with calm and peace, but according to some it is the symbol of freedom, independence, and power. (Note how many state and national flags contain the color.) I don't think that in this case, the color has much to do with peace. Perhaps, this horse had some voice in choosing the colors that made their way into this image. Maybe the notion of moonlight was only a hint that took me to closer to the story. I wonder what stories this piece tells you.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Equus Cirruscumulus

horse portrait by Anita Jesse

(Click on the thumbnail for the larger version)

Equus Cirruscumulus is available. This 10x10 limited edition is printed on Kodak ENDURA Metallic paper and will be exhibited in a 16x16 walnut wood frame.
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"Equus Cirrruscumulus" can be loosely translated to "Cloud Horse". This piece has kicked off a new series for me. Actually, I think the collection had its beginnings with "Beach Ball Classic" posted on 1/19/12. But, with this piece—a departure from my typical darker, bolder, and dramatic style, the passion for this airy look hit full force. I am currently working on several pieces that will likely compose a group consisting of six prints, or more—all fitting into this "bathed in light" feeling. A portion of this series will first be exhibited early this summer. More information about that show coming soon. First, I have to deal with the show coming up the end of this month.

By the way, I am still struggling with descriptions for this collection such as "airy" and "bathed in light".  If you have suggestions for a name, please share. I am definitely open to possibilities. Any ideas off the top of your head? I would love to put them in the hopper to consider.

The young gelding in this image is half American Quarter Horse and half Arabian. He is a golden Palomino with personality to spare and I am sorry to say that he has been sold since I saw him, and I doubt that our paths shall ever cross again. I will do some pining over him, I am afraid. He moved so beautifully with such joy and obvious celebration of his power and ease. On multiple occasions, I have mentioned that I frequently fall in love with horses at first sight. This one stole my heart immediately. He danced, pranced, and showed me his best while I not only pressed the shutter button over and over, but became more infatuated with his beauty and spirit. Yes, superficial, of course—all about good looks. I have no experience with the Palomino's personality in hand, much less under saddle. Still, it is probably a good thing that I am not wealthy. Horses like him would rapidly make me horse-poor.