First in the "Heads Up!" Mini-series, focusing on the expressive eyes, ears and head of the horse. I think I might  be exploring this one for a long time. I am really enjoying the square format for this project and may try some larger ones down the road.

Inspired by the wild horses of Teddy Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, this is a 6 x 9" original pastel one of 100 paintings that are in progress. For purchase information, click on 100 for $100.

This little painting was inspired by a trip to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Preserve south of Billings, Montana. Buckskins just happen to be one of my favorite colors of horses -  come to think of it, I have many favorites!

If you are interested in owning this painting, click on 100 for $100 for more information.

Horses seem to be endlessly curious about their environment. Something across the hills has got the attention of these two.

This is #2 of 100 paintings in progress. For more information click on 100 for $100

Almost like a dream come true, my two forays into the realm of wild horses was definitely a highlight this past year for me. Although they were short and sweet adventures, I got  a taste of this unusual world, a world I have imagined since whinnying and galloping home from school as a second grader. My latest excursion occured this past fall when my partner and I ventured to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range on the border of Montana and Wyoming. There, after hours of searching, we finally spied an old black stallion, alone and aloof atop a dry, barren hilltop, just as I had seen him in all my years of imagining wild black stallions. We then were fortunate enough to come fairly close to two more horses, a black and a buckskin. The buckskin featured tiger stripes on the back of her legs that are one of the characteristics of this unique herd whose bloodlines  date back to the Spanish horses brought to America by Cortez in the 1700's. It was an awesome experience that I hope to expand upon in the upcoming year. 

This summer I was able to spend a little time observing and photographing some wild horses in North Dakota. Here is a drawing that has come out of that observation. I really liked the flowing lines of the two horses interacting, so I left it as more of a drawing rather than a full-fledged painting.

We are fortunate enough to live near Teddy Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, just about an hour and a half drive. It was a beautiful day to view the rugged badlands and search for wild horses.

We first stopped in at Sentinel Butte, North Dakota to see the Champions Rodeo at Home on the Range School for Boys. The Champions Rodeo matches the top bronc riders with the top bucking broncs in the country. I usually get great photos here at this exciting rodeo. The winning cowboys usually donate all or part of their winnings to Home on the Range School.

We then headed off in our quest. I brought along my better half, Charley, who is the tracker of the family and can see long distances better than I can. We looked for signs of horses as we drove along the road and were finally rewarded with the sight of one lonely horse up on the side of a hill. We wondered why he was alone - unusual for the normally social animals. Driving further Charley spotted a band of about 10 horses, again way up on the side of a hill in a draw.

Finally we hit the jackpot - pictured here a band of about 20 horses. The grey stallion in the middle of the mares, was the only one to pay any attention to us. The horses were about 300 yards away and seemed to feel safe at that distance. I would have loved to have gotten closer, but you are not allowed to go off the road or trails. Anyway, it was pretty exciting. We only saw one colt, which again I thought was unusual, but maybe there will be more when we return...we did see the one lone roan on the way back down. I really can't think of a better way to spend a summer day!

Horses on the run is a favorite theme of mine. They are so inspiring to watch - no matter how domesticated horses are, once they are running they are as wild and free as the wind.