Legend IV: Whirlaway

Legend IV: Whirlaway. 19x24 inches, 2009, charcoal, conte crayon and Rembrandt pastel on pearl Canson Mi-Teintes.

Whirlaway, the 1941 Triple Crown winner, was a “tough baby” according to Jimmy Jones, son of trainer, Ben Jones. Whirlaway had a way about him that could have frustrated a lesser trainer, but Ben Jones knew exactly what to do with this wayward colt. A unique one-eyed blinker, fashioned by Jones, helped keep the colt from veering out and drifting off the rail.

Whirlaway was tough to train, but he was pure poetry on the racetrack. He won the hearts of fans as they cheered him home, his long, red tail flowing out behind him. “Mr. Longtail,” became a legend the day he won the Belmont stakes, becoming the fifth Triple Crown winner.

Jimmy Jones said even though the colt was a “tough baby,” jockey Eddie Arcaro “had his number.” Jockey and colt were a sight to behold, a lightning bolt of horse and man; working perfectly in sync…

"...not even a cyclone could head us off. I don't think I ever passed as many horses in such a hurry. I might as well have been shot from a gun. What a horse! What a horse!" --Eddie Arcaro

"He carries in his armament the deadliest weapon a thoroughbred can have - an annihilating burst of speed which he can apparently turn on at any stage of a race."

--Blood Horse Magazine

Winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and the Belmont is a monumental feat, and only the most exceptional horses have ever accomplished this ultimate test of heart, speed and talent. The last Triple Crown winner was way back in 1978, when Affirmed snagged it by a nose over his rival, Alydar.

Whirlaway was an enormously talented “tough baby.”

I drew him racing fit and built for speed, his trademark long tail nearly brushing the ground; with a mischievous look in his eye. Always looking around, that one…

'tis the season

it's time for some Studio Updates and Holiday Wishes!

2009 is winding down...and, WOW, what a year.

The studio really picked up some speed this year: great commissions, fantastic open studios, a gallery show...I am really excited for 2010.

Currently on the drawing table:
--a two-horse portrait commission
--a logo design in progress
--Man o' War's portrait--the final panel of the Legendary Sires triptych.

My Legend IV: Whirlaway drawing goes to its new home this Saturday. I'll miss ol' Whirly, but I know he will be going to someone who will absolutely cherish him. :-)

I am so grateful for everyone's support. Drawing and painting one of the most majestic creatures to ever to put a hoof on the planet is a great honor. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Also, one of my greatest joys is capturing a beloved pet with my pencil and paintbrush. Go here for more details:

Pet Portraits by Helen Scanlon

I offer a unique service with my custom horse and pet portraits: if you do not have great quality photos (or no photos at all) of the animal, I can render a portrait with descriptions for an additonal fee. All portraits are hand-rendered and given your seal of approval before they are called done.

Contact me at soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.com if you want to know more.

(pssssst..I also offer gift certificates... they are a big hit on Christmas morning!)

Have a safe, happy and healthy Holiday, everyone!

Helen

A book review

Award-winning equine photographer Barbara Livingston has a new book, and it's, well, AMAZING. Horses: In Living Color showcases some magically beautiful horses in all their glory. Have you ever seen a brindle horse? Or how about a horse with a badger face? Or, the knabstrupper--all polka dotted like something out of a dream?

Gossamer palominos, cremellos, whites...Dapples that resemble snowflakes against a stormy sky...Paint horses with spots and maps and markings that resemble paint dribbles...Blue eyes, and eyes that look like they were lined with kohl...Striped legs and hooves...Unique spot patterns, buckskins, feral horses with patterns formed by nature itself...

It's all here! This book is a visual delight for horse lovers and fans of photography. Barbara Livingston is the real deal--you can tell from her wonderfully insightful and beautifully composed photographs just how much she loves and knows her subject. Horses can be difficult to photograph; capturing them with their ears up can be a challenge. Be sure to snap that one elusive shot for it may never come again! Barbara is a true artist with her camera: she captures her equines in a moment in time as she expertly uses the lens to show the ancient wisdom behind their eyes. A soul appears when she clicks the shutter.

I love this book--as I love all of Barbara's books (Old Friends, More Old Friends, Four Seasons of Racing, Saratoga). They inspire and motivate this equine artist time and time again. When I look at her photographs, I can feel the hot horse breath on my face...

Thank you for yet another masterpiece, Barbara!

THANK YOU!

Many thanks to all who came out to my Holiday Open Studio. Lots of first-time visitors--so great!

Thanks again...you make this artist very, very happy. Your support means so much to me.

Have a very Happy Holiday!

Helen

Holiday Open Studio

My Holiday Open Studio will be Sat. November 28 and Sunday November 29, 2009 from 11am-4pm. Sound the Bugle Studio is located on 6 Kenyon Rd., in Hampton, Connecticut.

Original art, notecards and gift certificates will be available. Note cards make great stocking stuffers, and there is nothing more heartfelt than a gift certificate for a custom horse or pet portrait for the animal lover on your Holiday gift list.

There will also be local Hampton artists displaying their work at the Hampton Community Center on Main Street. Make sure you stop in and see them after your visit to Sound the Bugle Studio.

Hampton is so beautiful and wonderfully festive this time of year. It is a town rich in history, and it possesses that wonderful old-time New England charm. Historic houses line Main Street, and each one has beautiful white Holiday candles adorning their frost laced windows. Such a welcome sight when there is a chill in the air and snowflakes dotting the sky!

I am so happy I chose to call this town home nearly eight years ago.

find out more about Hampton here:

http://www.hamptonct.org/

Hope to see you in Hampton for the Holiday Open Studio. Feel free to jingle the antique sleigh bells in the studio when you visit--there is no other sound like it. It will be sure to put you in the Holiday spirit!

see you soon!

Helen

Pictured above are two new pieces: top, "The Gentleman," 18" x 18" charcoal on cream Canson Mi-Teintes, and bottom: "Catch Me," 18" x20", charcoal, conte and Rembrandt pastel on violet Canson Mi-Teintes. Both will be available for sale, unframed, at the Open Studio.

Zenyatta makes history

Zenyatta was the first filly or mare to win the Breeders' Cup Classic. One for the history books!

And, she's UNDEFEATED. Won all fourteen of her races. You read that right...

Here's the race, and post race. Prepare to be awestruck:


Jockey Mike Smith said she hadn't used up all her gears. So amazing! She came up from dead last, and swept it--ears up, with energy to spare. This is a mare of legends.

She loves to run. Check out her "hurry up I wanna GO!" dance moves in the paddock and when she steps onto the track:



Horse of the Year? Close call between her and Rachel Alexandra.

It's the Year of the Filly!

Fair Play

Fair Play, sire of Man o' War. Second panel of watercolor triptych.

12" x 16" , watercolor and ink on Arches hot press watercolor paper.
(this is a little too big for my scanner, but this is about 90% of it)

Fair Play was a talented racehorse in his own right--and then he sired the most famous racehorse of all: Man o' War.

Hastings' agressiveness and Fair Play's dominance was translated into pure, brilliant speed and competitiveness in Man o' War.