"Mr. Big Stuff"

Here's a new work entitled, "Mr. Big Stuff." It features a proud and confident blaze-faced horse struttin' his stuff in his turnout. He's got one white-ringed eye on you, though...He's feeling his oats today!

It was done in charcoal and is on acid-free, archival charcoal paper. The dimensions are 20 inches by 30 inches, and is offered for sale, professionally framed. Contact me at soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net if you are interested in purchasing this piece.

more from the sketchbook

This is a sketch for a lino print. I am also using this composition for a large painting and charcoal drawing.

It is entitled "Three Kings" and it features the three founding sires of the Thoroughbred breed: the Godolphin Arabian, The Darley Arabian and the Byerley Turk.

Every purebred thoroughbred can trace their lineage to one of these great stallions.

sketchin' sketchin' sketchin'

Things I usually carry with me at all times:
1. Hand lotion
2. Lip balm
3. Spare change
4. Sketchbook

Things I pack when going to a horsey event:
1. Lunch (egg salad and a feta/brocolli/black olive pasta salad--carbs for energy, don't ya know)
2. Water
3. Granola bars
4. Suzy Q's or Ring Dings and Pringles(a tradition for the Equine Affaire, specifically)
5. A blanket (for fall/winter polo games at UConn)
6. and yes, my sketchbook.

That dang sketchbook goes with me everywhere! It's not exactly pocket size, but it is compact enough to fit into my larger than average shoulder bag. (yes, I have a good chiropractor!)

You see, I'm a sketching fanatic. Today's image is a study from one of my many sketchbooks; a territorial stallion telling a rival what's what.

I will share more of these sketches on this journal. Just to give a glimpse into the equine art process--it's never ending. Always something new to learn or practice. Sketching keeps me fresh; not to mention it's a lot of fun. I can draw the first horse that leaps into my brain, or study a live horse in action. It's essential to keep those drawing muscles flexed.

UConn polo season is nearly here! I'll be the one in the bleachers sitting on a blanket, eating a granola bar, and sketchin' away.

Caledonia Farm!

Caledonia Farm's website has GONE LIVE! Check it out:

www.caledoniafarm.com

Organic veggies along with grass fed, hormone free beef and chicken--doesn't get any better!

Here is my notecard design called "The Caledonia Farm Gang." From left: Cavan, BlackJack, Toes and Noble.

Noble and BlackJack (also pictured in the previous blog entry) work the dirt on the farm, and the retired dressage schoolmaster, Cavan, pulls a plow as well. And he loves it!

Toes is fully retired now, but in his heyday he was a third level dressage horse (with the smoooothest canter EVER).

I've had the honor of riding each one of these wonderful horses. They are the best!

Here's to the Caledonia gang!

me and a couple of muses

BlackJack, me and Noble today in Woodstock, CT. Always good to hang with my favorite boys!

*please note the horse crazy smile on the human. :)