One Year Ago Today...

Pictured is "Fiery Bay, " a 2006 watercolor piece I created for Greener Pastures Equine Rescue. Nothing makes my heart race more than a bright bay horse with a star...the spirited bay horse of my childhood dreams was the muse for this piece.

One year ago today, we lost a fiery bay Champion: Barbaro.

The talented son of Dynaformer won our hearts as easily as he won his races.

I fell in love when I saw Barbaro. He was a magnificent bay who looked just like my childhood dream horse. That sparkling bay coat, rippling muscles, and... a star. Not only did he have a star, but he also had an off-center snip of white splashed on his muzzle. Sigh. He was beautiful, sleek and powerful. His bright bay coat reflected rainbows and sunlight...

Oh, how he loved to run. He would cross the finish line with his ears up and a twinkle in his kind eye.

And oh, how I cried when he broke down in the Preakness. How I prayed for him...

And how I cried one year ago today.

Rest in peace, Barbaro.

"Concentration"

"Concentration" Charcoal, 26 inches by 19 inches on Canson Mi-Tientes paper.

This piece will be going to the Keenan/Pecorelli World Class Equestrian Events silent auction in Del Mar, California.
Eye close up...
Muzzle/bit close up...



My muse for this piece was a graceful, athletic Grand Prix dressage horse. His ears are in listening mode, and his brow is furrowed in deep concentration.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008 is here! I wish all of you health, happiness and prosperity for the New Year.

This new year will be a busy time at Sound the Bugle Studio, and I can't wait to get started.

Best wishes to all of you,

Helen