Ginger

"Ginger" 2009. Watercolor paint, watercolor pencil and ink on Arches hot press watercolor paper, 140 lb.

I did this portrait panel for a dear friend of mine, Jenny. She and I lived and worked at Woodcock Hill Riding Academy while we were sudents at the University of Connecticut. We shared the horsey life with a house full of horse crazy girls. We mucked stalls, we picked hooves, we scrubbed water buckets, we wrapped legs, we dropped hay from the loft, and of course, we rode. It was a good life. I treasure my memories from that time.

Ginger, a sweet, doe-eyed chestnut mare with a beautiful blaze, was one of Jenny's treasured equine teachers. They made such a gorgeous and talented pair. Jenny is like poetry on a horse; a true talent. The bond Jenny and Ginger had was evident. They were a team.

Ginger was one of my favorites, too. She loved getting her ears scratched. The "ear thing" would always get the lower lip tremor and the eyes half-closed in bliss.

I loved painting one of my favorite horses. We love you, Ginger!