Art of Horse Racing

Available Originals

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:28:00 +0000

I've had some requests to create a separate link on my website that lists only my available originals. The website is ever expanding and I can understand the frustration of collectors searching for new and available paintings as they muddle through the various galleries. So here it is: http://www.sharoncrute.com/availableoriginals.htm with a link "Available Originals" located at the bottom left of the opening page. The latest completed paintings will be posted ASAP.

Also, I'm sending out a separate e-newsletter for collectors who've requested first access to my still-wet-right-off-the-easel paintings. The first of these VIP e-newsletters should be launched in about a week or two. Paintings will not be posted anywhere prior to this exclusive mailing. Tiptoeing through this fresh effort, I don't want to exclude those who should be included. If I've overlooked, my apologies and shout at me to get it together.

"My career should adapt to me. Fame is like a VIP pass wherever you want to go". - Leonardo DiCaprio

Giclees: a Viable Alternative

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Got a summer cabin or cottage that needs a bit of color? Have you recently remodeled a spare bedroom that needs some wall art? Or does your main living space need an inspiring face lift?

My giclee fine art reproductions are printed on quality canvas with archival UV inks. They're stretched and resemble the real thing except they're an extremely affordable option. Of course, nothing can compare to investing in original paintings, but giclees offer an inexpensive alternative for decorating purposes.

I've moved in the direction of open editions that offer more choices to my clients while maintaining reasonable pricing. Limited edition runs are still available and here I illustrate just a few. The image to the left, "Get His Mind on Running" is sold out at 100 plus 10 artist's proofs. Below are a couple of editions that are still available yet very close to concluding the edition run. If they appeal to you, consider ordering soon: Click on the image for more info.

"Daybreak" 30"x40" giclee fine art reproduction

"Not Whisperers" 36"x48" giclee fine art reproduction

In addition to the UV inhibiting and water-resistant coating, I've finally discovered an impasto medium that pleases the artist in me... offering a giclee with dimension and brushstrokes further creating a quality product.

“These are not my works; these are just prints of the originals. Really, what we're showing here is the record of what happened, what I went through physically [and] emotionally in every aspect, what I went through to get these paintings done, and this is what I have left. I just wanted to share my voice. ” - Abelina Galustian

I'll Paint YOU and Your Little Dog too!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:10:00 +0000

Well, my last post may have been just a tad vague.

To be a bit more specific, I'm considering re-inventing myself. When word got out that I was stepping back from painting horse racing subjects for awhile I was confronted with exclamations of jaw dropping, eye popping: "what ever will you paint now?" A decent artist who can draw well and understands color should be able to paint anything. Even my closest friends seemed astonished that I would endeavor to paint something non-equine.

Seems I've branded myself into a very tight little niche.

Therefore, I'm opening up the phone lines, the studio, the paint box and this blog to announce this amazing one-of-a-kind painting dynamo who will paint your kids, your yacht, your trophy bass, street machine, prize-winning cucumbers, favorite NBA player, copies of Kinkade nirvana...heck, I'll even paint your house. But don't send your money yet 'cause there's more: I'll even paint your champion Jack Russell! And if you call within the next twenty minutes, I'll throw in a free t-shirt! (while supplies last)

“People like to feel they are buying of their own good judgment as a result of the information given them” - Paul Parker

Deconstructing an Art Career

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:21:00 +0000

Spent a long productive day in the studio back at the big, looming racing canvas. I've dabbled at those runners on and off while I attend to neglected...stuff. Who knew that would take days? And there's always bookkeeping beckoning me like a deranged foreigner with arm outstretched and finger curling. I'm waiting for art supplies that are back ordered. Back ordered? Are we artists spending that much again already?

in progress oil on canvas, 48"x68"

There won't be too many of these big racing canvases for awhile. I'm stepping out into uncharted territory to try new creative endeavors. So long for now, luvs.

Did you hear that noisy clanging and crashing sound? That's just my dreams being shaken up good and tossed out in disordered, tumultuous patterns. Thank you trepidation.

"If you don't like what you're doing, you can always pick up your needle and move to another groove." - Timothy Leary

T-Shirts

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:27:00 +0000

Technology can make us feel overwhelmed or it can be the coolest thing since the AC adapter in my Jeep. With iron-on transfers, advancements have created a product that delivers. Applied to any color t-shirt and washed countless times, these t-shirts hold their weight against any screened product.

This is Michael's little red wagon. He enjoys taking my latest images and finding the perfect background. Here's the predominately cool-toned "Neck in Front" on a medium blue shirt. Looks good on gray as well.

Do you recognize that hand?

Here's the man with "Horsepower" on a dark beige background. Chocolate brown and taupe is also sharp.

We also offer tees in youth sizes and women's styles. It's hard to tell, but the pink has a softer, smaller neck and shorter sleeves and body length.

Two years ago I asked Michael to make me a tee that I could keep by the washer. Every time I washed a load of laundry, I threw in the tee. I'm so happy with the outcome and confident of this product. If you'd like more information, contact me through my website. We wholesale for retailers with sizable orders and can also produce small numbers. Even just one.

Remember, any image on my website can be applied to the t-shirt. And on any color.

"The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist." - t-shirt quote, author unknown.

Ramblings and Rants

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Sun, 24 May 2009 19:48:00 +0000

It's a week after my exhibit in Lexington and I've processed the PSB (post show blues). With a few days to mull over the exhibit and attempt a business/exhibit plan for the immediate future this summer, I'm sort of stymied.

Phone contact with NYRA a couple of days ago has me questioning Saratoga plans. Although I've always considered road trips and out-of-state exhibits important, fact is they're also expensive. Vendor fees and lodging are not cheap, especially in Saratoga.

Racetrack attitudes are so out of touch with today's fan base and marketing needs, they sound as if they're speaking to me in 1980. As I inquired about my status as a artist vendor, and mind you, they've passed the buck and strung me along all year, the snippy answer was "we're a race track you know". Hmm...and also a business with a terrible image problem that's losing it's fan base like lemmings and doing nothing to attract a new audience. Did they notice the stats this past week of increased handles of ADW's (advanced deposit wagering) in Bloodhorse? So darn convenient to watch and wager on racing anywhere in the world 24/7 from the comfort of your living room.

Say what you will about Frank Stronach but he saw the writing on the wall over ten years ago when he speculated that racing centers would need to cater to the demands of an evolving clientele. In Lexington last weekend, I fielded the comments, concerns and observations of people who love my artwork but worry about the current state of horse racing. I did my best to defend and promote my business as I ALWAYS do.

Forgive me, this is turning into a rant but there is no other horse racing artist who elevates, upholds and furthers the cause of the power and beauty of the sport. It's my passion and my muse.

As I attempt to make sense of these antiquated attitudes, I wonder if my needs would not be better served right here at home. Is the grass greener elsewhere? Perhaps the answer is right under my nose!

"An artist's duty is rather to stay open-minded and in a state where he can receive information and inspiration. You always have to be ready for that little artistic Epiphany." - Nick Cave

High Hopes at High Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:30:00 +0000

High Hope Steeplechase at the Kentucky Horse Park was a success on many levels. My booth was mobbed with art admirers all day and the opportunity to interact was priceless. Don't let this photo be an indicator, it was taken early right after set-up.

Many people are hesitant to approach artists and engage in conversation about their artwork. Whether it's because they're unsure how to "speak art" or because the artist is intimidating (and some are downright scary), these outdoor shows are a chance to discover initial reactions.

The most frequently asked question was: do you paint from photos? I'm taking this question home with me to ponder an effective answer. The short answer was yes, sometimes. On the inside, I want to explain the long hours spent with anatomy books spread out on the studio floor, one crappy drawing after another, imploring Michael to pose into pretzel positions and the ultimate frustration - scraping the paint off the canvas to start over. Sigh. But then I'd sound like the tormented idiot stereotype and they would surely take flight. So, my answer was to describe various references, but a more interesting response is needed.

Oh, but when they tell me they feel as if they are about to be run over by one of my painted horses, my heart does a happy dance.

"For your information, I would like to ask a question." - Samuel Goldwyn

Jumpin' for Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Reminder:

If you're in or around Lexington, Kentucky this coming Sunday the 17th, it will be a great day of racing and tons of other enjoyable events at the High Hope Steeplechase in the Kentucky Horse Park. I'll be exhibiting in the Vendor Village.

I really cut it close on this one. Just painted the last of the gallery wrap yesterday and we leave tomorrow for Lexington. I'll pack it in parchment paper - no lint, little sticking. Impasto Liquin was mixed into my paint abundantly. Love that stuff, I squeeze it out onto my palette and it stays put like a blob of paint.

"High Hope", oil on canvas, 24"x30"

There could be more expressive brushwork - guess my mind was on organizing for the show instead of feeling the sensation of going very fast over hurdles. However, I'm quite pleased with the vibrant color.

Talked to Chris McCarron this afternoon and he said he'd stop by if he had a chance. We're taking a box of "Hold Your Horses" along to give out in my booth. It's a promising new equine-themed magazine recently started up here in Ocala but it's going national quickly.

I'm so excited to be going on a road trip finally, it's like coming out of hibernation. Some of my best inspiration results from the boredom of those long hours watching the scenery go by. Go figure.

"What's your road, man?--holyboy road, madman road, rainbow road, guppy road, any road. It's an anywhere road for anybody anyhow." - Jack Kerouac, On the Road

Getting Ready for Lexington

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Sat, 09 May 2009 11:16:00 +0000

It's a syndrome. The "just one more painting" cram for an upcoming exhibit. I'm referring to my show next weekend at the High Hope Steeplechase at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Seems sensible to offer a steeplechase painting for sale at a steeplechase, right? The question is, will I get it finished in time...

in progress oil on canvas, 24"x30"

It's a bit tighter than I've been working over the past few months which means I'm getting bogged down in the details. You can see my chalk lines for the hedge behind the horse on the right and in the hurdle. Relevance to the locale seemed fitting, so I studied online photos of the Horse Park. No campers, trucks, tents or other diversions litter the infield of this pristine course.

For fun, a nighttime sketch:

"Did You Hear That?" oil on board, 11"x14"

“Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too.” - Lawrence Bixby

Working Hands

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Sun, 03 May 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Look closely at this amazing photo of Calvin Borel being led back to the winner's circle aboard Derby winner Mine That Bird. He's dropped the reins in his lap yet his left hand still grasps firmly with a half cross while the right has put away the whip (or maybe still tapping a shoulder).

Hands are an integral, expressive element in my paintings. Rider's hands are literally holding onto over a thousand pounds of pulling, jerking, grabbing-the-bit horsepower. Tendons stretch, joints enlarge. Okay, you imagine that I study them endlessly, and I do, but here's a secret: almost every hand in every one of my paintings is Michaels'. Props keep company with art supplies in the studio - from helmets to silks. Tied to my storage rack is a set of reins that I coax Michael into taking a hold of, pull back hard, and make 'em gnarly (then sketch like mad)!

Hands from "Harrowing":

Twirling the stick.

Reaching for a new hold.

Getting ready for the drive.

And, from the Farrier Series:

Clinching down the nails.

"Hands to work, heart to God" - symbolic Shaker saying.

P.S. I think Calvin should be designated the official ambassador of horse racing.

My Derby and Oaks Pick

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:45:00 +0000

As much as horse racing is my passion and muse, my focus has been targeted toward maintaining the momentum in progress regarding my artwork. Recovering from the past several months of inertia experienced not just by moi, but most artists in general, let's say I'm back in the fray with nostrils flaring and a single-minded conviction to recoup success.

However, this is a blog about "horse racing" and the Derby and Oaks have crept up and are staring me in the face.

Freisan Fire looks like a monster and I'd love to see Larry take it. He's a fine horseman who sincerely loves his horses and deserves better than what came his way after last year's fiasco.

Michael galloped on and off for Jerry Hollendorfer during our California years. The Dorf's had several go's at derbydom including the 1996 attempt with Afleetaffair. Michael galloped that nice stake horse as well as Pike Place Dancer, winner of the Oaks the same year. They've kept in touch and have an interesting history, therefore I'd love to see Chocolate Candy take it. In fact, he should be a nice price worth a few bucks and a place in exotics.

I'm not a gambler in the pari-mutual sense, therefore, with racing in dire need of another hero, or, heroine, Rachel Alexandra is my pick for the Oaks.

"My filly responded to everything I asked for. And she runs on anything. I've always loved her." - John Valazquez, winner aboard Ashado for the 130th Oaks (2004)

Florida Horse Park Exhibit

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:14:00 +0000

My exhibit at the Florida Horse Park this past weekend was instrumental in blasting through the inertia I find myself in. First outdoor show of the year had me flexing my festival muscles and flapping my networking wings. I loved it. Yes, the shows are a grind but they're also an effective way to engage in conversation about the artwork. It affords the opportunity to be accessible. Stereotype prevails in the art world with good reason - some people are intimidated to approach artists and ask questions (those nut jobs!). My task is to invite and make comfortable. Friendliness rules.

I enjoyed decent sales that has me hopeful. Oh, and I won first place in the juried competition. What a hoot.

Confident with hopeful anticipation, I sent in my booth fee to the High Hope Steeplechase at the Kentucky Horse Park today after my inspiring weekend.

“Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.” - Norman Cousins

Getting the Work Out

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:04:00 +0000

A toast to economic recoveries!

Michael and I have mapped out the rest of the year with shows, exhibits and of course, Saratoga intentions. I'm looking forward to dusting off my exhibit gear and meeting potential buyers and art lovers to discuss the world of art, especially equine art. We haven't participated at an outdoor show since last October and I miss it. Inertia has set in and I'm looking forward to getting back out there.

The first outdoor exhibit will be at "The Festival of the Horse" at the Florida Horse Park here in Ocala. It's home, I know lots of people and it's a perfect way to get back in the swing. It takes place this coming weekend, April 16th - 19th. Apropos that the under tack show for the OBS Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training starts tomorrow (Tues.) and continues until Friday. If you're in town for the horse sale, why not spend an enjoyable day out at the Horse Park?
Next on the list is the High Hope Steeplechase in Lexington, Kentucky on May 18th at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“So many fail because they don't get started - they don't go. They don't overcome inertia. They don't begin.” - W. Clement Stone

I Create Large-Scale Canvases

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:21:00 +0000

Here's my introduction, used as required (and sometimes tweaked):

My name is Sharon Crute and I create dynamic and passionate equine oil paintings on large-scale canvases.

Museums are full of big canvases. Huge, monumental paintings of the gloriously romantic or dramatic historical narratives to rival a battlefield. They're in your face, command attention and invite the viewer to step right in. Pre-television eras, most. Size is all relative. Michael has somewhat discouraged the grandiose in this "economy" but large canvases is what I do.

Rough oil sketch on canvas, 48"x68"

I always lay down a neutral ground, this one being raw sienna. Roughly sketching out the shapes and composition in charcoal, I then go back and do a more detailed drawing in a red-toned conte crayon. Painting more accurately than I draw, I spend a good amount of time on my oil washes. When completed, that's the time to step back and make changes, some will be major.

I also try to work out problems in my sketch book as I lay in the washes. In the horse without the noseband, the tight rein on the bit would pull the mouth wide open. It felt like the bit had to go back further, then even further. I may pull it back even more for dynamic effect.

"Gate Okayed", oil on canvas, approx. 36"x48" circa 2000.

Becoming concerned that the new canvas may resemble an older piece, I dug this one out of the archives. This painting was created before I figured out that I really should document all my artwork. Duh. Anyway, it's somewhat alike but I'm comfortable with the arrangement of the new horses.

"Where art thou, Muse, that thou forget'st so long / To speak of that which gives thee all thy might?" - William Shakespeare

Montana the Thoroughbred

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:25:00 +0000

Even the horses come out to view my painting exhibits.

Meet Montana, a former racing thoroughbred turned extreme racing-through-the-woods-jumping-over-obstacles fox hunter.

Montana's human, Susan, insists that Montana accompany her on all of her activities. So, out of the trailer for a jaunt down the sidewalk to pose (as pretty as any stallion ad) for a photo shoot in downtown Melrose, Florida.

Meeting Montana and Susan was inevitable during my visit with the Misty Morning Foxhounds last month . I can spot a thoroughbred from 500 paces and immediately recognized those fine features and tilt of the head from a group of many.

Susan keeps this twelve-year-old fit and gorgeous. Doesn't he look like he just arrived at Keeneland for the Bluegrass Stakes?

FYI: The exhibit "Hooves and Horns" has been extended one week at the Melrose Bay Art Gallery until April 5th.

“I like it. He's a thoroughbred.” - Mike Williams

Name That Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:07:00 +0000

I'm seriously at a loss for painting titles. Any ideas?

As yet untitled, oil on board, 12"x16".

Working on the slick surface of Masonite aids the creamy flow of brushstrokes. Notice I tackled the yellow issue "head on" (yuk yuk). Any strong color works if it's repeated in the composition. It aids in stability, anchoring itself - Matisse taught me that. As an art student, I intensely studied his use of color, form and its' spatial placement. The painting below, "The Piano Lesson", served as one effective art lesson. Absolutely brilliant and beautiful.

"The Piano Lesson", oil on canvas, 8' 1/2" x 6' 11 3/4", 1916.

"All things considered, there is only Matisse." - Pablo Picasso

Hunter Jumper

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Creating dynamic motion for this jumping composition was an unexpected pleasure. It's difficult to see on the web but there's lots of fluid brushwork which is becoming a more focused direction in my work. One "trick" (if you will), for generating tension and movement is to employ lots of opposing diagonals. It sets up a rhythm of pace that the artist can control by speeding or slowing lines.

Gray Hunter, oil on canvas, 20"x16"

"People call me the painter of dancers, but I really wish to capture movement itself." - Edgar Degas

Oil on Masonite

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:20:00 +0000

I already have an oil on canvas titled, "Pulling Up". What to call this quick, small oil on board?

"Strong Effort" oil on panel, 14"x11".

Do any other artists face this challenge of naming their paintings?

This piece is loosely rendered on a small piece of Masonite with multiple coats of gesso. Smooth and free-flowing as opposed to the heavily textured canvas I prefer. I wanted to repeat the pop of the yellow cap but couldn't decide on an appropriate spot. It's a bit of a distraction from the chestnut horse but at least it draws the eye back and forth. I probably should have made the saddle towel yellow (#4) to create balance, but I didn't. Therefore, I'll deliberate over this one, possibly changing it if it bugs me enough.

"What a horrible thing yellow is." - Edgar Degas

Neck in Front

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:10:00 +0000

Getting creative with titles for these racing paintings is becoming a challenge. Now I understand why some artists just number their pieces.

"Neck in Front", oil on canvas, 16"x20"

So, Michael walks into the studio this afternoon and says: "You're painting sorta abstract with a lot of brushwork, getting away from detail." He's tentative, I'm feeling sorta good about this direction.

I printed out Irwin Greenberg's "Words to Paint By" kindly posted on one of Robert Genn's clickbacks. Taking my time to read through the list of 100, they are to be savored. Here's a couple that are apropos to this painting:

3. Suggest
14. Keep it simple.
94. To emphasize something means that the other parts of a picture must be muted.

Blog quote is from "Whispering Winds of Change", by one of my favorite spiritual gurus, Stuart Wilde.

"Of course spiritually, recession and financial disaster are a marvelous thing. It's hard to persuade people to change their ways while they're hurtling around in their Porches. But once you deprive a person of their security blanket of materialism they are left with only themselves."

Time Off Expires

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 12:25:00 +0000

Reminder: Opening reception today at Melrose Bay Gallery, 4-9pm. I'm one of the guests artists.

Four days away from the studio. Tugging at me with each passing, the door beckoned. I ventured in to catch up on books, cleaning and reading without picking up a brush. Torture!

Lots of yard work accomplished (everything's been killed by frost), weeded veggie garden and went canoeing on the Oklahawa River from Eureka Outpost. By Florida standards, it's been an incredibly cold winter with 20 or so days below freezing.

This hawk let us get right underneath it's perch on a overhanging branch.

All the way upstream, only baby gators were out sunning. Isn't it adorable?

Not until returning late in the afternoon did we finally spot a seven footer. We're as close as we dared.

“I slip from workaholic to bum real easy.” - Matthew Broderick

Focusing on Direction

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:02:00 +0000

"Determined", 16"x20", oil on canvas

Related to my previous post last Thursday, these "times" (our new hesitant description) have afforded artists opportunities to push the envelope and pursue fresh direction. In this new painting, I attempted to suggest and focus. Loose brushwork suggests, detail for emphasis.

At the risk of sounding corny (women who paint horses), I felt this painting. Maybe my next canvas will be of a fiery chariot of dynamic steeds being driven across the sky by the Greek god Helios.

Or not.

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” - Lao Tzu

State of the Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Purusing a couple of interesting articles today in this month's ARTnews magazine regarding the current art market. You can read them for yourself online at their website. Below are a few quotes from "A New Creativity" by Ann Landi with some unsolicited comments from you know who.

"...a number of prominent critics predicted that the economic nosedive could be a good thing for the art world at large - 'a vital correction'..." Kind of like what's happening in the thoroughbred racing industry on several levels. Hmm, yes and no.

"Difficult times bring out the best in the best artists. When the economy falters, there can be a remarkable growth of seriousness in art" - David Ross, director of Albion New York. Oh, we're serious alright. Most of us have leaped over to the left-side brain trying to figure out how to sell it ourselves. Talk to any "serious" artist and you'll discover a new bright and shiny businessperson.

"I'd say the bohemian fantasy is sweet and sentimental, but rather insulting to artists..." - Christopher Knight, art critic, LA Times. Personally, I like three squares and electricity.

"We're going to see a shift toward work that's more psychological and introspective and more out of an old-fashioned studio kind of work." Gary Garrels, senior curator of painting and scultpture, SFMOMA. And you thought we were all crazy before the economic downturn.

"People who travel light and do things that are contrary and ephemeral are going to have a good moment." - Rober Storr, dean, Yale U. School of Art. OMG, my time is finally coming!!!

"Artists are basically problem solvers. They will respond to whatever the situation is in completely unpredictable ways." Bonnie Clearwater, dir., Mus. of Contemporary Art, N. Miami. Heh, heh, don't say she didn't warn you.

And from the article "How to Buy in 2009" by Milton Esterow:

"I think we will also see better art produced. I think in times like these artists will spend more time considering the art they are creating, instead of being driven to produce art for the marketplace." - Roland Augustine, Pres. Art Dealers Assoc. Relatively speaking. That mean old mother of necessity dictated that we'd also increase inventory while considering a new direction. Aren't all serious artists constantly working to improve skills, technique and make a compelling statement while their at it?

"Collectors are obsessive, compulsive, and competitive people who always like to get the best first." - Don Rubell, collector. Mr. Rubell, call me.

Have you hugged your artist today?

Cow Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:51:00 +0000

I love cows and I love trees but I don't like to paint 'em. Passing the pastoral back to the landscape artists who execute them lovingly, convincingly. Paintings created with reverence and endearing joy for the breezes, sunshine, birdsong, bugs or whatever else sneaks up behind them.

"Bovine Theory" 16"x20" oil on canvas

Now, here's what I do like: the challenge of portraying speed and power. Brushwork, flashing color spots and intense expression creating the thundering whirl that becomes a horse race.

Started oil , 16"x20"

Maybe not so thunderous anymore with all the new synthetic surfaces but it's dynamic movement nonetheless.

“Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter.” - Dave Barry

Foxhunting

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:02:00 +0000

Landscape artist extraordinaire Linda Blondheim and moi hung out with Misty Morning Foxhounds yesterday, a recognized drag hunt originating from Gainesville. Drag meaning no critters are harmed in the sport.

Think of 28 degrees on Saturday morning in Boston, 30 degrees in Ocala, Florida. We started late.

Huntswoman Alexis MacCauley with her wonderful hounds.

This club doesn't mind at all if you show a bit of love to the hounds. These doggies are endearingly affectionate yet professionally dedicated to their business.

One of the "kills" took place in an ancient sinkhole. Because this organization is a humane drag hunt, scent is dragged through the woods using a leather sheaf doused with anisette. With their amazing sense of smell, the hounds follow the trail to specified "kills", a paper bag filled with biscuits.

The enthusiasm and excitement of the hounds and riders is adrenaline charging. Their baying howl is the stuff of 1930's British film. In the far distance, the sound is eerily nostalgic and mysterious.

The hunt relaxes on a break.

Linda Blondheim is a nationally renown Florida landscape painter. Her perception was intriguing to me. Landscape by her definition is shimmering light, tactile texture, distance, subtle color palettes and unusual shapes. I saw horses and hounds speeding at full tilt through the woods. Art for every need, taste and preference.

"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Tweet and That

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon Crute) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:02:00 +0000

Hadley House

I'm working on a news release announcing my contract with Hadley House. Signing on with the licensing division will eliminate the daunting and time consuming chore of filling huge orders with our limited resources. Two heat press machines, orders for hundreds of mousepads and/or t-shirts, pressing one at a time - you get the picture. Time better spent in the studio and promoting. After being profiled in the November issue of Art Business News, the offers flowed in from many sources. Michael researched various firms and negotiated a sweet deal with Hadley. I'm thrilled and looking forward to a profitable relationship.

Twitter

Speaking of daunting, I've open an account with the social-networking service Twitter. There's a learning curve, as there was with this blog. So far, I find it quite fascinating with a ton of marketing potential. You can see my recent "tweets" on the right sidebar.

"Money is not the only answer, but it makes a difference." - Barack Obama