Kentucky Derby Paintings

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most significant and long-standing competitions in America today. First begun in the year 1875, the Kentucky Derby is the cap to the annual two week long festival that happens in Louisville, Kentucky. A Grade I race for three year old thoroughbred horses, the race was inspired by the Derby, a race that has taken place in England since the mid-1700s, and by similar races that also take place in France to this day. With thousands of fans watching both at the track as well as at home, the Kentucky Derby is an institution. For some people it's also become an art form.

Kentucky Derby Paintings

The Kentucky Derby has become the subject of choice for a number of different painters. These Kentucky Derby paintings feature famous horses and jockeys, tense moments of past races, or even the winners accepting their awards and accolades once everything was said and done at the end of the race. Anything and everything involving the race is up for grabs when it comes to artistic inspiration.

For some artists photographs of past events provide the basic look of a painting. Pictures of champion horses from decades gone by are re-created with brushes and canvas. For other painters though, portraits of newer or up and coming racers are the subject matter of choice. There are a lot of different choices for those who are making these paintings, and some artists are even commissioned to create works based on a certain race, horse, jockey, or event.

Painting Display

In addition to the paintings themselves, there are a variety of displays owners can use. For instance, original paintings are framed, often placed under glass and hung in a place of honor. For those who want to have a painting depicting the Derby, but who don't have the budget for collecting original art, prints of these paintings are available and can be displayed in the same way. The other advantage to purchasing prints is that they can be requested in a variety of shapes and sizes, giving the buyer some leeway with how large or small the print of a painting actually is once it gets to his or her home.

A Photo Finish

In addition to paintings, Kentucky Derby fans may also purchase prints of famous derby photographs as well. These photos are displayed in the same way prints of paintings are, and they have similar costs. So whether a fan of the horses prefers an artist's interpretation, or a photograph of the actual event, there are options for all tastes and budgets when it comes to capturing a little piece of horse race history.           

Elegance in Motion; The Race Horse

Those who love horses may have owned one as a child, or always wanted one. Horses represent a lot of things. In literature, horses often represent freedom. It was through horses that most people traveled and populated the US up until the 1900's. Even today, there are still towns in America where you can see sheriffs and makeshift cowboys choosing horses over automobiles. Imagery of horses can hearken back to memories of living in quieter, rural areas where life is simpler and easier. Horses alone can create the imagery of quiet fields and rolling wind within a person's mind. Racing horse images can create the impression of a childhood day at the races. It can also lead someone to reminisce about a day they won a lot of money at the horse track.

One great way to capture an appreciation for horses is through images like paintings and prints. A framed horse print can capture the imagery described while still functioning as a painting when framed. Prints like these look very attractive when hung up in restaurants, shops and doctor's offices because they are very neutral and plaintive in tone. They also work wonderfully in the home setting, and take very little time to open and frame. It can be as easy as measuring and ordering a print with the width of an already existing framed picture. Simply replace the print with the framed picture, and you are all set.

Some of the most popular artists include Tony Stromberg. His sepia-toned reproductions capture the movement of horses in a beautifully artistic manner. His work "The Forgotten Horse" captures a solitary horse silhouette against an orange hued pastel backdrop. Robert Dawson is another artist that specializes in sepia toned prints. He also works heavily with black and white imagery. His print "Moonlight Dreamer" cleverly captures the bare essence of light on a horse's upper half to capture the very essence of how moonlight can reflect on a horse in the darkness.

Horse sketches can capture the more artistic side of the prints. Marta Gottfried's "Lepa Zena" uses inkblot-like precision to draw up an image of a horse. The beauty of this image is that the looseness of the sketching style still coherently captures a fully formed horse. Visually, it seems as though the horse is spilling out of the frame in a state of constant movement. Even Leonardo DaVinci sketched horses. His anatomical sketch of the horses rendered them as though they were in three dimensions. His sketch "The Fall of Phaeton" has all of the artistic flourishes of the greatest pieces of the era. Phaeton, in Greek mythology, rode a chariot pulled by horses. Here, the horses are shown falling as though they have been reared from heavens, as Phaeton himself struggles within the calamity of the scene. If you are interested in horse print reproductions, it's a good idea to order them online through a site that specializes in them. You will have the greatest selection in finding everything from art pieces to racing horse images.
       

Two Superb Athletes; The Jockey and Race Horse

Many people enjoy the sport of horse racing, and love to have these types of images displayed in their homes or offices. Horse and jockey images are popular among horse racing enthusiasts, and can be beautifully displayed in any home, office, or other setting where they can be enjoyed anytime of day. These images are highly prized by fans of the time-honored sport of horse racing, and display ample class and enjoyment for individuals lucky enough to own these luxurious prints of a pairing of two superb athletes; the race horse and jockey.

Paintings of famous jockeys with their horses, such as the one pictured of Eddie Arcaro and Kelso, are common images people enjoy hanging on their walls and displaying in their homes. These images are often stills, or more exciting in style by showing a jockey and their horse in action. These prints are typically done in stunning design and color to bring out the true spirit of horse racing and the grandeur that goes along with it. Paintings are done in bold strokes or subtle watercolors, but always have the detail, action, and fine detail involved to make the horses and jockeys alike come to life and look amazing from any angle.

Many fans of horse racing actually have a favorite jockey and horse, and choose to have these jockey images displayed lavishly in their homes. These paintings look great with large gold or brass frames and are often favored with ample lighting to draw attention to these elaborate images. Since images of jockeys are expertly designed and full of detail, they can be enjoyed in a variety of settings, including living room walls, sitting rooms, offices, and game rooms.

Paintings with jockey and horse images make a great gift for any man or woman who loves horse racing. Whether they have a favorite jockey or horse, just enjoy the sport, or enjoy the beautiful and stunning animals so revered, these paintings and images are sure to please individuals of any age. Since these images are great for updating any room and adding a piece of class to any artistic collection, those who are enthusiastic about jockeys and horses can love and enjoy these images for years to come.

When it comes to the glamorous, time-honored art and tradition, jockey and horse images are a wonderful way to express one’s love of horse racing. These images are stunning in design and execution, and look amazing in any room of the home or business. With several jockeys and images to choose from, a person is sure to find the best print for their style and personality that they will love for a lifetime.       
http://www.eleganthorsepictures.com/jockey-pictures.html

Man O War - Racehorse of the Century

One of the hardest images to capture on canvas is that of a race horse, especially as the animal streaks across the ground, displaying more grace than should be possible from such a large animal. Equine beauty is a melding of subtly flexed muscles below layers of dark skin. Capturing the flow of these muscles in mid-flight is an art form, one that artists have dedicated decades of their lives to perfecting, researching how tendons and ligaments connect, and how bone and sinew flex and stretch. The work is almost as much as study of biology and movement as it is a creative process. In fact, some of the oldest known cave paintings in Europe show proof of man's eternal fascination with horses, painting stylized outlines of horses on rock walls.

A Man O War picture is a single captivating frame of light, shadow and color translating pure movement into a snapshot of paint or sketched beauty. Charcoal is smudged, pencil sketching is erased and put to canvas again and again in a feverish effort to show the spirit of this uniquely famous thoroughbred. Known as one of the most successful and famous race horses ever to compete on a race track, Man O War was bred to be a winner, collecting many winning purses in his career. Even today, the good people of Kentucky remember Man O War fondly, his place in history assured and on display as a bronze sculpture. His memorial forever reminds race aficionados of the courage and unquenchable desire to win, held in the heart of the legendary horse.

Today, that legendary spirit can be seen within the brush strokes of a Man O War picture, the hooves stamping down on dusty race tracks against a background of bluegrass Kentucky countryside. The obsession for all things related to horses in Kentucky is captured in the picture, the warm colors of the image acting as a window to a long ago time, not long past the start of the 20th century. The First World War was still raging in Europe, but news of the progress of the war had to make room in Kentucky newspapers for the latest wins of Man O War. The chestnut colored winner is a challenge to compose on canvas and paper, painting his long stride, an elegant gait capable of stretching a lead of several lengths over his closest competitors.

Own a Man O War picture and sit back to study the unique equine beauty of the image. Sip some Kentucky bourbon and be taken back to days when nostrils flared on race horses as they waited for the race to start, rearing with clouds of panted, steamy excitement. This is an image that deserves to be framed as a historical work of horse racing, a perfectly rendered composition of heart and muscle pumping to reach the finish line. Treat the picture as a simple tribute to Man O War, or as a metaphor to grab life and always strive to cross the finish line with that same unflinching spirit.

Vintage Cowgirl Photos

Cowgirls have had an active role in the history of the United States. The story of the Wild West cannot be told without focusing on several famous cowgirls. Some very notable cowgirls include Annie Oakley, Velma Bronn Johnston, Rose Dunn, Pearl Hart and Ellen Liddy Watson. These women helped to shape the West and the United States as we know it. There are many artists who have created vintage cowgirl photos and paintings to remember these special women. Some of these women are honored in the Cowgirl Hall Of Fame for their influences in history.

Annie Oakley was born in 1860 as Phoebe Ann Moses Butler. She was a successful sharpshooter and the first woman to perform in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show which traveled the world. Being born to a poor family in Ohio, Annie rose above the poverty and became one of the best sharpshooters ever. Annie strove to maintain her femininity as well as assisting her poor family. At the age of fifteen she challenged and beat Frank Butler, the local sharpshooting champion. Annie is depicted in many vintage cowgirl photos due to the popularity of her talent.

Wild Horse Annie was born Velma Bronn Johnston in 1912 in Nevada. The nickname came from her devotion to animal rights. Velma Bronn Johnston was so devoted to the wild horses that she even took her activism to Congress. Most women during this time period were housewives but she was so affected by the cruelty done to the wild horses. Wild Horse Annie was the cornerstone of the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act which was passed in 1971.

Rose Dunn was born in 1879 in Oklahoma to a poor family. Rose was fortunate enough to receive a formal education at a parochial school. Rose Dunn is more commonly known as the “Rose of Cimarron”. She was married to George “Bittercreek” Newcomb, an outlaw with the Wild Bunch gang at the age of fifteen. Newcomb and his gang member Bill Doolin were eventually killed by Rose Dunn’s brothers to collect a five thousand dollar bounty. The Dunn brothers were able to easily kill Doolin and Newcomb when they came to visit Rose.

Pearl Hart was born in Canada in 1871. At the age of seventeen she married a gambler and relocated to the United States. Hart suffered from addiction to cigarettes, alcohol and morphine. When her husband left to fight in the Spanish-American war, she began robbing stagecoaches with Joe Boot to support her habits. She was eventually caught and put in jail for her crimes but is infamous for the last stagecoach robbery ever.

Ellen Liddy Watson was born in 1861. Ellen was a cook at the Rawlins House Hotel where she met her husband. Watson and her husband were law-abiding citizens but she was killed in 1889 by a group of vigilantes who thought they were cattle rustlers. The death of Ellen Liddy Watson is still a mystery of the Wild West.

Richard Reynolds Photographs the Daylily Night Embers

The Daylily Night Embers comes into full bloom each fall and thrives in the full sun on October days. This semi-evergreen plant blooms in an exceptional shade of deep burgundy highlighted by fluorescent yellow edges. The night embers day lily is the floral interpretation of adding just a pop of color. This versatile, elegant flower is known for its double bloom petals and stunning green foliage.



Capturing the beauty of the Daylily Night Embers is a simple task for artist Richard Reynolds, who has quite an eye for nature. His artful photography expresses the simple yet sophisticated qualities of one of the world’s most beloved perennials. The crisp tones and colors combined with a clever utilization of lighting help this popular flower make a smooth transition from greenery to gallery.



The photo itself is pretty enough to draw in butterflies and hummingbirds. True to its name, the Night Embers lily shines like a flame in the dark in this digital piece of poetry. Red, vibrant, and full of promise, the stunning lily does not require a backdrop to enhance it. Each delicate petal is open. The life like detail is surprisingly accurate and mesmerizing.



Photographer Richard Reynolds does an amazing job of shining a spotlight on perennials. His portfolio is a virtual canvas of stemmed and shiny garden delights. His photos of roses, daisies, and cactus flowers are all exceptionally detailed works of art. Shuffling through his gallery is like taking a virtual tour of a flower show.



Reynold’s artistry extends far beyond plants but always maintains a genuine respect for nature. Some of his other featured works include the Lotoria Perryi (an oddly shaped shell with a bright yellow glow), and Morpho Deidamia Neoptolemus (a beautifully illuminated butterfly).



Butterfly photography is another category Reynolds excels in. He showed a great attention to detail when portraying the underside of the exotic Agrias butterfly. The tiny iridescent blue circles that line either side of the butterfly’s belly are clearly a visible highlight. The shiny gold tips of both butterfly wings are the perfect accent against the light gray backdrop. Even the oddly shaped common clubtail butterfly looks stunning on Reynold’s stage of all things related to nature.



Richard Reynolds is an awe-inspiring photographer and he definitely understands his niche. His keen eye for lighting and detail is apparent in his nature inspired portfolio. Anyone who appreciates the natural elements will undoubtedly be a fan of his work.

Famous Thoroughbreds in History

 When you look at every sporting event that has ever occurred, you will see legends that have been engraved into its history. Horse racing is no exception, only its legends have four legs and colorful names. A thoroughbred’s performance is no different than a human when looking to achieve such a high status. There always seems to be one that out shines and out performs to bring life to a sport and glimmer to its name immortalizing it in history.

One of the first famous thoroughbreds that come to mind for many is Man o’ War. This horse is often referred to as the greatest horse to race in the first half of the twentieth century. Man o’ War won 20 out of the 21 races during his career and set the bar high for other thoroughbreds to reach. His fan drawing was so immense that people came from all over the world to see this charismatic horse race and lay him to rest when he passed.

Seabiscuit is another notable famous thoroughbred. Racing during the great depression, this horse gave spectators a distraction to the hard times going on in the country. This horse was thought to be scrawny and not built to race even though famous bloodlines coursed throughout his veins. In fact, his grandsire was none other than the famous Man o’ War. He showed all those nay sayers by winning 33 of his races and claiming numerous records and champion titles ending his career with just under $440,000 dollars.

A third horse to take note of is a thoroughbred named Citation. Citation holds the title of number three in the top United States champions in the twentieth century. He also lays claim to a fifteen race winning streak that earned him the1950 title of horse of the year. Citation has a Triple Crown, was the first to maintain a 16 race winning streak to claim major stakes in each, and had won 27 races out of the 29 that he participated in giving him a purse of a little over 865 thousand dollars during his three year career. Add a Hollywood Gold Cup victory and you have a horse that earned well over a million dollars.

Like any sporting event or arena, performers that make history are few and far between. Horse racing has shown its own set of famous faces that shine through the times for other horse owners to strive to emulate and compare their horses to. Horses like Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, and Citation showed us what levels legends in horse racing can achieve. There have been others along the way, Secretariat, Red Rum, and John Henry, which show this exemplary status even if some were looked at as out of the ordinary and not suited to race. We can all take a lesson from some of these famous Thoroughbreds and always strive to be our best even in the face of negativity or doubt. After all, diamonds are found in the rough.

Friesian Horses - Gentle, Graceful and Powerful

If you want the best “eye candy”, peruse the Internet for images of horses. Arguably, one of the most common themes for art is the horse. Throughout history, the horse has been portrayed in all kinds of settings, and the nobility and grace of the animal always comes through. So, if you're looking for pictures to decorate or set the theme for an area of your home or office, the horse conveys all kinds of meaning. Sociologically it has been a part of life “almost forever”, and a very significant factor in regards to the advancement of civilization. It was used for just about any and every task until the advent of the machine age, so there are many to find if you look.
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There's nothing like the beauty of a black horse when it gallops. Only art can capture the Friesian horse in all its beauty. But luckily you can find Friesian horses pictures online. This breed originated in Holland, and at one time bay and sorrel were considered acceptable colors for the breed, but now it's generally recognized to be only black. The thing that is so unique and recognized about the Friesian is its spectacular, flowing mane, tail, and fetlocks. Artists that seek to capture the motion, speed and beauty of horses, can especially find it in the Friesians. They have that romantic feel everyone looks for when you think of horses.  For those of us lucky enough to have come in contact with Friesians, their unusually sweet natures also make them a noteworthy breed.

Horses have been with us since the beginning of civilization, and since China has some of the most ancient written history, the tales of horses and the art they are portrayed in can be seen and read about there. But the Friesians have been bred to pull, ride and to fight as well. Some of the larger ones were used in the Middle Ages as mounts for armored knights. Since man and horse are intertwined both socially and historically, it's easy to find the most remarkable examples of art about horses.

So, if you look for the impact that the horse has made in history and art, you can find it in many places online. But for the most emotive kind of art look to at, it’s the Frisian horses pictures that will grab you, for their sheer beauty and impact. You will love the feel of the art you find regarding these beautiful horses.

It's easy for an artist to invest emotion into the approach for the Friesian - the stance, the flow of the mane, tail and the fetlocks make it a natural subject for art and photography. Just looking at one of these horses makes you want to own one. But if you can't do that, you can own a beautiful picture of this kind of horse.

Enhance Any Space with Native American Art Prints

Many people choose to use wall art as a way to enhance the visual appeal of a room. The distinctive images found in the Native American Indian art prints will add an abundance of rich colors and dimensions to any room they are placed in. These detailed prints capture the raw essence of life on the plains with images of horses combined with those of the native people. Each print is different from the next with the diverse use of color and motion.

Accenting Rooms with Traditional Prints

The Native American Indian art prints can be used to accent a traditional southwestern style room. The subjects and colors used in these prints can depict more traditional settings such as those prints that depict a group of native people. The colors in this type of print will also be those that are associated with the southwestern style of design. These prints will have muted shades of gray and brown combined with splashes of amber, gold and turquoise.

Some of the traditional prints also have a lone figure sitting on top of a horse. These prints are available in earth tones which can be used to accent a home office or study. The lone figure print can also be used to enhance an office wall in the workplace. The print that places the rider and horse against a backdrop of blue sky will lighten up the feel of a room while also adding interest.

Accenting Rooms with Modern Prints

Many of the Native American Indian art prints are available in modern or contemporary styles. These prints use bold colors and less traditional images to depict the native people. A contemporary print such as the one depicting a medicine man wearing a bright red uniform jacket has a background composed of shades of amber, tan and gold. The gold is also picked up in the forefront of the print in the hat the man is holding.

The modern prints can be used to add visual appeal to a living room, family room, study or bedroom. A recreation room designed in shades of amber, turquoise and red can be enhanced with the addition of the contemporary war ponies print. This print depicts a native warrior in full face makeup wearing a bright red headband and standing in front of horse made up for war

Other modern prints include those created to depict the sacred members of the tribe such as the shaman. These captivating images can be placed in any room to add more color and design.

While these prints can be used by people looking to express their Native American heritage, they can also be used as art elements by people who want to add color, depth and movement to any space in their home or office. The rich colors of fabrics worn by the native people, combined with the detail of beads and feathers set against backgrounds with sweeping brush strokes, will appeal to people of all cultures.