Tall, Dark and Seriously Handsome

Frieisans are one of my favorite breeds. Yeah, I know I’m totally alone in this.

Any one who likes horses . . . even a little, likes Friesians. Anyone who is a romantic. . . even a little, likes Friesians. But they really do have all the attributes I admire in horses. They have size. In general they have great temperaments. They’re black. (Ever since I read Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion that has been the color of choice for me.) They have unbelievable hair. Seriously what’s not to love?

I paint horse quite a bit and frankly most of the time I love a good fat backyard pony as much (sometimes more) than the most glorious show horse.But Friesians really grab me from a spiritual place and they tend to get my artistic juju flowing.

This is beautiful young Friesian stallion was photographed at a breeding farm a year or so back. The farm owners allowed me free range to come and go from the paddocks and pastures at my leisure.Even still I stayed outside the young stallion pen but nonetheless this one came over to check me out.

He snuffled about sure I must be smuggling some sort of treat or why else would I be there. Upon discovering that I didn't come bearing gifts as surely was proper etiquette, he then decided I was completely unremarkable and left. So this horse painting is the result. Him leaving me ... but with flair.

The original horse painting was watercolor pencil and water soluble ink on suede board.

Please Note: The watermark that appears on this image is for online viewing onluy and does NOT appear on the actual artwork.