Heart Song

The white horse and female figure are gently transparent, almost lantern-like, as if lit from within. Two more horses join the small herd, surrounding her with protection and serene closeness. Embers of orange, crimson, and luminous pink trace the figures with a loose, painterly glow, like heat drawing itself across their dusty backs. Woman and horse become one radiance. Light emanates from them, while hot color and heavy, finger-painted oil texture carry the night scene into flickers of turquoise and flame. Palette-knife marks make the bark of the aspens come alive. The piece is inspired by my friend and neighbor Joy, and by the many horses she loves as family. Her red hair and fiery spirit made this painting concept come together, like a dream, over sips of wine late at night under the stars.