Helen Scanlon, Equine Artist
expressive equine portraiture

Equine Art For Sale click here

Equine Gallery | Pet Portraits | About | Process | Studio Journal | Links | Contact

My equine drawings and paintings are inspired by memory and imagination.
I think of a horse, immerse myself in the awe that the horse inspires, and I let that awe take form with line, shape and color. I focus on staying loose and expressive with bold lines and quick brushstrokes, allowing the texture of the media to show.
I freehand sketch my idea directly onto my drawing or painting surface and I make corrections and revisions as I create. My subjects tell me where to go with my pencil and paintbrush.

When I draw a horse, I can actually feel my hands going over each part of the horse. As I draw a leg, I can feel my thumb fitting neatly inside the groove of the cannon bone. I can feel my hand grasp the fetlock and lift the hoof and cup it in my hand. I utilize many senses when I create a piece of art; I can hear, smell, touch and see the horse in my mind's eye.

I usually carry a sketchbook with me at all times so I can draw when the feeling strikes; I love sketching the live action at horse shows and events. There is always something new to learn or practice.
I do not copy, trace or project photos to create my artwork, and occasionally a piece will be the result of a live study.

The final result usually reflects the mood I was in when I created the piece.

Custom Equine Portraits: I also enjoy creating custom equine portraits, and, if possible, I will include a strand of hair from the horse’s mane or tail in the painting. And while I do need to refer to photographs for a custom portrait, it is for informational purposes only, and not for copying. The photo can show me head shape, colors, markings and other important and unique attributes necessary to create the portrait. I use this information along with a detailed personality description to create a truly unique artistic interpretation of your horse.

I aim to capture not only a likeness, but a soul.