The Iberian Horse

'A Patient star' (Golega Fair, Portugal) c 1982

The Iberian horse for me has been a passion, a much overused term now perhaps, but nonetheless it has, and I can think of no other.
 
The history and theatre afforded these legendary horses is a gift to the artist. 

No need for fantasy, or false embellishments, they have a natural flamboyance that is almost mythical. The large, dark, deep set eyes speak of centuries ... of an ancient world, of courage, knowledge and loyalty. 


I have been lucky to know them as my friends, my mounts, my companions ,and my models. 

Not wishing to portray such nobility in a mawkish way that insults or diminishes , I have attempted to capture a sense of  classicism , at others the ephemeral qualities , or the quietude , but always wishing to achieve gravitas.                                                                    
                                             

---

Commission. 'St George' oil on canvas detail, c 1980

I am taking time to reflect my work of the past,  and feel privileged to have been commissioned to paint for interiors where there is a demand for large scale works, and  was able to fulfil my desire to paint epic pieces often on 8ft to 17 ft  canvases etc. Now I am  planning to do more large scale, allegorical work..... time to return with a new perspective. 

---