Stolen Black and White Paso Fino horse, Mayito

Mayito, a Paso Fino Stallion was taken out of the pasture sometime after 6pm on the 16th of September 2010 and found missing noon on the 17^th. The pasture is located 6 miles E. of Clinton Missouri 7 HWY.

He is a 16 year old Black and White Pinto. I made this pastel sketch of him to show his spotting patterns on his left side.

Mayito 

Pastel sketch 16" x 12"

Characteristics: long B&W mane and forelock, black head, large white star, large white snip on nose, 4 white legs, top of tail is white - rest is black, weight: 850 lbs, height: 14 hands,  and he is easy to handle.

He has been seen on Saturday 18, 2010 at Lebanon Missouri Livestock Auction.

His owner Bernice Kingsbury will not give up the search. I would like to help her in her search to bring Mayito home. He is not just a horse but he is a member of her family.

This is a picture of him, showing the right side of his body.

He is listed on Netposse,

Were you can also download flyers.

You can also see him on You tube:

 

There is a reward for him. If you have seen him or have any information, please contact the owner directly:

bernice@wildblue.net or call anytime:

1-660-924-7279

Please help to bring Mayito home. Thank you so much!

Three reasons why artists paint

Why do artists paint?

1.     A painting is a description

There are no words to describe, for example, a mother’s love. We humans perceive a mother’s interest sometimes as overbearing but a foal would not survive without a caring mother. A mother knows instinctively what her child needs. This Paso Fino mother horse, or dam, encourages her baby to stand on its own feet. The baby will soon explore the world and mom will be right at its side to protect and nourish her.  

                            Through a mother's eyes

                           Acrylics on 18x22 canvas

2.     Painting is like reporting

With each of my paintings, I try to explain what I observe. When I saw the newborn foal, I saw a wet slimy creature that didn’t look like a horse at all, with its long clumsy legs and formless long head. When I looked further however, at the mother, I saw pure love in mother’s eyes. It seemed like all she could see was this beautiful fuzzy baby. Her labor pains and I no longer existed. Her eyes, completely focused on the tiny creature that was trying to open its eyes and untangle its legs. She gently nudged her baby to stand up. It was such a magical moment and I was happy to be there to report all this. A camera can capture this moment also but can only capture a slimy baby horse. I was able to capture more by noticing the mother's loving watchful eyes. When we paint, our observation is deeper and we can capture an emotion that a camera will miss.

3.    Painting is our way of communication 

As artists, we communicate what we really see, feel, smell, touch and hear. Therefore, when someone visits a gallery, one can have a very intimate conversation with the artist.  Knowing about  the style, materials, subject and other technical aspects of the artist is just small talk. But closely observing a painting, asking oneself, 'what is the artist really saying about her or himself ?' That is where the real conversation begins… 

My personal reasons why I painted “Through a Mother's Eyes”:

• To keep the memory alive of Presumida, my wonderful friend and a loving mother.
• It was a privilege to have witnessed this miraculous moment and I wanted to share this special intimate moment.

Please check out the animals paintings at Fine Art America where my paintings can be ordered as prints or greeting cards. Thanks for visiting.

        

The Siamese cat painting

Siamese cat

When I accepted a commission to paint Siro a Siamese cat, the blue eyes and his elegance stunned me.

 Siamese cat 2011

Acrylic 16x20 on canvas

Some people find Siamese cats creepy with their intense blue eyes and their long body. To me a Siamese is a mysterious, athletic and exotic creature.

These cats came from Siam (which is now Thailand) and, according to legends, were considered sacred guardians of Buddhist temples.  

It was therefore important to me to express this sense of royalty in my painting through color.

Full body exposure would take away the mystery so I cloaked him in a royal colored blanket instead…

The long athletic body distinguishes them from other cats. Therefore, I didn’t cover up the legs completely.

I only used colors and shapes around the cat that would draw attention to those hypnotic eyes.

Artistic expression

After posting my painting on my website my aunt said that I have intensified the frightening emotions she feels towards a Siamese cat. Little did she know that she had just given me the biggest compliment. The most important goal in my paintings is to capture and show the essence and nature of the animal.  Every day I feel honored to learn more about different animal natures. Sharing this experience with others is my main goal with my art.

For Prints or greeting cards please go to: cat paintings

The value of water color paintings

How can the most affordable medium be the most difficult to master and sell? 

Watercolor vs Acrylic
Unlike Acrylic, watercolor is unpredictable, unforgivable and unappreciated and is therefore not for the faint hearted artist.

Mother Nature

Acrylic on canvas 2007

Watercolor is character building

• To create desired results I have to plan ahead and think about the consequences of choosing colors and composition. It is much easier with Acrylic to correct mistakes than with water color.
• There is no easy way out. Practice, practice, practice is the only watercolor way.
• This is the only medium that teaches the painter to let go of the need of excessive control. Only when self control is learned is the artist able to enjoy and appreciate the unexpected effects of watercolor. I noticed that when I became better in water color I also became a better person. 

Cozy Winter Day

Watercolor 2011

Transparent watercolors vs opaque watercolors (Gouache)
Many critics or water color competition jurors prefer that artists should only use one or the other. Yet they have no objection of using any other product with transparent water colors such as, salt, alcohol or other products to create special effects. Personally I like to experiment and will use whatever will enhance my painting including Gouache.

Love on the Rocks

Transparent watercolor 2010 (without use of Gouache)

Elephants crossing

Transparent Watercolor 2010 (with use of Gouache)

The value of watercolor paintings
Acrylic artists ask more for their paintings because of the more expansive materials. They also can get more money because of the perceived higher value by critics and art collectors. However, the amount of work hours and effort is the same or more. Unfortunately, the painting is not as durable as acrylic and the effort is not paying enough. These are all factors why watercolor doesn't have the same acknowledgment as acrylic or oil paintings (yet). The artists, however, values the many possibilities and growth opportunities as an artist and person. When I look at a master piece of a water color artist I cannot help but feel respect and admiration, knowing what it takes to create a beautiful water color painting. I not only value the art piece of the painter but also the watercolor artists as a person. A successful watercolor artist has transcended the realm of material, talents and skills. Water color animal paintings have spiritual value.
Putting a price tag on inner peace, inspiration and belief is therefore a daunting task for every water color artist.