After deciding to retract from vintage 1950’s illustrations and with a drive to explore a new aspect of portraiture, the journey of becoming an independent animal artist began with my first commission of a Dachshund in 2019. After publishing on social media for a network of family and friends, the passion for animal portraiture was unearthed and it was learnt how significant animal involvement in the arts is. 

 

It is understood from a personal and artistic perspective that it is common for many people to form an unconditional and loving bond with their pets by means of companionship, love and affection. Taking this element into consideration, it was established that it was essential to accurately capture the visual and behavioural characteristics which define people’s pets within each commission produced. It can be seen that a pet portrait generates an immortalised version of people’s pets which can be for sentimental and appreciative value, memorial purposes and as an affordable way for people to own a unique work of art whilst being an image of something they truly love.

 

Having recently spent more time with horses, I observed and that they have a calming presence, and their mannerisms and facial expressions can mirror our emotions. Research determines that horses can alleviate symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety by increasing oxytocin levels within the brain, and this is a characteristic which is hoped to be achieved through a variety of artistic mediums within this body of work. 

 

Haven taken practical inspiration from equine artists George Stubbs (1724-1806) and Bethany Vere, the first segment of the exhibition titled ‘Mindfulness of horses’, consists of a collection of four delicately hand drawn equine images on pastelmat paper and artist-grade coloured pencils. The pieces contain a small selection of horses in a variety of colours, patterns and alternating stances with the intent to softly and accurately represent the visual differentiation and array of behaviours between each of the drawn horses. 

 

The second aspect of the collection consists of five dramatized photographs which have been modified to artistically capture the characters of the horses’ and their inquisitiveness, gentleness and to accentuate their natural beauty with a contrasting background. Through static imagery, the series of images aims to replicate the feelings from those regularly in the presence of horses. This is to cater for those unable to be around horses or are suffering from emotional difficulties, in turn stimulating feelings of happiness, contentment or empathy.

 

As an artist, continual development is always an ongoing target as there is always room for improvement, and with each drawing produced a new technique and process is learnt. As equine illustration was a new avenue explored this year, I have decided to advertise equine portraiture services on social media, and also to explore the introduction of equine photography as an additional service to expand Georgina Harris Art. 

 

 

“There’s something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

– Winston Churchill