In Hindsight…
Sometimes things are meant to be… I painted “Hindsight” in oils over ten years ago, and I loved the painting so much I never actively listed it for sale. I would occasionally bring it to shows to exhibit, and it has been a mainstay of my portfolio. In 2016, a woman contacted me after seeing a print of it exhibited with LOPE.org, an off the track racehorse organization I partner with for fundraising. It turns out that “Hindsight” was a dead ringer for one of her beloved and now sadly departed horses – a bay mare named Katie. The mane, the markings, the bay coat – it was all a perfect match, except for a few white socks. Miss Katie had her sock on the opposite foot. Because finances were tight, the woman asked if there was any way she could buy the painting in installments. As an artist and art collector, I understand all too well how it feels to fall in love with a special piece of art and not have the funds immediately available to purchase, so I agreed. She then asked if there was any way I could switch around the white socks to end up on the correct back feet, and I was happy to oblige. She sent some photos so I could see Katie’s uncanny resemblance to my Hindsight model and shared a few stories about Katie’s personality and behavior. In November 2018, she drove 8 hours round trip to pick up her painting and cried tears of joy in my dining room. I have to admit, I may have teared up a little myself.
There’s something so very special about the bond between horse and human, and it is an honor and a privilege to be asked to express that bond in the time honored tradition of commissioned portraiture. I am forever grateful for my job and the amazing clients who support me.