art+horses= perfection

when it comes to equine art, i have to say i am a bit of a snob. after all, how many of us have seen cheesy paintings of rearing arabians with flowing manes and bulging blood vessels painted on velvet with a lightning bolt in the background and sold in hotel lobbies as "art"? its frightening the majority of the time, when you hear about horses in art. if it's not rearing arabians, its bucking broncos or loping paint horses with native american faces in silhouette peeping out of the corners. of course, there are some WONDERFUL artists that paint horses and equestrian sport in a classic and realistic fashion- and that is the art i appreciate, however, i don't find a lot of those artists that aren't dead old white guys (like Degas, who did my favorite race horse scenes) so it's refreshing to find a young artist who works in a classic fashion.

melissa works primarily in graphite and watercolor and her latest work is in chalk pastel. those familiar with our tight knit little equestrian community in and around Atlanta are buying up her work as fast as she can finish it. i am currently on her waiting list, and am beyond excited to have a piece of her work based on my mare. she works primarily on commission and does lovely horse portraits, which i would have to say, look EXACTLY like the actual horse, not just a photo of the horse, but she is able to capture the movement and mannerisms of the horse as well. when she has time, she likes to do freelance work and is often attracted to classic baroque breeds and dressage based images for inspiration. this is her latest work, currently still for sale since she only just finished it. titled twilight and dawn in german, the work is based on two lusitano stallions and each one measures about 16x22. whether alone or in a set, each work is stunning and is sure to be the focal point of it's eventual home. i have to add that her prices are ridiculously low, and i keep trying to talk her into raising them, but all the money she earns from the works goes straight towards dressage lessons, so get a piece of her work before she realizes what they're worth!

zweilicht and anbruch
$150 each or $275 for the set

here are a few more examples of her work- all sold of course:

and my personal favorite, currently residing in the private collection of the marketing director for Atlanta Steeplechase, at least until I get invited to her house and start my career as an art thief:

every time i see her work, i am just refreshed by it, and re-inspired by the beauty and strength of the horse. i can't wait to walk up my stairs and get to feel that feeling every day! if you are interested in commissioning a work, or are interested in the work for sale, please contact the artist at melissa_syfert@hotmail.com, and tell her Ellie sent you!