Saratoga Horse Races©Kathy Cousart

32 x 48 Oil on Linen

To the Races Study©KathyCousart

Race Ya! © Kathy Cousart

I am always so honored when someone asks me to paint something really special just for them and this was extra special. Not only are they very good friends of my older daughter but they have become friends to me also. Matt and Justine came to my very first show at Anne Irwin and I was so tickled that they would do that. Little did I know that they were already talking about if I could paint from a much loved photograph for them. I love to paint everything and if it has wonderful light and shadow on it- then I am game! Turns out it was horses and a great photo and the fun began. Justine showed me the photo and I loved it! Then we set about pulling quite the surprise for Matt’s 40th birthday! Justine pretended it just did not work out and then hoped it would be forgotten.

Meanwhile- because it is always so important to me to get that commission just right- I set about doing some studies. I am showing y’all several of them and what a great time I had focusing on just light and shadow. I love having raw canvas showing and drips and expressive brushwork also and Justine was all for it. Once I got the composition down in the smaller one- I just could not wait to go big with it. I allowed for extra raw linen so that there would be lots of options with framing. I love Claessen’s linen with it’s toothy texture and all the extra room to play! I am forever thankful for mentor Jim Richards and always being able to stretch and reach for it knowing he can rescue me if needed!

So glad to finally show y’all this painting and the studies- just plain fun and again honored to have been asked. The painting was framed beautifully and unveiled at a huge party on Saturday…Love that I had the chance to do this one. Need me some more horses- they have such beautiful form! Happy Birthday Matt and thanks y’all!