Black on Grey on White

"Shooting Star" Pencil on Paper 44x29 cm Sheona Hamilton-Grant. All rights reserved As soon as I saw the reference sent by wonderful photographer and fellow artist Juliet Harrison , all I wanted to do was get tucked into portraying this exquisite running machine. Focus had to be given to the graceful lines, athletic long neck, beautifully defined shoulders and the ever alert inquisitive eye.  In order to pep-up and add a wee twist to the final composition, interesting elements, such as his elegant pride, apparent coolness in the spotlight, controlled presence when in the thick of things, were  had to feature. I adored drawing this athlete, all the memories of my days "in the business" came flooding back.  They had a strong magnetic pull on my pencils.   The hours spent on the drawing board one big long refreshing walk down memory lane. The icing on the cake: both Shooting Star and Up & Running are on their way to Austral...

(Picture shaking head) In my perfect disorganisation I've managed to leave this aristocratic grey mares' story under wraps - unintentionally . Readers of my newsletter have been introduced but many of you have not... Apologies This is Kalaglowa, also referred to as Kali. A thoroughbred with no speed and a tricky character. Traits that pretty much mapped out an uncertain future. One day (like in all fairytales) Kalli was seen by someone who instantly wanted to connect with the young hectic grey mare. Kali's future changed. Kali was taken in, loved and  cared for ...  unconditionally. Sadly she passed away last year, her health having let her down. Her owners unconditional love did not follow her over the rainbow bridge but took a wee turn and came into my studio. Kalli's presence was to live on, immortalised in a portrait. Both the grey mare and my scribble friends connected and spent a few weeks in each others company, retracing her life and more importantly...