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Michigan Harness Horses

Veeba Rova

16" x 20" Oil on Stretched Canvas
2000 MHHA Auction Purchase

In preparing for a portrait, or any painting for that matter, I much prefer being able to see and observe the horse in person. Not only can I get all the photographs I think I might need (I usually shoot two complete rolls of film), but I am able to see how the horse moves, observe its personality and just generally 'experience' it. I'm not sure how most of it works, but all of that does come together in the finished portrait.

If I use any subject as an example of this, it's usually Veeba Rova, now pensioned at Schunk Stables in Clare, Michigan. I met with Jenny Schunk to photograph Veeba Rova on a very fine June day in 2000. It was one of those wonderful Michigan summer days with a nice breeze and great light.

Veeba wasn't too thrilled with the prospect of having his picture taken repeatedly and endured some last minute grooming with the usual stallion patience. What that means is that I have a couple of shots of him looking bored and a few others looking annoyed. He just wasn't interested and, therefore, not very cooperative.

With a little assistance from Byron (and a very good looking filly!), Veeba forgot all about me and immediately went from bored to alert. I quickly took another three dozen photographs and we called the session a success.

It has never happened before and has not happened again in the years since, but almost every single one of those head, neck and shoulder shots was good, usable portrait material. It was a very tough call chosing the images for the portrait. But chose we did, Jenny and I, and I got to work on the portrait. It turned out great and shows more than just how Veeba Rova looked that day. His attitude is there, as well, and this portrait is still one of my personal favorites.

What of all those other shots? I sometimes still look through them and consider the possibilty doing another portrait of Veeba Rova for myself. One of them resides as an 8x10 enlargement with the original reference photo ... just in case I happen upon a month or two with nothing to do. Just because he is such a paintable animal. Maybe a colored pencil this time? I might very well give that a go!

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE:

2.5" x 3.5" Art Trading Card ~ $7.50 unframed


Sales tax (if applicable) is not included.

Payment may be made by cash, personal check or by major credit cards via PayPal.

For additional details or purchase information, contact me.

Michigan Harness Horses ~ Horse Oil Paintings