Barry Crossman Art
update ::: I have decided on a multi canvas format for this work. sneak preview below.
The Secretariat Project
To see a horse run, to watch as the animal do what he was created to do with all his heart and all his power, inspires such a wave of awe and respect in me that I am moved to tears. Such a thing is rarely witnessed by human eyes, and even more rare do we see an event like this take place in the lives of humans themselves. Thoroughbreds know what they were born for, and they do it with every ounce of their souls. Amongst the living beings in this world, I have yet to see such a passion as I see in horses. Some moments in time are given to an individual, and some individuals are given to a moment in time. Some individuals were put in time to create the moments. Secretariat was one of these creatures. I have watched a lot of horses race and I have not to see an animal as amazing, as strong in body and spirit as Secretariat. He was born to be the best, and he did not shy away from that purpose. He possessed the courage of his convictions. To see this horse run, was to see him rise above the earth in such powerful beauty that all souls bearing witness are lifted as well. Secretariat not only lifted grandstands full of people, but also a nation. In his moments, you can hear the world swell. You feel the heavens open, you feel a smile stretch over the face of God, and you know in your heart that something beautiful beyond understanding is happening. Secretariat was a horse born for royalty, and he embodied the meaning of the word.
I have been so inspired by this animal that I have decided to paint a very large canvas in his tribute. I have studied many works of equine art, and when it comes to racing thoroughbred art I am generally left wanting more. I don't feel that the majesty and spirit of these creatures is captured in the majority of the art I've seen. Somehow between life and paint, the essence of beauty which lies within the animal's spirit is counted absent. I have put a lot of thought into how I could do a piece depicting Secretariat and bring the viewer with me to see the empowered grace in this horse that I explained above. In my mind, this piece will be, by far, the greatest challenge I have undertaken in my art. Thus I've created this page on the site, and here I will chart the progress of this piece for all who are interested.
I have included links below to youtube.com of Secretariat and his triple crown wins for others who want to see what I've seen while watching him run. Keep in mind this horse raced to the triple crown in 1973. I also tossed a link to Zenyatta's breeder's cup win this year, reminiscent of Secretariat. She became the only mare in history to defeat the males at this race, which hosts the world's fastest horses, doing so in a fashion that takes the breath away. She was retired unbeaten. Enjoy the links while I get started on this piece.
I have been so inspired by this animal that I have decided to paint a very large canvas in his tribute. I have studied many works of equine art, and when it comes to racing thoroughbred art I am generally left wanting more. I don't feel that the majesty and spirit of these creatures is captured in the majority of the art I've seen. Somehow between life and paint, the essence of beauty which lies within the animal's spirit is counted absent. I have put a lot of thought into how I could do a piece depicting Secretariat and bring the viewer with me to see the empowered grace in this horse that I explained above. In my mind, this piece will be, by far, the greatest challenge I have undertaken in my art. Thus I've created this page on the site, and here I will chart the progress of this piece for all who are interested.
I have included links below to youtube.com of Secretariat and his triple crown wins for others who want to see what I've seen while watching him run. Keep in mind this horse raced to the triple crown in 1973. I also tossed a link to Zenyatta's breeder's cup win this year, reminiscent of Secretariat. She became the only mare in history to defeat the males at this race, which hosts the world's fastest horses, doing so in a fashion that takes the breath away. She was retired unbeaten. Enjoy the links while I get started on this piece.
small version beginnings
Secretariat's racing silks were a blue and white checker pattern. Here I'm playing with some ideas...
studies & sketches
Preliminaries. I highly doubt I'll use any of these poses for the piece, just working on the shapes of horses.
canvas layouts
multi - canvas format to be used with the secretariat project. disclaimer - these are not the actual canvas that I will be using. I plan to use gallery grade, thick-edge canvas. Although the length and width sizes will be similar.