“My father was very sure about certain matters pertaining to the universe. To him, all good things-trout as well as eternal salvation -come by grace, and grace comes by art, and art does not come easy.”Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It

I once worked in a book store when Maclean’s book was seeing a resurgence in popularity due to the highly anticipated movie of the same name. Two customers were browsing when one held up the book and asked the other “ have you read this?” “No” was the reply “What’s it about?” “A family of fly-fishermen in Montana. Was the anwser.

I was at a loss for words as I thought about this. Yes, it was true what he said, but oh it is so much more.

I primarily paint horses.

When I start a painting I have no finished work in mind. I start with colour washes and random lines. Shapes start to appear. Sooner or later horse usually shows up.

A good case could be made for my subconscious to be leading me there. However it happens the getting there is really the exciting place. The space where my mind wanders and explores. where I hold conversations with all sorts of ghosts, painters from the past, friends and family, animals I have known.

Sometimes everything falls away. I am not thinking and am only barely aware of the awe that has entered the studio. These moments are treasured, for this is the state I paint to achieve. A place of gratitude and blessings.

So while it is true that I paint horses I hope you will take the time to see and feel there is so much more.