INSPIRED BY WINTER
The colors are fading. It is as if nature withdraws her robust, radiant entertainment from our eyes and begs us to reflect instead on the more subtle nuance of life... now hidden from view.
Leaves are falling and I can see her bare bones now, beautiful limbs conducting a silent symphony that urges us to practice the art of reflection, of thoughtfulness and contemplation.
Winter may lack the radiant colours of the other seasons, but for me her quiet beauty has a unique property that calms me, helping me reflect and refocus on the true values of life. I am inspired by her monochrome hues....
WINTER : 30 x 30 acrylic on Ampersand panel by Lesley Humphrey
QUIET BEAUTY
I'm working very hard in preparation for my November 2017 solo show (New Editions Gallery, Lexington, Kentucky) and I thought it would be nice, especially as winter approaches and colors begin to fade, to share with you some of the monochrome paintings and preparatory sketches for my new broodmare series, some of which will be coming to that show.
You all know by now that horses are my 'vehicle' for creativity... When my wonderful Lexington friends heard I was coming to Lexington in May to celebrate my fantastic daughter Ashley's graduation from university, they invited me to come a week before, to visit some of the greatest broodmares and thoroughbred farms in the world. I couldn't resist, and went to search for the kernel of inspiration for the new theme/series I was contemplating.....
THE BROODMARE SKETCHES : 12 x 12 acrylic on Ampersand panel by Lesley Humphrey
The alpha mare was on the move... and not in a good mood. She tossed her head and the other mares parted like the red sea, allowing her to stride purposefully through them and... away from us. That's what happens when you come to the farm accompanied by the vets!
Most of the mares and foals quietly moved out of her way; some followed her. But one, the most gorgeous bay mare have ever laid eyes on, stood resolute, watching us. Her own foal constellated calmly around her, comfortable so long as she was there; heeding her rather than the foibles and patterns of the herd. Soon a younger, less robust foal appeared at her side, and I fancied he was drawn to her strong energy, feeling safer with her perhaps than with his own mother.
I was fascinated with her; The image of her "stung me" and I found myself wanting to explore the theme of motherhood with her again and again. These sketches branded, etched her image into my creative heart... I am looking forward to exploring with her...
I'm working very hard in preparation for my November 2017 solo show (New Editions Gallery, Lexington, Kentucky) and I thought it would be nice, especially as winter approaches and colors begin to fade, to share with you some of the monochrome paintings and preparatory sketches for my new broodmare series, some of which will be coming to that show.
Many thanks thanks to my incredible friends, Priscilla, Ed, Judy, J.P., John, Donna, Luke, Anne, and all their friends and colleagues for taking me to meet some of the most magnificent mares on the planet in Lexington, Kentucky. Thanks to our adventures this May, I did find that 'vital kernel of inspiration' for my upcoming broodmare series! Your horses, your stories, and your lives inspired my creative heart. I love you guys... Thank you SO MUCH!
SWAN SONG : 24 x 30 acrylic on paper by Lesley Humphrey
She's fading now, walking back from whence she came. She has done her best and her best was magnificent and beautiful to behold. We are grateful for her, to have known her. We urge her to stay, but only she can choose to stay in the arena, in all that blood and dirt. How can we do this, after all she has been through? We send rivers of love and tears as we watch her go hoping that, like the seasons, some day she will return.
She is feminine. She is nature. She is balance. She is quiet beauty.
Quiet Beauty is the name of my new series....Stay tuned....
QUIET BEAUTY : 12 x 12 watercolor on panel by Lesley Humphrey
POEM : QUIET BEAUTY
by Lesley Humphrey
May2016
Curved winds, confused by nature’s forms, caress the crown of Lexington hills, whilst
In the vales, something sacred there grazes, gently creating the promise of the Bluegrass.
Custodian of the future, serene, content, unfettered by new life dancing around her.
She is the cauldron of transformation, sculptress of hope; She is quiet beauty.
Quiet, beautiful landscape, tended, not tamed; Maker of stories and people of character
Of the richest kind; rare and jovial, lined and etched by forces of nature;
Intimate with tears and triumph; death and birth, attendants to each, custodians of her process
With strong hands honed by wielding tools, tense leathers, or by gently soothing her nervous flanks.
Lyrical landscapes; patterns echoed in perfect, rounded, broodmare lines,
As if one were perfectly attuned to the other in silent symphony
Of music heard within my heart; It calls to me like a Siren’s song which whispers
“Something sacred is created here, between land, legs and horses… In nature’s cathedrals.
“Behold, it is quiet beauty.”
Last but certainly not least, may your winter memories be beautiful, bringing you much Light and Love to look forward to in the coming year. I pray that we care for one another, help one another to live as if we're all in the same family... and sculpted from the same clay, nurtured by the same earth... Because we are.