Saturday I entered a “selfie” into the Redwood Art Associations Spring Show.  It’s not a typical selfie and is unusual for me.  Coming from a family that emphasized humility, it is odd and uncomfortable for me to take selfies … but this one I can embrace.

This painting began last summer when I visited the residence of a “gym buddy”, Carol, who is a long- distance horse rider.  She rides her horses into wilderness areas and travels many miles over days competing for the fastest time traversing these amazing areas.  She has 2 Arabian mares, Shelby and Dancer, who help her accomplish this journey.  These horses intrigued me and I wanted to take photos of them for potential paintings.  I didn’t know what I was looking for, but I knew that I wanted to paint horses.  Thankfully, she agreed to help me out with some models.

While looking through my photos after the winter holidays, I noticed that in one of the pictures Shelby’s eye looked odd.  Taking a closer look, I surprisingly discovered, reflected in her gaze, a silhouette of me taking her picture.  What Fun, a “selfie” with a horse!

I found my future painting and could make it a reality.

Painting can be like that  … the artist just needs to open up to that which surrounds them, and wonderfully unexpected things can happen.

I am happy to share my “Selfie with Shelby”, and hope you will enjoy this portrait of a beautiful, tranquil athlete on a lovely summer day.