Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Cayenne a Memory Portrait



Cayenne was born on our farm in Missouri.  She had a hard delivery and from the moment she hit the ground she was into something and everything.  She was a nibbler, a follow-you-around type horse or what I call a people horse.  Her mother, Angel, is the head mare and Cayenne considered herself Head Princess.  We lost Cay a couple of years ago to colic.  We have missed Cay and I have wanted to paint her portrait for sometime but just was not ready to take on the challenge.  Yesterday I started the drawing and today the paint brushed on and as the portrait started to show Cay's personality and her features it was pure joy and sadness all in one.  Having Cayenne in my life has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Cayenne" 8x6-inches, oil/canvas by Ruth Andre-Gift to my husband Tom
www.ruthandre.com
andre@ruthandre.com
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18 comments:

Caroline Simmill said...

You know Ruth I find it incredible how you can get so much information into such a tiny painting. This is really beautiful that horse Cay has a face of great expression it amazes me how you can convey personality in each of your animals. This one is one of the best.

Ruth Andre said...

Thank-you Caroline. Cayenne had a huge heart and personality. She was one of the best.

Katie Wilson said...

Beautiful. The background color is just perfect. :)

Kathy Cousart said...

Sweetly painted and beautiful tribute!

hmuxo said...

Cayenne was definitely a beautiful horse Ruth..she had an amazing rich color to her.! Sad story...but a beautiful memory.

Elizabeth McCrindle said...

She's lovely Ruth, one of the great things about being an artist is being able to keep our friends with us after they've passed. Your Cayenne looks and sounds much like my Tara also whom I call a peoples horse. Your husband Tom must be thrilled with his gift!

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

A beautiful and sensitive painting Ruth. Thanks for sharing her story.

Crystal Cook said...

What a beautiful tribute to your horse. She looks so peaceful and like such a good, calm girl. I really love it. :) About ten years ago I lost a horse I'd raised to colic. It was such a hard time for me, still is when I think about him, so I guess I know how you're feeling. But I can't think of a better way to celebrate her life than this beautiful painting.

Kathy Mallat said...

Yet another beauty, Ruth.

Theresa Paden said...

We lost a mare to colic a few years ago, too. I still have some hair from her mane which I get out and look at from time to time and think about her. This painting of Cayenne is wonderful and will bring a lot of comfort to you and Tom. I love the orange highlights, the brush work, and the background color.

Carol Nelson said...

A fitting tribute to your dear, departed Cay. Beautiful painting, sad story.

Dean H. said...

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful animal, Ruth. There's great sensitivity in this portrait.

Virginia Floyd said...

Beautiful horse and a sweet story. I'm glad you shared it with us.

Sandy Byers said...

Ruth, her heart is shinning in this beautiful piece! Thank you for sharing her with us. Hugs, Sandy.

Karen Bruson said...

The whole mouth area came out so nice.

mary maxam said...

the personality shines through as usual with your lovely portraits

LindaHunt said...

Beuatiful painting of a cherished friend...beautifully done...thank you for sharing!

Claudia Finn said...

I can feel your emotions about this horse in the portrait. It is a beautiful tribute!