Horses on the Steppe in Mongolia, or, outside summertime art

I have always loved Chinese painting. I love the brushstrokes and minimalism, the way that a simple black line can evoke energy and movement... It's a very powerful and dynamic way of painting, requiring a restrained and deliberate approach.

When  I lived in Chengdu, there was an art store on my way home from work, and I'd stop in frequently to see what was new. I remember this piece (or one very like it) sticking out profoundly to me, because of the energy and movement.



The power of the horses, their movement, and the wild joy they feel made this my favorite piece to see every day on my way home.

I wanted to try to create that feeling. To get that motion and that passion. I used traditional Chinese calligraphy ink, Chinese horsehair and bamboo brushes, and nailed my canvas to the side of the house because there was no where big enough to do it inside. This is a BIG piece, four feet by six feet.

In Oklahoma in the summer, we have a warm bright morning, a sweltering afternoon, and a sultry evening surrounded with the sounds of cicada.

I remember one day I painted this. All day.

I started with my morning coffee, painted through iced tea and on into evening wine using a floodlight.

I think I came close. I used the neon to show the movement and power. I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to be a wild Mongolian horse running across the plains.