This wild stallion painting has a lot of meaning to me, both in my continued development as an artist and for the sentimental value of the subject. Though I used another photographer’s reference for this work, I have likely seen him at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at which he resided. Unfortunately, he was a victim in the latest roundup at that BLM and purportedly was relocated (with numerous others during this roundup) to another BLM, where he remains free and wild. It is difficult to think about he and the others being ripped apart from their long-established bands and the land they know so well, but hopefully he is adapting and moving forward with new friends. He is a gorgeous black stallion named WildNite, hopefully I can find him at his new home one day. The challenge in the painting, which took a solid two months, was primarily the water splashes and textures. I took this through approximately 30 iterations (and multiple tubes of paint) before feeling it represents the work as I had envisioned. I always embrace artistic challenges, regardless of how long my work takes. I “wriggle” through them (usually uncomfortably), ponder ways to execute my goals, discover new techniques, and learn more about myself in the process; most of all how to remain calm and present. In the end, I have to love my work, and I do love Thunder in the Shallows.
All images and written content of this website are copyrighted by Julie Bender. All uses without permission strictly prohibited.
This wild stallion painting has a lot of meaning to me, both in my continued development as an artist and for the sentimental value of the subject. Though I used another photographer’s reference for this work, I have likely seen him at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at which he resided. Unfortunately, he was a victim in the latest roundup at that BLM and purportedly was relocated (with numerous others during this roundup) to another BLM, where he remains free and wild. It is difficult to think about he and the others being ripped apart from their long-established bands and the land they know so well, but hopefully he is adapting and moving forward with new friends. He is a gorgeous black stallion named WildNite, hopefully I can find him at his new home one day. The challenge in the painting, which took a solid two months, was primarily the water splashes and textures. I took this through approximately 30 iterations (and multiple tubes of paint) before feeling it represents the work as I had envisioned. I always embrace artistic challenges, regardless of how long my work takes. I “wriggle” through them (usually uncomfortably), ponder ways to execute my goals, discover new techniques, and learn more about myself in the process; most of all how to remain calm and present. In the end, I have to love my work, and I do love Thunder in the Shallows.
All images and written content of this website are copyrighted by Julie Bender. All uses without permission strictly prohibited.