3452 Newtown Pike
Lexington, KY 40511
 

The Kasper Foundation for Equine Art would like to congratulate
the winners of its Past Scholarships.

Tina Nawrocki, of Quebec, Canada, winner of the Henry and Christie Metz Scholarship, attended the American Academy of Equine Art September, 2001 workshop "Basic Equine Drawing."

Kathryn Livingston Ross, of North, South Carolina, winner of the Tuition-Only Scholarship, attended the American Academy of Equine Art September, 2001 workshop "Basic Equine Drawing."

Karen Dee Smith, of Perris, California, winner of a Full Scholarship to the 2002 Workshop "The Arabian Horse in Art - Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture" held at the Taos School of Equine Arts.

Gail Duituturaga, of Volcano, Hawaii, winner of a Tuition-Only Scholarship to the 2002 Workshop "The Arabian Horse in Art - Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture" held at the Taos School of Equine Arts.

Janice McCafferty of Lincoln, Maine, winner of a Tuition-Only Scholarship to the 2002 Workshop "The Arabian Horse in Art - Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture" held at the Taos School of Equine Arts.

We invite you to read the following excerpts from our winners' essays. Their words eloquently validate the Foundation's mission of encouraging both accomplished and aspiring artists to portray the Arabian.

"Why have I chosen the Arabian horse as a source of inspiration? I was born in Poland, a country where the Arabian horse is treated in a particular way, not only like an animal, but also like a work of art. Actually, Polish painting was often inspired by this breed of horse. While staying in my homeland, I had the chance to see the country's largest Arab stables, and from that moment, I fell in love with these beautiful creatures. Their grace of movement, their delicate shape, full silken manes and tails, beautiful, intelligent eyes: all these characteristics make them worthy of being immortalized on canvas….(Arabian) horses have (been), and always will be, my greatest passion. I simply hope that, through my painting, I might do them justice, and present them to the outside world in their best light, in all their beauty and splendor."

Tina Nawrocki, Quebec, Canada

"The Arabian horse has spiritual presence weighted in mystery and legend, making it a worthy subject of inspiration in that light alone. The Arabian possesses grace of movement, balance of proportion, and refinement of structure. (They) have flash, fire of spirit, and exquisite eyes and face to express this inner flame. Granted it is significant to note that my best friend is an Arabian horse….Through equine art it is my desire to complete my spiritual link with these special animals and hope to share this with others."

Kathryn Ross, North, South Carolina

"…art is the spiritual connection with the essence of my soul, and the Arabian horse is the vehicle I most use to translate those emotions. Most art classes have tried to discourage painting realistically and particularly, realistic horses. To have the opportunity to be encouraged to create the horse and to be inspired and validated by other equine artists is almost unbelievable. And furthermore, to be encouraged to paint the Arabian takes my breath away. New, fresh, and exuberant ideas are produced when so many 'like minds' come together."

Karen Dee Smith, Perris, California

"…The Arabian horse is without a doubt the most poetic. The gracious lines of the face and top line. Aristocratic, the regal mount of ancient emperors. Head alert with a fine bold tail like a wing ready to soar. A fine coat with an underplay of pearl black skin that turns the hair colors to shimmering layers of rubies with gold, all shades in between from lava black with reflections of sky moving off the points, chocolate brown, rose, starry blue and gray, to the wise beauty of noble white. In the Arabian I am mesmerized by the dark soulful eyes lit with that inner fires. The expression of 'I am a creature of the centuries, I am here now, I have been here before, I am eternity.' How (does) the Arabian horse inspire me? How could it not?"

Gail Duituturaga, Volcano, Hawaii

"As a child, I remember drawing….Arabian horses, always decked in fantastic costumes with feathers and tassels flying over desert sands….I grew up on a farm with horses, and always had a pony to ride. Always I wished he were a prancing, dancing Arabian rather than a patient, fat little pony…Now my daughter has become involved with Arabian horses, I have become infatuated with their beauty and wonderful temperament all over again. Working with these horses has reinforced everything I ever thought they were and more. Their intelligence and loving, trusting character constantly amazes me. I would love to explore my love of the Arabian. I always have so much to learn.

Janice McCafferty, Lincoln, Maine