Art show at the DreamLight Gallery Nov. 1 - Dec. 13

I just wanted to let you know about the art show I have coming up. It's at the DreamLight Gallery in Englewood NJ. It's a new gallery showing my work for 6 weeks beginning November 1 at 6 pm. I'll be showing about 25 pieces of my abstract figure and equine artwork. The press release and poster is below.

---Press Release---
The works of NJ artist Nancy Soulliard will be featured at the New Light Art Exhibit at DreamLight Gallery, 150 Engle Street in Englewood, NJ. The opening reception is November 1 at 6pm. The show will run through December 13, 2008. The exhibit includes a collection of painterly montages of the human and equine subject radiating energy, texture and form.

Nancy Soulliard’s passion for horses began as a young girl in Pennsylvania. Receiving an Associates Degree in Equine Science from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA, Nancy began her exploration of form and figure. In 1999, she earned a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts (Communication Design/Illustration) at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, working primarily in pastel, watercolor and acrylic. In 2006, Nancy joined the Equine Art Guild and began actively showing figurative and equine artwork. Currently, residing in Clifton, New Jersey with her husband, dog and horse not too far away.

This unique collection offers selections that are perfect for home or business, reasonably priced to reflect the challenges of the current economy. Homemade refreshments will be offered.

DreamLight Gallery provides a venue for local artists to show their work in a space primarily used as a photo studio and marketing office. The ambiance of the gallery floor is unique; complimented by two candle-lit fireplaces, ornate moulding, hardwood floors, 12 ft high tin ceilings within a Victorian building built in 1850 located the boutique section of Englewood. Designed and operated by photographer Frank Aiello, its purpose is to encourage forums of artistic stimuli, and to offer the public exceptional works of art for every budget.

Unfold

Unfold grew from one figure tightly wrapped around herself. As the piece evolved, she began to stretch out and the relax.
This is an 18 by 24 inch pastel.
It will be shown this fall along with many others for six weeks from November 1 - December 13, 2008 in a solo show at the Dreamlight Gallery in Englewood NJ. The address is 150 Engle St., Englewood NJ 07631. Opening night will be November 1 at 6pm.

Twist

This piece began with one torso and as I moved the piece and drew again the other turning torso fit perfectly in the space. I liked how simple this one became. It's a pastel about 11 inches wide by 17 inches high.

Release

I've been working on some new abstract figure pieces for a show in October. I'll have more details about the show soon.
This is one of the newest. I work with the models at the Art Students League in New York. It's a pastel that's roughly 24 inches by 18 inches.
The theme and title of this piece is Release. As I drew, the idea emerged of the arms and hands opening and letting go.

Bath Time - Mural Mosaic Panel #235

A few months ago I joined the new Mural Mosaic equine artists team. The title of the mural is Le Cadeau de Cheval-The Horse Gift in celebration of the horse.
You can check out the impressive list of artists here: http://www.muralmosaic.com/Horse/artists.html
As the pieces are finished, they're updated here: http://www.muralmosaic.com/Cadeau.html
Each artist was sent a panel painted with part of the design. We were to paint an equine-themed piece that fit with the color and design of the panel. I received a bluish panel that reminded me of water. Looking through my reference photos, I found a great picture of Rose playing with the hose during one of her summer baths.
The finished mural will be displayed at various locations across North America beginning with THE MASTERS at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta Canada on September 3, 2008. A book will also be made featuring each panel.

Bath Time

Since I was 14 years old, my horse Rose has been with me. When I got her she was a 6 year old retired racehorse who had far more energy than I knew what to do with. Luckily for me she was always a great teacher. I learned how to be calm and patient and ride through Rose’s happy energetic explosions. Early on it certainly was frustrating but she made me work hard to be a better rider. She wouldn’t allow me to be just a passenger. Rose has always pushed me to ride better, to find new solutions to her issues and to understand what she’s telling me. Through the years we have participated in 4-H together, moved to college, and eventually Rose and I settled in New Jersey. Because of all the gifts she’s given me I felt she was a perfect fit for the theme of Le Cadeau du Cheval.

This piece depicts bath time which is one of her favorite times in the summer. She loves to lean into the spray on her head and drinks from the hose. She always seems to be smiling at me when she’s getting cooled off and no matter how many times it happens it always makes me smile as well.

Now at 24, although a bit arthritic, she’s content to be a wonderful trail horse. I can’t imagine any other horse being such a consistent teacher and friend for 18 years.

The original panel:

Last 3 pieces going to the Grand National Art Show

I finally finished the work I'm sending to the Grand National Art Show. I'm sending the 2 from previous posts called Listen and Patience. I'm also sending Determination that I created for the art show called Driven in Maine the other year. I posted it below if you haven't seen that one before. They're all pastels since that's what I've been into lately.

"Determination"
There’s a strength and determination in a carriage horse. These quiet workhorses are built to willingly pull a heavy load. Focusing on the bridle, ears and legs, this piece was based on the carriage horses of Central Park in New York City.

"Landscape on Horseback"
The delicate Arabian. The strong Friesian. The aged Thoroughbred.The curious Thoroughbred colt. The horse’s back is perfectly shaped to carry their rider. There are so many variations of shape from breed to breed and the back changes with the age of the horse. Looking over the backs of these horses reminded me of a landscape. They created undulating hills and valleys. The ears of the colt like the trees atop a mountain.

"The Jumper"
Some breeds of horse are specifically talented at jumping fences. Their powerful legs catapult them over enormous obstacles. The launch, the flight and the landing require precision without which the horse or rider could easily be injured. By concentrating on the legs, this piece draws attention to the agility and power of the show jumper’s stride.

Listen - Abstract horse drawing

This is one of the pieces I recently finished to send to the Grand National Art Show. I focused on the horse's ears. There's so much that a horse tells you with their ears. You know when they're focused on you when you're riding by the way one ear cocks back to check on you. Their ears also show when they're paying far more attention to what's going on outside the ring than to their rider. There's many times when out on trail that my horse has warned me of four-wheelers, dirt bikes, bears and other horses long before I heard them approaching just from the flick of her ears. Horses also display their hostility and aggression when they flatten their ears back. Every horseperson knows to use caution around a horse with their ears back. This piece is called Listen. It was created in pastels and is 18 inches square.

After Longeing - Watercolor horse painting

This painting shows a trainer leading a horse she's just finished longeing. It's about 10 inches by 13 inches. I posted the sketches in an earlier post so you can see how this piece started and how it turned out. I still have some work to do on it but I think it's mostly done.
I started it as a piece I was going to send to the Grand National Art Show in April but I decided to go a different direction and send my abstract work. I have some pieces done that I hope to post shortly.

Abstract Friesian drawing

Last fall I went to a Friesian horse show with two other members of the Equine Art Guild to photograph the horses as reference for future work. It was a rainy day so we weren't sure what we'd get but the sun came out and we ended up getting some great pictures.
I'm working on some abstract artwork for an art show in April. I started this piece awhile ago from the photos I took at the Friesian show. Friesian horses are known for their black coats, long mane and tail and feathered hooves. They also have an intelligent, willing spirit. I called this one Patience. The stallions that posed for this piece seemed so calm and patient. It's 20 inches by 16 inches.
This and other pieces will be at Grand National Art Show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA from April 4-12, 2008. The show runs in conjunction with the Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show.