2026-The Fire Horse

I usually start the year off with a “ new word” to think on rather than a resolution . 
I wondered what it would be … Last year’s word was “ Experimentation “ which I did a lot of & created with that in mind . 
  When I discovered that the Chinese New year animal for 2026 was the Fire Horse , I started researching that . With the thought that more experimentation was in order , I chose to do a body of work depicting The Fire Horse . I didn’t want to paint a literal horse with flaming mane & tail . That would be too obvious so I have explored each horse with a story that builds . In my experimentation , I have discovered a new medium that I have fallen in love with … Soft Pastels . I’ve included two pieces using soft pastels & will implement them in more paintings . 
The Fire Horse Series explores restrained power and inner fire through the symbolism of the Chinese Fire Horse. Using layered acrylics, metallics, and mixed media, the horse becomes a vessel for intuition, protection, and quiet strength—where fire is expressed through movement and nuance rather than flame.

With the loss of my Mother last October , I was moved to focus on the subject of horses this year to honor her love of horses . I feel that she is with me as I sit down to paint & reflect on the memories of her life with horses & how my sisters & I were raised with horses because of her . 

My body of work will be on the view at the Arkansas State University–Mountain Home Art Gallery beginning March 2.