 Created in 1988, it was a testimony to the hottest summer on record; even the air was “thick”. My aim was to capture the muted colors that reflected the “hazy feeling” which dominated the atmosphere on the Standardbred farm where Cheryl Elaine, the mare, and her foal were resting. While this piece was referenced through a composite of photos, I painted primarily from memory, concentrating particularly on the elements of design. |
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 A scene that typified the serenity of the Standard- bred farm I owned and managed for four years, my objective was to capture the intimacy of this moment in time. The composition is designed so that the horses take center stage, which I felt spoke to my vision. And to keep the subjects prominently featured, I kept the background non-descript with varied shades of green. |
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 This commissioned montage was inspired by a large animal rescue training seminar I attended at the Kentucky Horse Park. Impressed by the techniques and expertise required to rescue large animals, I wanted to pay tribute to the heroic efforts of the dedicated volunteers without whom no rescue would be possible. I used color-intensive imagery to impact the role horse rescue plays in the equine community. The painting was released one month prior to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, furthering the significance of the message. |
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 A commissioned piece, my challenge was to embody the great presence that was Seabiscuit. By painting him poised under saddle at Santa Anita, and with the use of subtle colors, my objective was to show him in an unconventional light. I particularly wanted to depict his conformation flaws, which I saw as his badge of courage and ultimately, his magnificence. The background, which was from my imagination, I wanted to softly “glisten,” believing it would enhance the scene and draw attention back to the central theme |
More works by David Pavlak can be found at: Chuck Starr's Collectors Gallery: Horseartgallery.com
