Nov.
2015


From the studio of Sharon Crute... 
This past week I sadly watched the horse vans leave the Oklahoma barn area. However, I'm grateful for the opportunity to paint and fall in love with the people and THE place. And what a great gig it was!
Still Plein Air Painting at the Oklahoma Training Track
I continued to paint at the Oklahoma stable area at Saratoga long after the meet concluded and I've produced well over 60 pieces. Each painting is a lesson in itself. I could not have attended a course or workshop that would teach me as much as showing up and "doing" (not that I wouldn't love a workshop with certain artists). My confidence increases as I hone and tweak my skills.

Unfortunately, the season's end is upon us as all the outfits must be out by November 15th. The cold weather encroaches and I have plenty of studio work ahead of me. I'm not complaining.

Here are a few of my plein air pieces recently created at Oklahoma:
Oklahoma Autumn
Oklahoma Autumn, 10"x8",
oil on panel
Guard Shack
Guard Shack, 10"x8",
oil on panel
Gold Tree
Legends, 8"x10", oil on panel

See that stall on the end all the way over to the right? An older trainer (in his 80's) told me that when he was young, another old-timer told him that Man 'o War stayed in that stall. He couldn't attest to how true that was but he liked the idea. So do I.

If you'd like to read more stories like this visit my blog: Art of Horse Racing
Painting at Seneca Lake
I participated in the Seneca Lake Plein Air Festival in Geneva, New York last month. The weather wasn't too cooperative (cold) but the event was top-notch and my hosts were excellent, wonderful people who are now dear friends.  I'm still learning the ropes as there's much more to these competitions than just showing up to paint. Plus, I'm competing against and learning from some very well-seasoned artists. However, I did sell and that provided validation that I'm making headway. Yes!
Heaton House
A gift for my lovely hosts...
In the studio...
It's getting very busy in the studio with several commissions lined up and another fiberglass greyhound in progress. So now it's time again for my yearly pleas and droning on to please, please, please...if you'd like me to create artwork for your holiday gift giving, let's get together very soon (now) and get your generous and thoughtful present started.

A recently completed painting for an awesome client...

Upcoming Events
Do you know what Palm Beach, Florida in February sounds like to an artist living and working in the arctic circle (upstate New York)? I'll be applying to several southern Plein Air Festivals and praying for acceptance in order to briefly thaw. Stay tuned for results. 
Thank you so much for allowing me to share my artwork with you. I appreciate your time and most of all, your support.
With furlongs of gratitude,
Sharon
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