We all started on this journey with horse racing as fans. A particular face or race caught our eye, and, regardless of our age, we were smitten. Maybe it was a Marguerite Henry book; maybe it was a horse that your mom or dad was fond of. However old you might have been or where you were in your life, a blaze, a pair of ears, or even a flash before your eyes ignited your imagination. You keep the image of that horse close to you, sometimes in your heart, and, sometimes, you even get lucky enough to find a brilliant artist to capture them for you. That’s where our Maker Monday begins: with an artist who captures them for you. Meet Robert Clark, artist.
Artist’s Inspiration
Starting young, Robert had his first one-man show at the young age of nineteen, always with a focus toward building on his natural talent with coursework and more. At the heart of his artwork has always been painting, using Arabians as his first equestrian studies and then transitioning into Thoroughbreds. He studied the greats of Thoroughbred artistry, Franklin Voss and Richard Stone Reeves, as he perfected his own skills capturing the great racehorses of our time. His work has been rewarded with chances to paint at the Eclipse Awards, the Breeder’s Cup, Keeneland, and more. Currently, Robert paints out of his gallery in Georgetown, Kentucky, with his eye always looking toward what’s next both as an artist and as a fan of horse racing.
Works of Greatness
To look at Robert’s resume is to see that he has captured many of the great racehorses of our era, from American Pharoah to Authentic, Beholder to Zenyatta. Many of these are available as prints you can purchase for your home; he also has them collected into his book, A Brush with Greatness, that he co-wrote with famed historian Edward Bowen.
In addition to capturing champions, Bob also works on commissions, a chance for owners of any horse to preserve the memories of their beloved equine friends.
Lasting Memories
One of the joys of Robert’s work is the glorious color and emotion he paints into each one, a chance to relive these moments in perpetuity. I have been lucky to have calendars with his artwork on my office wall the last couple of years and I enjoy revealing a new face with each turn of the month. The realism is exquisite, each painting evoking that familiar rush of joy upon seeing their lovely faces. I look forward to hanging one of his prints in my office one day, just as soon as I can actually pick one!
So, on this Maker Monday, visit Robert Clark’s site, find a piece that you must have for your home, and bring home the magic of this artist. With work reminiscent of both Richard Stone Reeves and Franklin Voss, I guarantee that print will become a treasured part of your collection. Find Robert on Facebook and Twitter and at his online gallery.