Do you remember that post I wrote about my artist friend, Karen Morovich? She gave me a beautiful painting that she did of Speedy. After seeing my reaction, Karen decided that the painting was even better than she had first thought. I think she started to see it through my eyes, biased as they are. I continue to be amazed at how beautiful the painting is. Anyway, she decided to get the image copyrighted.

While I am not privy to all of the details, Karen did share with me that it is a lengthy and somewhat expensive process. Fortunately, she received the copyright sooner than expected. She sent me a copy of the Certificate of Registration yesterday. 

The certificate lists a registration number, an effective date of registration, and a registration decision date, May 2, 2022. Karen applied for a copyright registration for a group of unpublished works. To help her with this, I "unpublished" the image of Speedy from that earlier blog post. Karen explained that it is more difficult to copyright an image if it is already in the public domain. Her copyright includes ten works in total - Speedy, a cow, a giraffe, a gorilla, and six other works. With her permission, I have republished the image she sent me and included the copyright information.

Not long after Karen gave me a super high quality scan of the painting, I ordered a large canvas. I hung it in the very first part of our hallway so that I can see it from nearly every part of our kitchen, dining, and living room. It brings me so much happiness as I walk past it. I don't think I will ever get used to seeing it. Each and every time I look at it, it fills me with joy.

Later, Karen gifted me the original painting. A few weeks ago, I finally found the perfect frame for it. I know it's a little weird to have the same image hanging twice in your home, but the original is made even more beautiful by the blue-gray paint she used which produces a glittery sparkle. The paper she used, almost like cloth, adds another layer of depth to the work. I didn't think it would be possible, but the original brings me even more delight than does the canvas.

Karen has finally launched her website, www.karenmorovich.com, and it is now live. Some of her work is already available for purchase, and she has a lot of other interesting things on her site. You can even commission your own "Speedy."

Life has been a bit frustrating lately, but I am endeavoring to find those moments of happiness in the day to day struggle. Karen's painting of Speedy never fails to make me smile. Now that I think about it, isn't that what art is for?

Thank you, Karen, for giving me this priceless gift.

A few months ago I wrote a post about Terry Spehar-Fahey whose art graces this year's USDF Member Guide. In that post, and a few others, I hinted at another artist who was doing great things. I finally, finally get to introduce her. Everyone, please meet my friend and artist, Karen Morovich.

Like virtually all of my friends, we met because of an interest in horses. We were introduced a few years ago at a local wine tasting event, and I invited her out to the ranch for a ride. We hit it off, and have been friends ever since. One of the first things I discovered about Karen is her incredible artistic talent. Each time we meet up, I ask about her most recent work, and she is always happy to show me what she has been painting.

My art knowledge is limited to what our art specialist teaches the kids during their monthly art lessons at school. I know just enough, which isn't much, to be able to participate in a limited conversation. Even so, I always pepper Karen with all sorts of questions about art in general and her work in particular. Karen is a water colorist. Over the last few years I've learned a lot from her about paper - good paper is really expensive. I've also learned that she doesn't use the handy flip open the lid water color kits from Crayola. Real water color paints are much more complex.

A few months back, Karen asked if she could paint Speedy. First of all, she didn't need my permission, and secondly, YES! OH MY GOSH, YES! I immediately sent her a few photos from which to work. I know she is incredibly talented, I've seen what she can do, but I had no idea that she would capture his very soul. I knew the painting would look like him, but in it, I can actually SEE Speedy. I can feel him. His personality simply radiates from the paper. 

When Karen emailed me the image, I almost burst into tears. She was able to capture Speedy's soul with just the hint of a portrait. Her style is to leave the image "unfinished" so that the viewer imagines what comes next. I won't have him forever physically, but Karen has made it possible for me to have Speedy's spirit with me until the day that I die. I now have a massive canvas of this image on my wall, and it is my forever lock screen on my phone.
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​Karen and I went to lunch a few weeks ago where she presented me with the original painting. It is magnificent. It is painted on paper that feels like cloth, and the paints that she used sparkle in the sunlight. She was happy that I loved the painting, but I am not sure she understands how MUCH I love the painting. As I asked questions about how she went about painting my beloved, I realized that I had to share her work here. Karen was gracious enough to answer all of my questions. 

Can you tell me more about what inspired you to paint Speedy? 
Karen Morovich: I have personally met Speedy and have ridden him. The reference photo of Speedy that was sent to me showcased his power and beauty which inspired the painting. Speedy was an easy subject for me to get excited to paint. Horses are one of my favorite animals as I have always loved horses.  

What medium did you use?  
KM: Watercolor. Types of paints I use: Mainly I use Daniel Smith watercolor paints. Some of the colors such as Kyanite that I used for the Speedy piece is a rich blue-gray with granulation which produces a glittery sparkle. When you see the original piece of Speedy, the sparkle of this color is visible. Some of the other watercolor paints I use have several colors mixed together in the tube and will separate into different colors when applied to paper. This is what makes watercolor fun. You can get unexpected results which takes away the control we have as an artist. ​

How long did it take to paint?  
KM: About 3-4 hours. This includes my thought process and actual painting time. I painted Speedy in two sittings. When I am finished with a piece, I let it sit for a few days and then come back and look at it again to see if I am satisfied with it or want to add more. With most paintings, I will visualize the final piece before I start to paint. It always ends up different, but that is the unexpected part of painting that is exciting.   

What is the size of the original painting? 
KM: 12" x 16"

I know "Speedy" isn't for sale, but do you have other pieces for sale?

​KM: Since you own the original paper version of Speedy, I still have the digital version available, so actually Speedy will be for sale on my website which is in development at the present time. I plan to place this image on products that will be sold on karenmorovich.com and other sites. I will have other images on products for sale once my website goes live such as throw pillows, throw blankets, notebooks, greeting cards, etc. Once I complete an original piece on watercolor paper, I scan it and size it to fit on products for my website.  Digitizing my original artwork allows for so many options of placing the images on products. This will allow for many other people to enjoy Speedy on the product of their choice. 

What is your favorite subject to paint? 
KM: Animals. They have always been a part of my existence and spirit.  

​Do you paint other subjects?   
KM: I do paint some food images. I have also done some garden tools, dragonflies, butterflies, snowmen, and pumpkins. I plan to do more seasonal images in the future to celebrate the holidays throughout the year. 

Do you only paint what strikes you, or are you interested in doing commissions?
KM: I am interested in doing some commissions and have done several so far.  My clients seem to be very happy with the pieces I have created for them. Some are their own pets, and one commission was an elephant that someone sponsored. There are lots of reasons and stories that come up when I have talked with a client about a commission and the reason for it.  

How long have you been painting, and how did you learn? Are you self-taught, or do you have some art education?
​KM: I have been painting for about 7 to 8 years. I learned through courses online and have only done a few in person workshops. I have no formal art education, but my painting comes from a natural place within me which is the intuitive part of painting that is hard to teach. The intuitive part of painting develops over time. I continue to learn and evolve as an artist.

Do you ever abandon a project and start over?  
Yes, Yes, Yes!  When I am not in the “flow” and the right frame of mind and I paint a subject, I can tell that it is not “right” and I will start all over. The “flow” of a painting determines the outcome and where I am in my connection with my creative self.  This is the most important part of my painting process which is being connected to my creative self and allowing it the freedom to paint.

How would someone like me purchase one of your paintings?  
KM: Karenmorovich.com is my website and should be live in the near future.  I also sell my art on https://society6.com/karenmorovichcreations which is currently live and still in the development phase as well.  Also, I have a “contact us” page on my karenmorovich.com website where individuals can contact me about doing a commission once my website goes live. The name of my business may change in the near future, but clients will be able to find me using my name, Karen Morovich. 

Karen's work is absolutely beautiful. What I most love is the simplicity of her images, especially the animals she paints. She has a gorilla that just looks into your soul. Even though her work is "unfinished," the amount of personality and depth of feeling that she creates is stunning. Each animal that she paints is alive on paper. I can't get enough of it. I have seen Karen's unpublished website, and it too is beautiful. Once it is live, I will definitely be sharing it here on this space because of course I need "Speedy" printed on whatever she sells.

I say it over and over, but I am truly blessed to know the people that I do. Karen Morovich is just one of the many talented women that I have met because of horses. While her new website isn't quite ready, you can still see some of her work on her current site. If you'd like to reach out to her and ask more about her work, she can be reached at contact@karenmorovich.com.

I'll never get tired of seeing Karen's fantastic rendition of Speedy come-to-life.

If you haven't yet received your 2022 USDF Member Guide, here's a sneak peek. If you have already seen the cover, let me introduce you to the artist, Terry Spehar-Fahey, who happens to be a friend. She is so incredibly talented, but you can see that for yourself. Before you read more, go check out her website.
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What makes the cover art especially fantastic is that it features our trainer, Sean Cunningham (owner and trainer at STC Dressage), aboard Rou, Terry's horse. Terry and Rou are clients of Sean's which is how I came to know her. The painting is entitled, "Are We Done Yet?"

I am amazed by how many artists I know. Even more impressive is how successful those artists are. Am I just attracted to successful people, or are all artists experiencing success right now? I've always been impressed by people who can sing or paint or dance. I can't do any of those things which means people who can do them are basically super heroes. Who needs the Avengers when you have people like Terry Spehar-Fahey?

Once the Member Guide was sent out, I plied Terry with a list of questions about her work, and she graciously answered.

Well, what happened?
​Terry: My painting, "Are We Done Yet?" was chosen to grace the cover of the United States Dressage Federation Member Guide. Sean Cunningham is aboard my horse Roulette G after a daily workout. Sean will just have to get used to seeing his face every time he hunts for the rules for a certain dressage test!

Can you tell me more about the painting of Sean and Rou?
T: It just was a moment where the light and atmosphere were captured by my camera! I wanted to paint it when I saw the photo. 

What medium did you use?
T: Watercolor

How long did it take to paint?
T: That question is always tricky. It went well and probably took 20 hours plus 35 years of practice!

What is the size of the original painting?
T: The painting is 21 x 29 inches

Terry is an amazing artist, isn't she? I should stop being surprised by it, but doesn't it seem that horse people tend to be multi-talented? Every time I meet some new horse girl (or guy), it doesn't take long to find out that they also run marathons, paint, run an online tack shop, play an instrument in a marching band, carry a weapon for work, or have their pilot's license - all real friends by the way. Equestrians are a decidedly interesting group.

I have been blessed with many friendships that developed because of horses. Terry is just one more fascinating person that I have had the pleasure to meet and know. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she's also a wonderful human being. If you like her work, reach out to her and let her know. I know she'd be happy to talk to you.

I have another artist friend that I am hoping to introduce you to. I'm waiting for her to feel a bit more ready. Soon though, very soon!

I try to keep things on topic here which usually means all things equine. Occasionally I wonder off though and share about a vacation we've taken, or I'll write about my dogs. I don't consider that to be too off topic though as horses and dogs just go together.

Last weekend, my husband and I headed over to Bakersfield's annual Via Arte, an Italian street painting festival. Bakersfield's event is always held at the Market Place, an upscale, outdoor shopping and entertainment center. A large section of the parking lot is cordoned off where artists, both local and visiting, transform the asphalt into works of art with chalk.

The school where I teach is one of the only schools in Bakersfield that employs a real life artist, as opposed to me with my rudimentary kindergarten ability to draw. My teaching credential says I am qualified to teach art to kids, but who are they kidding?

Thank goodness for Miss K. She's an amazing art teacher, and our students love her. Do you know who Miss Frizzle is? Ms. K dresses just like her except her dresses are art and holiday inspired and well, just better. Ms. K and her team enter a lot of chalk art festivals as professionals, no adult ammies here. As often as not, she'll report back having won the people's choice award or even best in show. ​

When we got to the festival, I dragged my husband past each artist's spot scanning the crowd for Ms. K. When I finally spotted her resting in the shade, I squealed in delight. She had done the BEST piece of art.

Ms. K explained that the original painting, done by Domenichino in 1602, was of Giulia Farnese, the pope's mistress. She is pictured with a unicorn which represents virginity. The painting is entitled, A young Lady and a Unicorn. Via Arte's theme for 2018 was Italian art. I think Ms. K and her team nailed it. 

Ms. K always includes two secret images in her work, a Mickey Mouse and a goldfish. I found the goldfish pretty easily, but I needed help for Mickey. Check out the unicorn's hooves and the base of the mane. Did you find them?

​Hey, not so far from equine related stuff after all.

I am in a hurry, but then I am not. If there is anything that I've learned on my dressage journey, it's that hurrying will get you absolutely nowhere. In fact, by zooming ahead, you might end up further behind where you started. 

So while I really wish Izzy would get his canter together, I know that it's not going to do any good to rush it or force the issue. Instead, I'm just chipping away at it little by little.

Last night, Izzy was strangely mellow - a result of a tender sheath I wonder? I have an update about that issue coming up. Needless to say, there's some weird stuff happening to his junk, and based on the way it's looking, he's probably a wee bit tender in his back end. And while I am tempted to feel sorry for him, I don't because I've watched him play in turn out, and believe me, there's plenty of bucking, rearing, and racing around going on, swollen sheath or no.

Anyway, back to last night. I took advantage of his mellow mood and did a bunch of figures at the trot. We did about a million changes of bend in serpentines, the tear drops from First Level, and then we did Chemaine's Butterfly exercise - a tear drop into a ten-meter circle into a new tear drop.

When Izzy started to feel a bit bouncy, which is how he gets when he's starting to really work from his hind end, I asked for a left lead canter. Right now, my focus is on getting the lead without Izzy feeling like he has to explode into it. Happily, the transition was fairly decent, so after a half circle, I brought him back to walk and gave him a big pat. If he was sore in his nether regions, I didn't want him to think that it was because of the canter work.  

I let him walk a bit and then started to track right. I almost called it quits as I didn't want to pick a fight, but I figured that one more canter transition wouldn't kill him. I set him up for a right lead canter but got a bit of a balk with a kick aimed at my leg. I put my spur into him gently and said, Forward. he wasn't thrilled about it, but he trotted forward. I just sat very quietly, and kept asking for the right lead.

After a bit more fussing and another kick or two, Izzy hopped into the right lead canter smoothly. Almost immediately, I brought him back to a walk and gave him a lot praise. I repeated the request several more times and got two more very nice trot to canter transitions. We walked after each one. I wasn't focused on the quality of the canter but on the correctness of the lead.

It took Michelangelo three years (1501 - 1504) to carve the David. It's a masterpiece that any sculptor would be proud to call his own. How much different is it to mold our horses into works of arts? If it takes three years to turn Izzy into a figure as beautiful as the David, it will be time very well spent, well spent indeed.

Special note; the David is on my mind as we'll be in Italy this summer and seeing Michelangelo's sculpture in person is very high on our list of must see. Have any of you seen it?

Dressage horses are undoubtedly works of art. Who cares how long it takes to finish our work? It's worth it in the end.