About Janee Hughes:

This talented artist lives in Oregon where she was a middle school art teacher for over 30 years. She has always loved horses and she has shown, raised and trained foals that became great trail riding horses.

"When I was designing Harmony, I thought about the very close relationship between a mare and her foal, and how remarkable it is that the foal can keep up with its mother shortly after birth. Bringing the two together in color and markings was my way of emphasizing this very close relationship."

About Lorna Matsuda:

Horses and art have always been the two passions of Lorna's life. Earlier in her career she developed a successful horse boarding, breeding and training business that kept her busy while she continued as a self-taught artist. She is currently a full-time artist who lives in Alberta, Canada with her horses and her dogs. 

"The beauty of these paint horses concealed amongst the trees is breathtaking and is as if nature naturally conceals them to blend into the background. I felt the title Hidden Affections, totally told the story of this pair of beautiful Paints sharing a moment together."

About Nakita Delichte:

Nakita is a college student from British Columbia who is passionate about American Paint horses! She owns two registered Paints and she even created a PowerPoint in high school featuring American Paint horses. This talented amateur artist has only taken one art class, however, her submission impressed the judges.

"I entered this competition because I thought I had a unique idea that would represent the American Paint horse," said Nakita.