Camouflaged among rocky, snow-covered foothills, where their striking spotted coats blend seamlessly with their surroundings, a mare and her foal match their background and disappear into the landscape on their first Christmas together.
Lorna Matsuda has spent her life devoted to her love of art and all animals, though horses are her passion. Combining her love of art and horses, Lorna creates memories and meaning in her paintings and other artistic creations. She enjoys painting realistic art to share with others, and feels very blessed to have been given this special gift.
Snowy owls may look cute and cuddly, but they are fierce and solitary predators that are best appreciated in the wild. However, on rare occasions they have been known to bond with another species, and with “Alpine Snow,” a snowy owl, looking for a place to rest on Christmas Eve, has taken up residence on the blanketed back of a Painted Pony.
Art is an outlet I use to express the inspiration and beauty that I find in God’s creation. I have loved to draw since a very young age, and I enjoy working with both digital and traditional media. I am a recent college graduate with a BFA in graphic design. My primary interest as an artist is in illustration. My work often reflects my love for nature and fantasy, and I aspire to bring a bit of whimsy and joy to those who view it.
One cold and stormy Christmas Eve, a horse with a shimmering blue coat was traveling through a snow-covered landscape when he heard Christmas carols being sung. Following the sound, he came across a group of children who were helplessly lost in a snow squall. After guiding them to safety, the children decided to name the horse “Christmas Season Squall.”
Thomas's artistic journey began in his childhood, where his innate creativity first flourished. From an early age, he exhibited a natural inclination for artistic expression, which has continued to evolve throughout his life. Throughout his grade school and high school education, art classes were a consistent source of joy and inspiration for Thomas. In these classes, he explored various mediums and techniques, further refining his skills and cultivating his unique artistic style.
Thomas's artistic endeavors eventually led him to create Painted Ponies, a venture that was sparked by his desire to craft special gifts for his three beloved nieces. Inspired by their collection of Trail of Painted Ponies, Thomas began to experiment with this medium, ultimately developing a distinct style that captured both his artistic prowess and his affection for his family.
Shining down from above, a “Star of Wonder” was the guiding light to three wise men and the sign of a miracle to shepherds tending their flock. Positioned atop a Christmas tree during the holiday season, it serves as a reminder that we should never stop looking up to the heavens for magical happenings.
Lorna Matsuda has spent her life devoted to her love of art and all animals, though horses are her passion. Combining her love of art and horses, Lorna creates memories and meaning in her paintings and other artistic creations. She enjoys painting realistic art to share with others, and feels very blessed to have been given this special gift.
With Christmas only a few days away, “Tailgate Christmas” Pony is excited to join The Trail of Painted Ponies Holiday Herd. He watches anxiously as the faithful pickup turns into the farm lane with a freshly cut pine tree in back, stops briefly at the mailbox that is overflowing with good tidings and gifts, passes the snowman standing guard outside, and joins family and friends in decorating the tree with a popcorn garland and homemade ornaments.
Lorna Matsuda has spent her life devoted to her love of art and all animals, though horses are her passion. Combining her love of art and horses, Lorna creates memories and meaning in her paintings and other artistic creations. She enjoys painting realistic art to share with others, and feels very blessed to have been given this special gift.
Samplers are a holiday tradition, usually associated with a pleasing, elegantly packaged collection of mini-sized sweets that the whole gang will enjoy. This is why they make the perfect gift. Inspired by this tradition, a Painted Pony artist has created a “Holiday Sampler” that features eight snack-sized images of classic Christmas scenes, from a snowman to a gingerbread cookie to a holly bough.
"I have been doing some form of drawing, painting or crafts since I was very little. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, up near Mt. St. Helens, gave me perfect opportunity to draw lots of the wildlife I grew up around. After my first son was born, I started teaching art classes for children and adults in pastels and watercolors, then I moved on to learning scrimshaw and selling my scrimshaw on bone and fossilized ivory at trade shows and sportsman shows. That grew into designing teeshirts from scratchboard drawings and opening up several inline shops selling them, and also hand made mohair teddy bears. I had my next child, and after some changes in my life, decided to do more painting, and have been designing and creating one of a kind oil painted cloth dolls, painted and engraved gourds, also needle felting. I seem to always find something new I want to try. I am self taught, grew up with a family that was very creative, and so it is now how I live my life, I create every day if I can, and LOVE it! I spend my days taking care of my 3 sweet little cats, a lab named Bucky and my daughter Amy." - Sue Sizemore
A pair of cozy red pajamas are the perfect gift to go with a favorite teddy bear, making this the best Christmas ever for this adorable Painted Pony.
"I am a wildlife and fantasy artist that works in sculpture and other media. I enjoy customizing model horses in my spare time. I absolutely love taking the models that are broken and otherwise unwanted and breathing new life into them! Some of my past work has been seen in the Breyerfest Customs Contest, and shared on blogs and social media." - Aimee Skee
Turquoise, also known as the "stone of life," has a special significance in Native American culture, where it is believed to be alive because of its ability to shift colors according to its environment. A story is told about a chieftain's daughter who so believed in the protective powers of turquoise that, instead of traditional feathers, she would weave tiny turquoise beads into her favorite stallion's mane and tail.
I have done many paintings and drawings for my clientele and have even had art displayed in the Oklahoma State Capital building.
Combining her two loves, horses and flowers, this artist has created a Painted Pony that features sixteen types of flowers native to North America: Golden Rod, Knotweed, California Poppy, Queen Anne's Lace, Virginia Bluebell, New England Aster, Indian Paintbrush, Purple Coneflower, Sunflower, Morning Glory, Bellflower, Thistle, White Clover, Sneezeweed, Joe Pye Weed and Chicory.
Born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Jennifer has had a love of all things equine all her life. Her mother first sat her on a horse when she was just three days old, and by six months she was an experienced trail rider.
Coming from an artistic family, she developed an interest and talent for painting and drawing early in life, as well as for entrepreneurial pursuits. Her first profits from her art came from the sale of horse drawings to her classmates for quarters during lunch when she was in elementary school.
Jennifer started working on horse farms at the age of 13, cleaning stalls and tack for the chance to ride aged Grand Prix dressage horses. After schooling she continued working horses and went on to manage a Thoroughbred horse farm for eight years. At the same time she supplemented her income as a fine artist (painting Amish buggy drivers for tourists), a functional artist (signs) and a picture-framer. Throughout it all, she says, “Nothing made me happier than creating one-of-a-kind works of art with horses as my subject.”
In Navajo mythology, Yei is the Navajo name for the benevolent supernatural beings who created the Navajo people, and taught them how to live in harmony with Nature. Depicted as kilted figures facing forward, with square heads, elongated bodies and raised arms, their image is featured in sand painting ceremonies and as designs woven into Navajo rugs and saddle blankets.
“Midnight Lullaby” is an artistic tribute to that magical time of day when the hustle and bustle of the day is over, the sun has disappeared like a taillight on the departing day, and beneath the emerging stars and a full moon the night has brought a quiet place of rest to the world.
Lorna Matsuda has spent her life devoted to her love of art and all animals, though horses are her passion. Combining her love of art and horses, Lorna creates memories and meaning in her paintings and other artistic creations. She enjoys painting realistic art to share with others, and feels very blessed to have been given this special gift.
“Tribe of Equus” is a reflection of the artist’s deep connection to the spirit of horses, capturing their grace and strength in a kaleidoscope of hues. For the artist, joining their tribe isn't merely about belonging; it's a quest to find kindred spirits who share a passion for equines and art, celebrating creativity and honoring the profound bond between humans and animals, fostering a community where art serves as a bridge to understanding and connection.
Born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Jennifer has had a love of all things equine all her life. Her mother first sat her on a horse when she was just three days old, and by six months she was an experienced trail rider.
Coming from an artistic family, she developed an interest and talent for painting and drawing early in life, as well as for entrepreneurial pursuits. Her first profits from her art came from the sale of horse drawings to her classmates for quarters during lunch when she was in elementary school.
Jennifer started working on horse farms at the age of 13, cleaning stalls and tack for the chance to ride aged Grand Prix dressage horses. After schooling she continued working horses and went on to manage a Thoroughbred horse farm for eight years. At the same time she supplemented her income as a fine artist (painting Amish buggy drivers for tourists), a functional artist (signs) and a picture-framer. Throughout it all, she says, “Nothing made me happier than creating one-of-a-kind works of art with horses as my subject.”
As part of the legacy of Barbie™ and the commitment to inspiring girls to explore their limitless potential, The Trail of Painted Ponies is honored to introduce “Dream in Pink,” a new signature collectible by Emily Overman.
From the artist: “Growing up, my younger sister loved Barbie dolls, and her love for Barbie quickly grew on me. We would make elaborate setups, style all sorts of unique outfits, and make up imaginative storylines. We both have fond memories of all the fun we had. Barbie also encouraged my love for horses, with a wide range of horse related toys available. From a competitive show jumper to a western rider, and even a fairytale princess in a horse-drawn carriage, I could be the equestrian I always dreamt of being. It felt like owning my own horse. With Barbie, I could be anyone I wanted to be. Having nurtured my creativity in a significant way, Barbie will always have a special place in my heart. With bold style and confidence, Barbie empowers women to dream big and embrace their creative side.”
Haunted by restless spirits is he who runs like the wind,
when the moon shines full on All Hallows' Eve.
His hooves pound the ground as he wildly gallops on
like a melodic rhythm of drum and song.
- Poem by artist
Art has been a hobby for Crystal since early grade school. She’s done a little of everything – charcoal, pottery, stained glass, glass etching and native beadwork. When she started collecting Painted Ponies, Crystal felt inspired and out come her first Painted Pony, “Tatanka Ska,” which is Lakota Sioux for “White Buffalo.” Now Crystal has created her second figurine, "Ghost."
Traditionally worn by village chiefs or great warriors, war bonnets were symbols of power and authority, which is why they were often donned before riding into battle on the back of horses that were also decorated with feathered headgear. Here, the artist pays tribute to this unique comradeship with a warrior horse wearing its own beautiful war bonnet.
I immigrated to this country from Germany when I was just a child. I loved drawing and have always done art. As an adult pursuing it in an outside professional field at Shaklee Products designing labels, brochures, programs etc. I'm an award winning listed artist with my illustrations in published books and covers, some designs were on Garden Flags, and other household accessories. For years I was the art coordinator for the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, WI. I've also been a chosen participant in two Canadian Mosaic Murals. From Murals to Miniature art, Rocks or any thing that doesn't move, I like painting on it. I also love Painting in Plein Air Events. My preference are animals with a specialty of horses. I donate the proceeds from my art to charities and organizations that are dear to my heart. I'm also known for being the girl on the SunMaid Raisin box since 1970.
Bald eagles are highly revered and considered sacred within American Indian traditions, culture and religion. They fly higher and see better than any other bird; and as they roam the skies are considered to be spiritual beings with a special connection to the Gods. For this reason, Native Americans have chosen the bald eagle and its feathers as a symbol of bravery, strength, power and freedom. They also signify a person who rises above the petty details of daily life to take in the big picture.
A graduate of the Illustration Department of the Kendal School of Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lynn began her career in retail fashion illustration, but is known today for her beautifully detailed and expressive paintings of birds, wildlife, horses, and Native Americans. Early in her career she specialized in watercolors, but her more recent work creatively incorporates hand-tooled copper, feathers, leather, horsehair and beadwork to produce interesting three-dimensional effects. When she is not exhibiting in juried shows around western North America, Lynn maintains a summer gallery in Sumpter, Oregon, where she sells prints, apparel, and beautifully crafted jewelry based on her unique designs.
As he steps onto the stone ledge that overlooks the valley below - his domain - the westerly winds whirl Zephyr's mane and tail so they look as if they are about to take flight. High in the mountains the crisp air fills his flared nostrils, as what he views gives him purpose and duty - the commitment to protect his herd, and at the same time remain a free spirit.
Lorna Matsuda has spent her life devoted to her love of art and all animals, though horses are her passion. Combining her love of art and horses, Lorna creates memories and meaning in her paintings and other artistic creations. She enjoys painting realistic art to share with others, and feels very blessed to have been given this special gift.
Admired along with the Lone Ranger, Hopalong Cassidy and other childhood western heroes, were the white stallions they rode in on. White Beauty is one of those trusty steeds with almost mystical powers. He is a horse of purity. He represents courage and has no fear. Fittingly, he wears a fancy ebony show saddle, and invites you to hop on and go for a ride into the sunset of your dreams.
Lorna Matsuda has spent her life devoted to her love of art and all animals, though horses are her passion. Combining her love of art and horses, Lorna creates memories and meaning in her paintings and other artistic creations. She enjoys painting realistic art to share with others, and feels very blessed to have been given this special gift.
Craftsmen have been creating iconic, tin-glazed, elegantly designed Delft Blue pottery for centuries. Inspired by Chinese porcelain, it is now considered a European art form that depicts symbols unique to the Netherlands such as windmills, landscapes and floral patterns based on vegetation native to that area. Delftware includes pottery objects of all descriptions, including plates, vases, tiles... and now a Painted Pony.
I have a BFA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University and have enjoyed playing around with all sorts of artistic media for my entire life. My favorite subject has always been the natural world, and horses in particular hold a special place in my heart.
