"The story behind my Pony goes like this. In Santa’s village there is a small bakery where a baker creates the most whimsical cookies and confections anyone ever saw. Wanting to create something special that would put a smile on everyone’s face, he conceived of Cookie Canter. Decorating it with silky royal icing, he crafted a decadent saddle with snowflakes and swirls, and lined the back with the sweetest of gumdrops in an array of bright colors. When he was done, looking over his creation, he added a secret ingredient to finish with: the Spirit of Christmas.”
The Artist
I’ve always been interested in the arts since I was a child, and I knew it was the path I wanted to go down. Working toward this goal, I attended extra arts classes throughout my school career and a Precollege program two summers in a row to develop my skills alongside other like-minded artists. I am now a rising Illustration sophomore attending the Ringling College of Art and Design. My favorite mediums to work with are chalk pastel, digital, and sculptural materials. I love to create my own characters, whimsical illustrations, animals, and draw Disney characters everywhere and on everything. My experience and honors as an artist so far are runner-up to the 14th Congressional District and New Generation High School Art Competition, an AHN painting award, the Robert Kevin Walsh Memorial Award: Excellence in the Visual Arts, a Fine Arts Distinction with honors, vice president of the National Art Honors Society for AHN, member of AHN’s art club, commissions, concept artist for Ringling’s Avant Garde during the fall semester, as well as being part of an Eco Illustration project during my fall and spring semesters at Ringling. My goal is to have a long and successful career as an illustrator, and I can’t wait for what the future holds as I continue to master my skills in the arts.
“Christmas in my house growing up was a time rich with colorful decorations and special family traditions. I cherished those times, and with Yuletide Majesty I wanted to create a Painted Pony that would remind others to take time to reflect on the meaning of the holiday, and the wonder and joy it has brought them over the years."
The Artist
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.
The festively designed Christmas Sweater has become a holiday tradition. Some may call it a tacky or gaudy or even an ugly garment, but wearing one has become a fun and exciting part of family celebrations... and a new way to celebrate the season with laughter.
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.
Inspired by one of the oldest Christmas songs to focus on Santa Claus, this artist has imagined a classic scene. It’s Christmas Eve and Santa Claus is hard at work bringing toys to good little children. He lands his sleigh on a snow-covered housetop and heads down the chimney. Meanwhile, his eight flying reindeer snort and paw as they wait for him on the rooftop under the stars. Soon Santa will return, and they’ll be off to their next stop.
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.
“When I was young, we would spend Christmas Eve at my grandparents’ house where it was a seasonal ritual to watch the Nutcracker ballet movie on TV. I loved the beauty and fantasy of the story, and over the years the Nutcracker ballet came to represent the holiday season with family for me. This Painted Pony is my way of sharing that joy and magic with others."
The Artist
I have enjoyed drawing since I was a child and have always loved horses so learning to draw horses was a goal of mine. My art has been something I did just for friends and family. Over the years I submitted several designs and am so privileged to have one selected to be added to the collection. I am excited to be a part of this amazing creative team. Over the years I have been inspired by the designs and concepts created here and I want to thank the team for bringing these amazing creations to the public.
The rare and beautiful markings of a Medicine Hat horse, whose color patch covers both ears and the top of its head and was often referred to as its war bonnet, made it a prized mount that Native Americans adored and sought in the belief it gave them protective powers.
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.
Once there was a simple sorrel pony who went unnoticed until her owner adorned her with vibrant sunflowers that radiated in the sunlight, their golden petals shimmering like small suns. Magically transformed into something more than just a decorated horse, she became a symbol of positivity, reminding everyone that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
I’ve been in love with Painted Ponies since I walked into the store and saw “Motorcycle Mustang” in the corner of the room. That was almost 20 years ago – making me a fan since I was 7. I’m a writer by trade, but paint and design in my free time. These are just some I wish were in my collection.
Out on the open range, a trusted grey horse named Silver remains steadfast in his duty to move the herd to new pastures. Watching it disappear over the crest of a hill, Silver stops abruptly as he hears the bawling of a calf. Being a ranch horse all his life, he recognizes the sound as coming from a stray that has become separated from the herd and is in need of rescuing. Tracking down a little white-faced calf, he hoists it onto his saddle and returns him to his mother.
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.
