One of the most rewarding aspects of my chosen career is that I seek out others that are enthusiastic about combining their love of sport horses with their talents. Fine artist Anna Noelle Rockwell is an avid equestrian that fits this exact profile. While she is known for her work across various subjects, including gastronomy and sustainability, her passion and experience with horses is evident in the authenticity of her work. Anna best explains her personal philosophy: 

I love the overall “life meets art process” and experience my subject matter first hand in both.  As an equestrian, I am in my element when riding.  I have a background in riding 3-day and hunter jumpers so I have a certain calling (nostalgia?) for painting the jumping horse.  I can sit for hours at ringside, capturing bascules, tucked knees and fierce attitudes (sometimes in the riders too!).   

Whether I am developing my young dressage prospect for competition or jumping him for fun …. all those subtle movements, reactions and feel will translate into my artwork later on.  As an artist, I can relay these feelings and reactions directly into my brush strokes.  For instance, if I am watching the Grand Prix jumpers, my experience over fences comes in handy and I can literally “feel” the way of the horse over the fence….does the horse struggle at the base and lurch over with an extreme bascule or seem to fly effortlessly and land in perfect stride?  The former will inspire fast, articulated, severe brush work while the latter might reflect the grace with more color and smooth line work, a quieter touch.  

Each painting hones in on a finite moment, a specific feel and becomes unique.  Even with a class of 30 hunters, jumping the same fence, there is a huge array of variation so no two horse or paintings look alike.

Anna’s expertise has been diligently developed in the studio and in the the environment of her subjects, as well as through academia at acclaimed institutions including the Parsons School of Design- NYC, San Francisco Art Institute and Bennington College, Vermont. She is located in the SF Bay Area. 

{CURATED GALLERY BY K.M. THORNTON}

Hunter/Jumper: Watercolor, pen & paper

Flaming Chestnut Painting

Dressage: Watercolor, pen and paper

{Editor's Favorite:  To me, this picture perfectly captures an attentive jumper and fluid rider as well as a hint of the lifestyle that surrounds equestrian sport. I liked this piece so much that I purchased it for my office!}

Surf Break, 2013, 36" x 28", charcoal, pastel and watercolor on Arches watercolor board

Watercolor

EQUESTRIAN ART INFORMATION 

Ringsides- “The Emotive Collection”:

Anna’s dedication to authenticity often takes her on location. 

The “Emotive Series” is what I call the artworks I create at ringside while watching a horse show or simply a daily schooling session.  They are immediate, honest and from the heart.  These works are truly from life…no photos or continuing studio work…each becomes unique, original, special, just by the very nature of where and how I paint them... Many of the smaller works that I create at ringside are so precious and delicate…  I like to keep them special and tend not to create copies for sale.”- Anna Noelle Rockwell

Note: Anna will release a few of the ringsides for use in equestrian publications/promotion and also license the use of certain images for use by product, interior and fashion designers or for logos/illustrations for barns. 

Original Artwork:

Available in varying sizes, materials and price points ranging $55-3500.  Primary mediums are drawing, watercolors and oil paints. 

Reproductions:

Giclees and archival prints are available in both small and large formats ($35-300).  Limited edition, artist proofs and open editions are also available for purchase   

CONTACT 

To shop Anna Rockwell's gallery, CLICK HERE. Ships worldwide from CA.

For more information about Anna Rockwell, CLICK HERE.

MEET ANNA AT SONOMA HORSE PARK

Anna will be set up for a special reception at the VIP tent during the Strides and Tides Horse Show at Sonoma Horse Park on Sept. 13, 2014 from approximately 3 pm through the conclusion of the Grand Prix  Additionally, look for her throughout the weekend wandering the grounds working the ringsides of all eight arenas.