Since inception, Street to Stable has been dedicated to perpetuating the equestrian way of life and the individuals that appreciate all things equine including artisans, entrepreneurs and educators. Riding is just one small part of our lifestyle. The love of horses is what truly bonds us together.
Donna Bernstein is a renowned fine artist that specializes in a style that may be described as "modern equine" because of the various techniques she uses to interpret the energy of horses. When I observe her pieces, I am reminded of the important impact horses have had on the development of cultures since ancient civilization. It is as if the sheer power of their movement is abounding from each of her canvases and their exact stature at that specific moment of time is a reminder that they have been our partners in war, labor, recreation and companionship.
Donna is deeply embedded in the equestrian lifestyle. She possesses a unique ability to study the anatomical and emotional attributes of horses, and coupled with her authentic passion, she enriches our equestrian community by sharing their sheer magnificence through artistic interpretation.
Salut!
K.M. Thornton
1.) Describe your expertise.
My expertise lies firstly in the fact that as a child I studied everything about the horse voraciously. I was smitten, but did not have horses. I often think today I am painting the horses I never had. I studied their anatomy, ailments and cures; riding styles, the history and evolution of horses, their roles in art and culture; every book I could lay my hands on. When I was around a real horse I would watch, for as long as it took. I never drew at the time I watched; I was afraid in the moment I looked away to draw I would miss something. Now I think I was right. So I watched, every little move, flick of the ears, tremor in the shoulder as a fly was shaken away. When I got home I would draw, endlessly, my book study of anatomy blending profusely with my memory of the horse I had watched. They became infused with my imagination. I drew horses, correctly, yet stylistically, as how I felt when I was with them. These are the elements that informed my art, and has created and defined my signature style. Gestural and anatomical accuracy, blended with an awed sense of the equine personality. Although there is always some learned technique, using those skills in fresh and dynamic ways begins something new.
2.) What makes your process unique?
All of the above makes my art unique in that my interest is not in recreating a picture of a horse. Rather, there is an intuitive mythology to a horse, a symbolism; an ancient connection we can trace. I believe that no matter how our culture moves beyond the speed of the horse, his true horsepower lies in his ability to inspire. Horses are big energy…and that is what I paint. Large-scale, lyrical, sensual, passionate; horses are evocative both of power and pleasure.
The form of my art, as the horses are often running off the canvas, creates a unique intimacy. Often my horses have just three legs showing on the canvas; this is because having studied as I have when you see a horse you don’t always see all the legs at once; he is moving too fast. Even though the piece may be expressive or abstract, there is always an anatomical correctness and balance to it. It is the way horses move. Their great strength, as they willingly support us. It’s a precious quality to honor. They transparently and with ease express universal personalities and qualities we all recognize. I see my work as a modern take on their classical, ancient qualities and mysteries.
3). What inspires you to create new designs, try different techniques, and/or create different pieces?
I think a sense of adventure. Painting my art with horses is my journey, my ride; I like to include an element of surprise, whether it is an expression, and unusual color, or action of a horse. Some of my pieces require that I work with the canvas on the floor, and throw the ink into place. Having drawn horses for over fifty years I know how they move, and where their legs and body go. But it is a precise and challenging style I created, allowing for no mistakes, somewhat akin to calligraphy and asian art. I need to see the composition in my mind’s eye, as when I was young and memorized their moves, before I can begin the piece. I just like staying fresh in my work, being innovative, rather than derivative. Creating something I have not seen before. I believe the amazingly transformative energy of the horse gives me a push in that direction.
4). A bit more about your specific craft...
That it is ever evolving, ever challenging, and deeply fulfilling. Especially when others love, appreciate and draw pleasure and delight from my work. Collector comments are inspiring to me. My art is communication, and I love when I connect with like-minded souls, who read what I’ve written in my art, even if they may interpret it differently. What the viewer/collector brings to the art is a magical part of this process. I learn as much from my collectors as I do from the horse and the work itself. It is as if the horse is able to take me places I would never have been able to go by myself. And isn’t that always the dream of the horse? What he has always provided us throughout history? The ability to go beyond ourselves, and expand.
5.) What is your connection to the equestrian lifestyle?
At this time my main connection to the horse world is through horse racing, and my involvement with an all-woman Thoroughbred horse racing syndicate based out of NY (Lady Sheila Stables). It is a source of great pleasure and pride, and keeps me close to the horse world.
*Note: Donna B. designed the exclusive scarf in the photos below for Lady Sheila Stables
CONTACT
To purchase or learn more about the fine art of Donna Bernstein including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, scarves and specially commissioned images (scarves, wine bottle labels, etc) , contact Donna:
T: 208-861-4331