Curlin ~ The Canadian-bred Connection

6 x 8 oil on linen panel

As the 2008 Breeders’ Cup approaches, it seems only appropriate that I bring up Curlin.  Curlin is by Canadian-bred Smart Strike, and out of a Deputy Minister (also Canadian-bred) mare.  Just another example of the strong influence of Canadian horses in International pedigrees. Smart Strike ties into one of my previous posts – a son of Mr. Prospector, he is a half-brother to Dance Smartly;  and of course Deputy Minister is a grandson (by Vice Regent) of Northern Dancer.  Curlin is now the richest Thoroughbred of all time, having more than $10 million in earnings.  Kudos to his connections for running him as a four-year-old.  Saturday, he attempts his second victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

This painting is just a small study of the Big Red Machine – 6 x 8″ oil on Raymar linen panel.  It is a faster, looser work from most of the paintings you have seen here so far.  I used photos I’d taken at last year’s Breeders’ Cup at Monmouth Park, but made adjustments after watching him win the 2008 Dubai World Cup. I was in Dubai for the 2007 World Cup, won by Invasor, so watching Curlin’s triumph provided a little nostalgia!  I’d like to do a larger painting of Curlin – I’d give a lot to be at Santa Anita on Saturday!

This little original is for sale, framed, at $350.00.  As always, a percentage of the sale will go to LongRun.  Thanks for stopping by!

The Greatest Canadian

Northern Dancer

A while back, the CBC put on a show designed to determine “The Greatest Canadian.”  Someone, in my opinion, was gravely overlooked!  How do you do a show like that without even mentioning the name Northern Dancer?

I was fortunate enough to meet The Dancer the year before he died.  I’d spent the winter working at Payson Park in Florida and took some vacation time on the way home to visit my friend in New Jersey – much too close to Maryland to pass up such an opportunity.  He may have been old and covered in mud, but he still had a bounce in his step and that look in his eye that reminded us we were in the presence of greatness.

I did a drawing of him from the photos I took that day – I may just be brave enough to suffer through the embarrassment of showing you that drawing – but two years ago Woodbine celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the inaugural running of the Northern Dancer Stakes.  For the occasion I did a new painting – once again digging up those old photos I had taken.  The original 20 x 16” oil on linen was used as a fundraiser at LongRun’s Gala, but I’ve made it available as a giclée reproduction on canvas (17.5 x 15” $250.00), and a smaller reproduction on fine art paper (14 x 11”, $95.00).  A small collector print is also available for $30.00.  Reproductions are signed by the artist, and no less than 10% of each sale will go to LongRun.

Thanks for visiting…and comments and inquiries are always welcome.