Galloping Expressive Horse

Capturing Motion in Loose Brushwork

When painting an animal in motion, the challenge lies in deciding what to leave out. With the piece shown in Galloping Expressive Horse, the objective was not to document the precise anatomy of a horse, but rather to translate the energy of a gallop onto paper.

The process began with quick, gestural ink marks to establish the weight and direction of the form. From there, the colour was applied with deliberate speed. Heavy, urgent sweeps of ochre and warm earth tones create the background, while the body of the horse carries unexpected shocks of turquoise and bright orange. These colours were chosen not for realism, but for the way they clash and interact, mimicking the sudden shift of light over muscles in movement.

By allowing the brushwork to remain raw and visible, the edges blur. The mane and the back line dissolve slightly into the background, which helps suggest the rush of air. It is a balancing act between structure and abstraction, keeping just enough definition in the head and shoulders to anchor the composition while letting the rest of the form run free.