Pretty Petal Studio's Horse Photography

Susan, the owner of Pretty Petal Studio on Etsy, photographs many subjects ranging from still-lifes, to people, to animals.  Of course, it was her photographs of horses that caught my eye while browsing Etsy the other day. 

Two White Horses Embracing 

I love that her photographs, while often composed of portrait style shots of specific horses, have such a "fine art" feel that they give their subjects a more universal appeal--much like a painting or drawing.  I would happily hang one (or a collection) of her photographs in my home, and never feel like I had random photos of someone's horses decorating my walls.

The soft pastel quality of light in these photos makes them particularly appealing.  The mood and atmosphere in each composition is calm, warm, and optimistic.

A few of my favorites:

Brown and White Horse

Dreamy White Horse in a Meadow

White Speckled Horse

Which photo is your favorite?  To view more beautiful photographs by Pretty Petal Studio, visit Susan's Etsy Shop: prettypetalstudio.etsy.com

Equine Accessory Round-Up

Anthropologie, Wild Horses Scarf by Leigh & Luca

 ASOS, Les Nereides Horse Pendent

ASOS, Multi Zip Horse Clutch

Boticca, Toujours Toi Dawn Horse Necklace

Have a great weekend!

My Favorite Breeches: Stickyseat

I discovered Stickyseat breeches at the Massachusetts Equine Affaire last November (I actually discovered quite a few great products at the 2011 Equine Affaire while I was exhibiting my own work there.  I will be posting about each of my discoveries in the near future).

Windpro by Polartec Stickyseat Leg Grip Tights (currently sold out)

My first pair were the Windpro by Polartec Stickyseat Leg Grip Tights. These tights are amazingly warm because of their fleece lining, but are not at all bulky.  The small rubber (I believe) dots that make the legs and seat of these tights really grip the saddle, are durable, and are applied in a very flattering shape that also makes these tights look quite high tech.

I have loved wearing these breeches all winter. They make me feel more confident in my seat due to how they really help hold me in place, much like the more expensive traditional full-seat breeches do.

I just received and started wearing my second pair of Stickyseat breeches that I plan to wear all summer and through early fall.

Adult Euroseat Stickyseat Breech

The Adult Euroseat Stickyseat Breech is the perfect summer riding tight. These breeches are lightweight and are made of

4 Way Compression Stretch Fabric [that] smooths and supports while the extensive FlatLock Stitching detail visually lifts the seat and subtracts inches off the waistline. The lower front/ higher back waistband is wide and flattering, while the wide belt loops invite us to wear our most fashion forward accessories (source).

I got to try out my new pair last week while we were having that unseasonably warm weather, and I loved them just as much as I loved my Polartec Stickyseat tights.  They really do have a very flattering fit.  Some who left reviews on Stickyseat's website equated the way that these tights shape the figure to Spanx.

There are several different styles, including boot cut riding pants on Stickyseat's website stickyseat.com.

Graphically Inspired Equestrian Tote Bags by Bravura on Etsy

BF Equine Utility Bag

Looking for the perfect classy tote to carry to the barn or to horse shows?  Bravura Textile and Leather Goods on Etsy makes exquisite and durable tote bags featuring classically inspired equestrian labels designed by the artist and creator, Karen Burke.

These bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can purchase one to best suit your needs.  These totes are available in wool or canvas--although if you are planning to take this bag to the barn with you, the grey wool may be a better option than the off-white canvas!  All bags feature leather handles, straps, and embellishments. 

A few of my favorite items from Karen's shop:

BF Equine Utility: Classic Canvas

BF Equine Market: Relaxed Fit

BF Equestrian Bucket

Which one of her bags is your favorite?  Take a peek at her wonderful Etsy Shop and let me know in the comments!

Bold and Abstract Horse Art by Jo Taylor

Kissing the Ground, mixed media on paper, 2011

Jo Taylor's large scale mixed media pieces explore the, "ancient relationship between man, horse and the elements" (Source).  The lines of her compositions work like the lines of a gestural drawing, highlighting the skeletal structure and movement of the horse.  Vibrant blocks of color give a sense of musculature and allude to the strength and energy of her subjects.  The way Taylor combines various media, shapes, lines, and types of brush strokes in each composition gives a sculptural quality to her subjects.

Pale Soldier, mixed media on paper, 2011

Taylor spent many years observing the horse, learning how the muscles and bones act in each of the gaits.  Her deep understanding of the science behind the movement of the horse is highly evident in her work.  While the compositions are expressionistic and abstract, the form of the horse is so correct that it adds a sense of realism.

Blue Stallion (Galileo), mixed media on paper, 2010

To view more of Jo Taylor's artwork, visit her website: www.jotaylorart.com.

Dimacci; Gorgeous Equestrian Jewelry and Accessories

While browsing Pinterest last week, I came across a pin of one of Dimacci's hot pink leather cuff bracelets featuring their iconic snaffle bit embellishment.  I wasn't familiar with the brand initially, but a little research on their website left me coveting several of their bracelets, watches, and scarves.

Orsini Exclusive Cuff in Fuchsia 

Dimacci explains the culture of their brand as follows

We love life and we celebrate friendship.  Our incentive: Luxury that is affordable and a style that is always distinctive.  Discover with DIMACCI the world of beautiful things.  Charming and exceedingly high-class accessories collections inspired by the love of equitation and art.  Small surprises with a great effect and a touch of glamour that captivate discerning women (www.dimacci.de).

My picks (including the gorgeous Fuchsia cuff above):

Alba Exclusive Bracelet in Cognac

Burghley Exclusive Bracelet in Turquoise

Scarf in Cobalt Blue

I think that paired with a white t-shirt or tank top, skinny jeans, and some cognac sandals, the cobalt blue scarf and cognac Alba bracelet would make a wonderful casual late-spring or summer evening outfit.

What are some of your favorite Dimacci pieces?

Whimsical Horse Photography by Moonlightphotography on Etsy

All of this unseasonably warm weather has reminded me of how much I love summer.  Especially warm summer nights, when dozens of fireflies twinkle in the fields and everything looks so calm and magical.  Several of Moonlightphotography's horse photos convey that dreamy summer evening feeling.

I discovered Deborah's Etsy shop last summer, and have continued to follow the new photos she has added over the past months.  Each photo in her shop has a beautiful and strong composition, and the colors she captures work together to convey a sense of tranquility.

Here are a few of my favorites.

I Dreamed of Horses and Fairies

Shadow Horse

Enter Evening
(I know it isn't a horse photo, but it reminds me of haying.)

Visit Deborah's Etsy shop here: Moonlightphotography

Kerrits Shoe-In Quilted Jacket; The Perfect Barn/Riding Jacket for Spring

When I saw this jacket during my last trip to Dover Saddlery, I was very impressed with how stylish and intricately designed it is.  This quilted jacket is silky, a perfect mid/light weight for Spring, and extremely flattering.  The back of the jacket features snap pleats for flexibility and comfort while riding and the hood is removable.  Also, the horseshoe quilted pattern covering this jacket is so elegant, and according to Kerrits, it repels dirt!

Little did I know that I would later receive this beautiful jacket as a birthday present!  I am so excited to start wearing it out to the barn--once the horses aren't completely covered in mud on a regular basis that is.

This gorgeous jacket is currently on sale for about $100, down from $185, on SmartPak here.

Fashion: Blouses inspired by Downton Abbey; The Perfect Equestrian Chic Piece

In the last few months, large clothing retailers including ModCloth, ASOS, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 have begun carrying variations of Victorian Era inspired blouses.  Silky, flowing, and elegantly detailed tops that must have been inspired by none other than one of the most recently popular television shows, Downton Abbey.  These beautiful light weight blouses are currently a coveted fashion item that can seamlessly make the transition from winter to spring wear.

These blouses can be layered with a cute blazer and worn with jeans and knee high boots for a classic equestrian chic look on the colder spring days.  When it becomes warmer, simply pair the top with a cute skirt or even shorts!

Anthropologie Gracey Chiffon Blouse, $198.00

ASOS Blouse With Drop Collar and Pintuck Shoulders, $53.72

Allsaints Spitalfields Cancity Shirt, $195.00

I will end this post with a few self-indulgent Downton Abbey photos.  Enjoy!  Also, if you have found any Victorian Era inspired blouses that you are loving this spring, post a link in the comments!

Gorgeous!

Cheeky and Vibrant Mixed Media Art by Etsy Seller Cocodeparis

Horses blowing enormous bubble gum bubbles?  Not the first thing someone would think of looking for in equine artwork!  Although totally unique and out of the box, Cocodeparis's whimsical mixed media pieces titled "Horse With Bubblegum" are captivating.

When I first saw the following piece, I laughed out loud and bought it about two seconds later.  The combination of antique early 20th century paper from French books and magazines, printed historical images, and acrylic paint makes for an elegant and striking creation.  Yet, it is the way that Cocodeparis combines those elements that make his work so humorous and eye catching.  His works of art certainly make great conversation pieces.

 

A collection of Cocodeparis's work displayed together.

To view all of Cocodeparis's work, visit his Etsy Shop.  Also, even though the artwork ships from France, the shipping is surprisingly fast (my piece arrived about ten days after I placed my order).

Wild Horse Photography by Caroline Christie

"Shy" (used with permission of Caroline Christie)

I first came across Christie's wild horse photography at the 2011 Massachusetts Equine Affaire.  These photos are so captivating!  Even with their monochromatic color schemes, they are filled with emotion.  The wide range of value is striking.

"Shy" is currently hung on one of my bedroom walls.

Enjoy!

"Skydog" (used with permission of Caroline Christie)

"Great White" (used with permission of Caroline Christie)

To view more of Caroline Christie's photos, or to purchase prints, please visit her website: www.carolinechristieart.com