Click on the thumbnail to view a larger version

Study of a Race Filly
by Julie A. Wear
From the collection of
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Casner

While walking through training barns in Ireland a few years ago, I came to the last stall in the shedrow, where one of the grooms was just starting to remove a cooler from a gray filly. In what is surely routine in the day of a horseman, this moment probably had no special significance; care of the horse has taken place since time immemorial. However, as the groom busily went about his work, I was caught by the beauty of what I saw. The filly stood perfectly still; her coat was silvery and yet reflected the warmth from from the colors of her surroundings.

The scene stayed strong in my mind, but it was several years before I had a chance to paint it. When I did, I decided to leave the cooler draped over her back. For a while, the painting hung in my exhibitions and in our home. The painting is now in the colleaction of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Casner.

I will always remember that time, when just for a moment, it seemed the world gently stopped as I watched this lovely scene, with all its beautiful simplicity and natural elegance.

Gallery image 8 of 21