From Fine Art to Collectibles Competition 2024 Winners Announced!

The Trail of Painted Ponies holds regular art competitions for several reasons. To continue giving artists the opportunity to explore and showcase their talents in new ways. To illustrate the versatility of the horse as a vehicle for creative expression. And to generate fresh imagery for The Trail to consider as an official Painted Pony figurine.

Narrowing down the submissions to just five finalists is always a challenge, and with this competition it was especially difficult. There were twice as many very fine designs created. In the future you can expect to find some of the finalists, as well as some of the other entries, crafted into figurines.

Congratulations and thanks to all who shared their talents with us.

Also, read about the Bellalago Academy Middle School students, who submitted designs to this competition.

FIRST PLACE
The Forman by Kaitlyn Lentz
$1,000 Cash Prize

The Forman is inspired by the horses that assist the cowboys on America's feedyards and ranches. He is the rancher's most trusted companion, guiding cattle, running the fences, and herding strays back to safety. With a flick of his tail and a confident stride, he was the heart and soul of the ranch, embodying the spirit of the West. He is more than just a horse; he is a symbol of loyalty, resilience, and the unbreakable connection between man and beast. And as long as the ranch stood, he would always be remembered as the horse that led with heart, ran with purpose, and lived to serve his family, the ranch, and the open plains he called home.
"I have been drawing since I was 3 and have won multiple art awards throughout the years. I am currently a graphic design for a local print shop and volunteer my artist abilities to a local animal rescue." - Kaitlyn Lentz

 

 

SECOND PLACE
Kindred Spirits by Lorna Matsuda
$500 Cash Prize


Standing Wolf Pony had been given his name for his great wisdom and courage. He carried the shield of the wolf which told the story of the wolf spirit in him. Bearing many feathers, they proclaimed his courage and bravery. As he made his way up the Red Rock terrain of the Sierras to higher ground seeking a viewing point he heard a faint howl in the soft summer wind. He stopped and looked back and there beside him sat a lone wolf cup carrying a feather from his many battles that had fallen as he walked. He viewed his travelled trail, expecting to see a pack of wolves following but all he saw were his hoof tracks and the little paw prints that had been following him for a long distance. The cub told Standing Wolf he was alone and that his spirit had guided him and led him to the magnificent horse, drawn to him for companionship, guidance and protection and feeling an over whelming bond to this kindred spirit.


Two spirits that were as alike as they were different, never one without the other. Standing Wolf named his new companion Little Feather and thus was the beginning of an everlasting connection that lasted a lifetime. Immediately there was an overwhelming bond felt between the two and for many years following they travelled the high-country paths together two wild hearts that felt a deep affinity with one another and their spirits shared a spiritual likeness and admiration few could understand.

Lorna Matsuda has spent her life devoted to her love of art and all animals, though horses are her passion. Combining her love of art and horses, Lorna creates memories and meaning in her paintings and other artistic creations. She enjoys painting realistic art to share with others, and feels very blessed to have been given this special gift.

 

 

THIRD PLACE
Phantom 88 by Crystal Snow
$250 Cash Prize

Many, many years ago, when I was just a teen,
My very first horse was a young Mustang mare,
my parents had gifted me.

She was a silver dappled gray with the blackest mane and legs.
Her tail began as black, fading to a gorgeous silver towards the ends.

Caught as a wild filly in Mexico, branded with the number 88,
she was trained to barrel race.
A barrel racer with one speed, fast is all she knew,
She could burn that clover pattern at a blazing phantom pace.

Most days we’d be swimming in the lake,
or riding trails from spring through winter snows.
Anyone with a horse who’s soured or has far too much “get up and go,”
knows how therapeutic it can be for the body, mind and soul.

If I could have those days back again, I wouldn’t hesitate.
They were the best years of my life,
just me and my beautiful spitfire of a mustang mare...

Art has been a hobby for Crystal since early grade school. She’s done a little of everything – charcoal, pottery, stained glass, glass etching and native beadwork. When she started collecting Painted Ponies, Crystal felt inspired and out come her first Painted Pony, “Tatanka Ska,” which is Lakota Sioux for “White Buffalo.”

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION
Dragonfly Dreams by Sue Sizemore
$100 Cash Prize

The fairy leisurely strolls through her favorite part of the forest and meadow. The sky tonight is a beautiful shade of royal blue velvet, with sparkles of moon light, that shine off of her wings. She hears the fluttering rhythm of her dragonfly friends, they have come to visit ...as the spray of dew off their wings are like tiny diamonds, falling all around her. She thinks she is dreaming because it's so beautiful, as she whispers her greetings to them.

"I have been doing some form of drawing, painting or crafts since I was very little. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, up near Mt. St. Helens, gave me perfect opportunity to draw lots of the wildlife I grew up around. After my first son was born, I started teaching art classes for children and adults in pastels and watercolors, then I moved on to learning scrimshaw and selling my scrimshaw on bone and fossilized ivory at trade shows and sportsman shows.

That grew into designing teeshirts from scratchboard drawings and opening up several inline shops selling them, and also hand made mohair teddy bears. I had my next child, and after some changes in my life, decided to do more painting, and have been designing and creating one of a kind oil painted cloth dolls, painted and engraved gourds, also needle felting. I seem to always find something new I want to try. I am self taught, grew up with a family that was very creative, and so it is now how I live my life, I create every day if I can, and LOVE it! I spend my days taking care of my 3 sweet little cats, a lab named Bucky and my daughter Amy." - Susan Sizemore

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION
Little White Face by Lorna Matsuda
$100 Cash Prize

Out on the open range and many miles from the ranch, the trusted grey horse named Silver remained steadfast in his duty to move the herd to new pastures. As they disappeared over the crest of a hill Silver stopped abruptly as he heard the bawling of a stranded calf in the distance behind him. Being a ranch horse all his life, his wisdom and knowledge let him know that this was a stray that had somehow separated from its mother and was in need of being rescued. He began to retrace his path following the echoes of the crying calf and the closer he got the louder it became till he came upon the poor little fellow, weary and lost and so very happy to see Silver. He put the calf on his saddle and promised to take him to safety. It had become dusk, and his little white face was like a shining beacon which had helped Silver locate him and so Silver had decided to call him 'Little White Face.'

Silver returned to where the herd had moved and as they approached the calf began bawling and his mother came running to reclaim her lost baby. All ended well and another day in the life of this beautiful grey ranch horse had given much satisfaction for a job well done. As the years past, the two kept a special bond over that special day he rescued Little White Face and Silver continued his love and devotion to performing his duties for many more years to come, taking great pride in his important place on the ranch.

Lorna Matsuda has spent her life devoted to her love of art and all animals, though horses are her passion. Combining her love of art and horses, Lorna creates memories and meaning in her paintings and other artistic creations. She enjoys painting realistic art to share with others, and feels very blessed to have been given this special gift.