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Frosted Black Magic Winter 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of The Trail of Painted Ponies. With that in mind, this artist created a sparkling tribute to a two-decade exploration of the creative possibilities of the horse as a canvas for creative expression with a gleaming, jet-black horse in a triumphant pose with a frosted coating of snow that shines like rare jewels, as precious as the joy the Painted Ponies have brought to collectors over the years. "Frosted Black Magic" was the winner of The Trail's art competition honoring this milestone. Being a realist artist I strive to capture the true spirit and character of each subject I paint. The eyes are a very important factor when I do a painting. I work in many different mediums such as feathers, rock, leather, bone, as well as traditional canvas and acrylic based mediums, along with my beloved painted ponies. I also do commissioned work for clients. My art has been a life long journey and will be with me as long as I am able to paint, it inspires me and takes me to a place of peace and tranquility in the many hours I spend painting. |
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 Lorna Matsuda |
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Lakota The Lakota Indians were known for their fierce defense of their traditional tribal lands, the most legendary example being the defeat of General Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. They were also known to have a special relationship with their horses, seeing them as brothers who would fight beside them in times of war. Here, “Lakota” rears majestically, letting his warrior rider know he is ready for battle. In addition to her art, she works as a groom and assistant trainer at a busy boarding stable, riding hunter/jumpers and dressage. In her “spare” time she landscapes her yard, mends fences, builds her own chicken coop, rides with her daughter, tries to keep up with her sons, and helps her husband with his electrical business! She finds that a little time in the barn is the best therapy in the world. The sweet smell of a horse’s breath, and a nicker from an old friend is very soothing and inspirational. |
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 Laura Robinson |
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Voices of the Wilds Mustangs and wolves, while they are species at odds in the wild, stand as symbols and ambassadors for wildlife conservation and freedom. Posing them together is this artist’s way of stressing the importance of working together and speaking with one voice when it comes to saving all the species that are endangered or on the brink of extinction, and need our help. I am a wildlife and fantasy artist that works in sculpture and other media. I enjoy customizing model horses in my spare time. I absolutely love taking the models that are broken and otherwise unwanted and breathing new life into them! Some of my past work has been seen in the Breyerfest Customs Contest, and shared on blogs and social media. |
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 Aimee Skee |
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Pride of the Red Nations While he sat smoking the sacred pipe with Sitting Bull for the last time, Chief Crazy Horse is quoted as saying, “The Red Nations shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for a sick world; a world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations; a world longing for light again.” Masked and wearing a ceremonial buffalo hide dyed red with the juices of wild berries and adorned with feathers and beads, “Pride of the Red Nations” stands as an icon of the Plains Indian Culture itself. Being a realist artist I strive to capture the true spirit and character of each subject I paint. The eyes are a very important factor when I do a painting. I work in many different mediums such as feathers, rock, leather, bone, as well as traditional canvas and acrylic based mediums, along with my beloved painted ponies. I also do commissioned work for clients. My art has been a life long journey and will be with me as long as I am able to paint, it inspires me and takes me to a place of peace and tranquility in the many hours I spend painting. |
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Lorna Matsuda |
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Ocean Dreams The artistic inspiration for a Painted Pony often comes at unexpected times. This artist was enjoying a meal at a favorite restaurant in Maui when she noticed a picture on the wall of a woman wearing a beautiful flower lei around her neck. Her look was both calming and relaxing, a feeling the artist wanted to recreate by imagining a beautiful lei-draped horse walking along the beaches of Maui, taking in the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. I don't really consider myself an artist, however, I did win a few art awards in school. I am creative and love Hawaii, so my Pony was originally named "Leilani," which is Hawiian for "Royal Child." |
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 Kathleen Longueil |
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Appy Trails As unique as its spotted coloring, the Appaloosa has proven to be a versatile breed. Its muscular build, durability, and willing nature make it a cherished family member good for trail riding, and ready at a moment’s notice to help a cowboy head out to round up stray cattle. Being a realist artist I strive to capture the true spirit and character of each subject I paint. The eyes are a very important factor when I do a painting. I work in many different mediums such as feathers, rock, leather, bone, as well as traditional canvas and acrylic based mediums, along with my beloved painted ponies. I also do commissioned work for clients. My art has been a life long journey and will be with me as long as I am able to paint, it inspires me and takes me to a place of peace and tranquility in the many hours I spend painting. |
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Lorna Matsuda |
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Aristobat “Aristobat” was inspired by the Dracula legend - the tale of a handsome nobleman with a veneer of aristocratic charm who lived in a decaying castle in Transylvania and survived by drinking human blood. Count Dracula’s supernatural powers included the ability to turn himself at will into different animals. This fabulous interpretation of the “King Vampire,” as he is sometimes known, captures him in the process of transforming from a swarm of bats into a darkly mysterious caped horse. K. Gleason is a digital illustrator that started their career as a comic artist and writer. After many years creating comics, they decided to switch gears to illustration. Though their focus has shifted, they still participate in local comic conventions and sometimes not so local comic conventions. Their greatest passion is to create a more colorful world through the expression of art. |
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 K. Gleason |
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Bear Medicine Bears figure prominently in the mythology of nearly every Native American tribe, where they are considered “medicine beings” magically endowed with protective and healing powers. “Bear Medicine" honors this belief, while bringing health and welfare, vitality and courage to all who provide a home for it. Being a realist artist I strive to capture the true spirit and character of each subject I paint. The eyes are a very important factor when I do a painting. I work in many different mediums such as feathers, rock, leather, bone, as well as traditional canvas and acrylic based mediums, along with my beloved painted ponies. I also do commissioned work for clients. My art has been a life long journey and will be with me as long as I am able to paint, it inspires me and takes me to a place of peace and tranquility in the many hours I spend painting. |
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Lorna Matsuda |
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Goddess of the Garden Picture a secret fantasy garden where lush green plants and blooming flowers fill the air with a sweet fragrance; where a winding stone pathway leads you past pools and fountains and where butterflies and hummingbirds add that sweet sense of serenity that comes with feeling you are one with Nature. Look the right way and perhaps you will see "Goddess of the Garden," a gorgeous and graceful horse with wings, waiting to take you on a magical ride limited only by your imagination. Born, raised and living in New Jersey, Jesse Leach is one of those multi-faceted artists whose creative talent was recognized at an early age. She excelled in Art in grammar school. In high school she placed first in regional and state art exhibitions. She majored in Fine Art in college where her sculpting professor said she was born to sculpt. “I was putting myself through school as a waitress, working the night shift, and I would go to his studio early in the morning and stay until the janitor turned out the lights. Once I got my hands in clay, I came alive. To this day, I am always twisting paper clips, napkins, anything I can get my hands on.” Jesse’s artistic abilities also found expression in her working life. For years she worked at a Lace Design Studio, residing close to the garment district in New York, where she dealt with designers like Victoria’s Secret, Vera Wang and Banana Republic. She also did stints as an illustrator and graphic artist. For several years now she has been passionate about creating wonderfully varied custom Painted Ponies. “I couldn’t stop once I started. I use my knowledge of color, sculpting, drawing, flower arrangement and lace in my creations. With these Ponies, I no longer see my work with others names on it. I still work in an office, but rush home every day to pick up these beautiful little canvases and grow creatively.” |
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 Jesee Leach |
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Dreamer Once upon a time, “Dreamer” was a flashy mare with loud paint markings, an extremely long mane and tail, a sassy personality and a love of peanut candy bars as treats. After making a name for herself turning the barrels on the rodeo circuit, today she enjoys her retirement with other horses, where she receives lots of baths and affection, and even has a pasture all to herself, which is how she has always preferred to graze. Lori grew up in Tucson, the daughter of a handyman and a kindergarten schoolteacher, but from the age of five she spent her summers with her great-aunt in Lincoln. There, to keep her occupied, she was given the job of touching up the antiques that needed to be repainted. For diversion, Lori would sometimes let her imagination take over and paint designs and scenes on old milk cans and coal scuttles. One day a customer purchased one and, according to Lori, "That gave me my start in the art world." To learn more about Lori Musil, Click Here. |
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 Lori Musil |
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Western Skies Western skies have called like a muse to cowboy poets for years. With “Western Skies,” a Painted Ponies artist, using a rearing horse as a canvas, was inspired to capture a western sundown at that magical time of day when clouds and cactus, running mustangs and a kneeling cowboy, are seen in silhouette, moments before evening throws a blanket of darkness across the land. Janet Snyder lives on a 20-acre farm in Illinois where she stays busy showing and training her appaloosa horses, raising miniature Herefords and poultry. She has been a graphic designer for many years after receiving her Bachelors degree in Fine Art, with a major in painting and minor in drawing. She has created a number of popular Painted Ponies figurines, including Holiday, Native American and Glow-in-the-Dark! |
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 Janet Snyder |
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