"The story behind my Pony goes like this. In Santa’s village there is a small bakery where a baker creates the most whimsical cookies and confections anyone ever saw. Wanting to create something special that would put a smile on everyone’s face, he conceived of Cookie Canter. Decorating it with silky royal icing, he crafted a decadent saddle with snowflakes and swirls, and lined the back with the sweetest of gumdrops in an array of bright colors. When he was done, looking over his creation, he added a secret ingredient to finish with: the Spirit of Christmas.”
The Artist
I’ve always been interested in the arts since I was a child, and I knew it was the path I wanted to go down. Working toward this goal, I attended extra arts classes throughout my school career and a Precollege program two summers in a row to develop my skills alongside other like-minded artists. I am now a rising Illustration sophomore attending the Ringling College of Art and Design. My favorite mediums to work with are chalk pastel, digital, and sculptural materials. I love to create my own characters, whimsical illustrations, animals, and draw Disney characters everywhere and on everything. My experience and honors as an artist so far are runner-up to the 14th Congressional District and New Generation High School Art Competition, an AHN painting award, the Robert Kevin Walsh Memorial Award: Excellence in the Visual Arts, a Fine Arts Distinction with honors, vice president of the National Art Honors Society for AHN, member of AHN’s art club, commissions, concept artist for Ringling’s Avant Garde during the fall semester, as well as being part of an Eco Illustration project during my fall and spring semesters at Ringling. My goal is to have a long and successful career as an illustrator, and I can’t wait for what the future holds as I continue to master my skills in the arts.
“Christmas in my house growing up was a time rich with colorful decorations and special family traditions. I cherished those times, and with Yuletide Majesty I wanted to create a Painted Pony that would remind others to take time to reflect on the meaning of the holiday, and the wonder and joy it has brought them over the years."
The Artist
Art is an outlet I use to express the inspiration and beauty that I find in God’s creation. I have loved to draw since a very young age, and I enjoy working with both digital and traditional media. I am a recent college graduate with a BFA in graphic design. My primary interest as an artist is in illustration. My work often reflects my love for nature and fantasy, and I aspire to bring a bit of whimsy and joy to those who view it.
The festively designed Christmas Sweater has become a holiday tradition. Some may call it a tacky or gaudy or even an ugly garment, but wearing one has become a fun and exciting part of family celebrations... and a new way to celebrate the season with laughter.
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.
Inspired by one of the oldest Christmas songs to focus on Santa Claus, this artist has imagined a classic scene. It’s Christmas Eve and Santa Claus is hard at work bringing toys to good little children. He lands his sleigh on a snow-covered housetop and heads down the chimney. Meanwhile, his eight flying reindeer snort and paw as they wait for him on the rooftop under the stars. Soon Santa will return, and they’ll be off to their next stop.
I have a BFA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University and have enjoyed playing around with all sorts of artistic media for my entire life. My favorite subject has always been the natural world, and horses in particular hold a special place in my heart.
“When I was young, we would spend Christmas Eve at my grandparents’ house where it was a seasonal ritual to watch the Nutcracker ballet movie on TV. I loved the beauty and fantasy of the story, and over the years the Nutcracker ballet came to represent the holiday season with family for me. This Painted Pony is my way of sharing that joy and magic with others."
The Artist
I have enjoyed drawing since I was a child and have always loved horses so learning to draw horses was a goal of mine. My art has been something I did just for friends and family. Over the years I submitted several designs and am so privileged to have one selected to be added to the collection. I am excited to be a part of this amazing creative team. Over the years I have been inspired by the designs and concepts created here and I want to thank the team for bringing these amazing creations to the public.
“I’ve always been captivated by fantasy themes, discovering magic within the realms of the imagination. This particular design reflects my fascination with the concept of life-after-death and the tranquility it brings, despite the fear many have of it. Inspired by cultural celebrations such as Dia de los Muertos, the horse kneels before a departed one, honoring their passage and ready to lead them to the next realm with dignity and grace. The title is not just a name but a story in itself: Death should not be feared. It comes as a friend, softly, and signifies the end of one journey and the beginning of another.” - The Artist
I’ve been in love with Painted Ponies since I walked into the store and saw “Motorcycle Mustang” in the corner of the room. That was almost 20 years ago – making me a fan since I was 7. I’m a writer by trade, but paint and design in my free time. These are just some I wish were in my collection.
“The inspiration for Mama’s Helper comes from observing the tender bond between children and their mothers who, like flowers, possess a grace and resilience that brings warmth and joy to those around them. With this pony I Imagined a young foal who, after observing her mother carrying a basket full of flowers between field and farm, shows she wants to help by carrying a single flower by herself."
The Artist
I’ve been in love with Painted Ponies since I walked into the store and saw “Motorcycle Mustang” in the corner of the room. That was almost 20 years ago – making me a fan since I was 7. I’m a writer by trade, but paint and design in my free time. These are just some I wish were in my collection.
The rare and beautiful markings of a Medicine Hat horse, whose color patch covers both ears and the top of its head and was often referred to as its war bonnet, made it a prized mount that Native Americans adored and sought in the belief it gave them protective powers.
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.
Once there was a simple sorrel pony who went unnoticed until her owner adorned her with vibrant sunflowers that radiated in the sunlight, their golden petals shimmering like small suns. Magically transformed into something more than just a decorated horse, she became a symbol of positivity, reminding everyone that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
I’ve been in love with Painted Ponies since I walked into the store and saw “Motorcycle Mustang” in the corner of the room. That was almost 20 years ago – making me a fan since I was 7. I’m a writer by trade, but paint and design in my free time. These are just some I wish were in my collection.
Out on the open range, a trusted grey horse named Silver remains steadfast in his duty to move the herd to new pastures. Watching it disappear over the crest of a hill, Silver stops abruptly as he hears the bawling of a calf. Being a ranch horse all his life, he recognizes the sound as coming from a stray that has become separated from the herd and is in need of rescuing. Tracking down a little white-faced calf, he hoists it onto his saddle and returns him to his mother.
Art is an outlet I use to express the inspiration and beauty that I find in God’s creation. I have loved to draw since a very young age, and I enjoy working with both digital and traditional media. I am a recent college graduate with a BFA in graphic design. My primary interest as an artist is in illustration. My work often reflects my love for nature and fantasy, and I aspire to bring a bit of whimsy and joy to those who view it.
When she was just a teen, this artist was gifted a mustang mare, descended from horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish conquistadors, that had been trained to barrel race. It was a dappled gray with a black mane and legs, caught as a wild filly in Mexico, and it had only one speed. Fast was all she knew. And she would burn that clover pattern at a blazing pace.
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.”
Out on the open range, a trusted grey horse named Silver remains steadfast in his duty to move the herd to new pastures. Watching it disappear over the crest of a hill, Silver stops abruptly as he hears the bawling of a calf. Being a ranch horse all his life, he recognizes the sound as coming from a stray that has become separated from the herd and is in need of rescuing. Tracking down a little white-faced calf, he hoists it onto his saddle and returns him to his mother.
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.
Legend has it there was once a brave and courageous horse named Standing Wolf who wore a shield on which was drawn the image of the wolf spirit within him. In his travels, Standing Wolf crossed paths with a wolf cub and they became companions. As these two wild hearts traversed the high country together, recognizing that they shared a spiritual likeness, a bond developed between them that would last a lifetime.
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.
The art industry tends to focus on the romantic aspects of ranch life, showing less appreciation for the cow ponies that day in and day out, in rain, snow or shine, assist the cowboys in moving cattle, running fences and herding strays. “The Foreman” was inspired by the horses that assist cowboys in their daily work on America’s ranches. Guiding cattle, running fences and herding strays, he is not only the heart and soul of a ranch, “The Foreman” embodies the spirit of the West.
I have done many paintings and drawings for my clientele and have even had art displayed in the Oklahoma State Capital building.
Out on the open range, where cattle roam and danger lurks, every cowboy needs to be able to count on his horse to carry him safely, and has a perfect horse in mind. With “Desert Buckaroo,” the artist has chosen a flashy half-Paint Horse half-Appaloosa, dressed in the traditional tack worn by bridle horses in the vaquero tradition of horsemanship.
I am a self-taught hobby artist with a love for horses.
Camouflaged among rocky, snow-covered foothills, where their striking spotted coats blend seamlessly with their surroundings, a mare and her foal match their background and disappear into the landscape on their first Christmas together.
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.
Snowy owls may look cute and cuddly, but they are fierce and solitary predators that are best appreciated in the wild. However, on rare occasions they have been known to bond with another species, and with “Alpine Snow,” a snowy owl, looking for a place to rest on Christmas Eve, has taken up residence on the blanketed back of a Painted Pony.
Art is an outlet I use to express the inspiration and beauty that I find in God’s creation. I have loved to draw since a very young age, and I enjoy working with both digital and traditional media. I am a recent college graduate with a BFA in graphic design. My primary interest as an artist is in illustration. My work often reflects my love for nature and fantasy, and I aspire to bring a bit of whimsy and joy to those who view it.
One cold and stormy Christmas Eve, a horse with a shimmering blue coat was traveling through a snow-covered landscape when he heard Christmas carols being sung. Following the sound, he came across a group of children who were helplessly lost in a snow squall. After guiding them to safety, the children decided to name the horse “Christmas Season Squall.”
Thomas's artistic journey began in his childhood, where his innate creativity first flourished. From an early age, he exhibited a natural inclination for artistic expression, which has continued to evolve throughout his life. Throughout his grade school and high school education, art classes were a consistent source of joy and inspiration for Thomas. In these classes, he explored various mediums and techniques, further refining his skills and cultivating his unique artistic style.
Thomas's artistic endeavors eventually led him to create Painted Ponies, a venture that was sparked by his desire to craft special gifts for his three beloved nieces. Inspired by their collection of Trail of Painted Ponies, Thomas began to experiment with this medium, ultimately developing a distinct style that captured both his artistic prowess and his affection for his family.
Shining down from above, a “Star of Wonder” was the guiding light to three wise men and the sign of a miracle to shepherds tending their flock. Positioned atop a Christmas tree during the holiday season, it serves as a reminder that we should never stop looking up to the heavens for magical happenings.
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.
With Christmas only a few days away, “Tailgate Christmas” Pony is excited to join The Trail of Painted Ponies Holiday Herd. He watches anxiously as the faithful pickup turns into the farm lane with a freshly cut pine tree in back, stops briefly at the mailbox that is overflowing with good tidings and gifts, passes the snowman standing guard outside, and joins family and friends in decorating the tree with a popcorn garland and homemade ornaments.
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.
Samplers are a holiday tradition, usually associated with a pleasing, elegantly packaged collection of mini-sized sweets that the whole gang will enjoy. This is why they make the perfect gift. Inspired by this tradition, a Painted Pony artist has created a “Holiday Sampler” that features eight snack-sized images of classic Christmas scenes, from a snowman to a gingerbread cookie to a holly bough.
"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." - Sue Sizemore
A pair of cozy red pajamas are the perfect gift to go with a favorite teddy bear, making this the best Christmas ever for this adorable Painted Pony.
"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." - Aimee Skee
