Either Directly or Indirectly art has given me more than the gift of beauty and inspiration.

 Art has connected me to some amazing people and some of my most treasured friends.

My preferred art form and one at which for the past 15 years I have earned my living is “Fine Art Photography”.  Not just any fine art photography, my specialty and number one passion is horses.  Although this might seem a very niche area in which to specialize, if you look hard enough it is possible to find not only an ample supply of subjects to photograph but also a large clientele who are willing and eager to purchase the images. like most people who are passionate about their craft I was also eager to share my knowledge and experience by offering equine photography workshops.  Of course these were not the usual kind of classroom workshop  - One session involved a field trip to a ranch to photography a herd of 80 horses in their natural environment, and to stay safe in that situation the attendees got a crash course in equine behaviour before heading out to meet the horses. Another workshop took place at the race track where we created a photo journal of “track life”. Which is something I have inside info on as I literally wrote the book on “The Humans of Horse Racing”. Other workshops were hosted by large equine facilities who would supply humans and horse models.  

But this is not the purpose of my story  - What happened at these workshops was more than just  learning to take photographs of pretty horses I got to know some pretty amazing artists.  Some came to the workshops to learn how to operate their fancy new camera’s - some came because they loved horses and wanted the opportunity to get up close and personal with them. Others came to deepen their understanding of equine anatomy and how horses naturally move, so they could paint them.   This group of people “The Artists”  not only fascinated me but also excited me as we could discussed “how to see the light” and how the varying temperatures of light reflected and changed the colour of the horses coat. They really understood the importance of not only light but also how shadows add dimension and form. Although I was the teacher they were able to put into words what I instinctively calculated in my mind when composing a fine art photograph. I had found my “tribe”. 

One of my new Artist friends invited me to go with her to a painting class at Masters Art Academy. Although I had never held a paint brush since kindergarten I eagerly accepted the invitation and I am so glad I did. Svetlana Kanyo the art instructor is kind and extremely patient, but guess what - I met more people who are excited about art, fellow kindered spirits and new friends. Art really is the glue that holds society together it gives everyone something beautiful to focus on. My advice to anyone who want to find where they fit in this jigsaw puzzle we call life - turn off the TV, and join an art class, it may be painting, pottery or even photography just tap into what you are passionate about and that is where you will find your tribe.  Art connects us all.

Check out my photography at   www.asharperimage.photostockplus.com

Workshops and Classes            www.TheHorseWatcher.com