The Horse Gift Mural-Le Cadeau Du Cheval

June 4, 2008

my panel painting #182

'together again' Ibn & Chut-Ya

acrylic medium

Ibn Astraney and Chut-Yanna, my horses for 29 years are immortalized in this painting, they died six months to the day apart, 2007-2008. They where my muses, featured in most of my paintings for many years...I will miss them dearly and hold close the experience of having had them in my life for so long.

In this painting I have them coming together again, to romp and run free in the heavenly bounds (small inset)...I pray that God has these wonderful family members there to meet me when my day comes.

A small cherub is incorporated into the painting (something I do in all my larger paintings) I have Ibn portrayed with an Ankh around his neck and Chut-Ya has a tassel from an Arabic halter she wore. I painted them in a transparent way to make them look like souls coming together...

When I received the panel there where dripping paint areas, I noticed one of the drippings came through under Ibn's eye, making him look like he was crying. I kept it there...I cried every single day painting this panel, even 'incorporating my tears into the paint around their eyes', so I felt a part of me was in this painting.

Yes, this was the hardest painting I have ever done and it's very hard for me to let go, but just knowing I have immortalized them in this manner has made me happy, and hope others will enjoy viewing it.

This was their last summer in 2007...Chut-Yanna was feeling good and went outside and grazed with Ibn. I wish I had taken a video of this, but sadly it did not occur to me at that time.

I truly loved my two Arabian Muses, now portrayed in the panel painting for the Mural.

goo2eyes 2/12
RenaissanceWoman2010 11/11
Ladymermaid 7/11
LisaAuch 7/11
HorseAndPony 4/10

inside the Equine Sympathy card reads:

Don't mourn for me
dear owner, kind and true.
I know that you will miss me
As I will also think of you.

We shared so many secrets;
those you whispered in my ear.
I've kept those secrets for you
lest any one would hear.

And in return you've kept me
from being turned out in the cold.
You've fed, watered, & cared for me
while we both grew old.

But God had called & needs me;
He says that it is time
I claim that sweet reward
in a kinder, greener clime.

He promises sweeter clover,
clear water, rich and pure
I'll never have to suffer
from wounds that humans cannot cure.

I'll romp and play all day
with others he has called hither.
I'll have so many new friends
that will scratch upon my wither.

I'll be watching out for you
when comes your judgement day
and together towards the pearly gates
we again will ride away!"

author unknown

image designed by Larry Schultz