What's New

The Red Prince Mare

Sep 29, 2017 | Category: Decor

I feel like I’m always apologizing for my absences on here – sorry friends! It’s been a busy summer, and it has continued into the fall. All is well here, but with work, the farm, and my animals, I haven’t had a lot of time to blog. Also – I’ve been riding more (woo!), so that’s been taking time (but in a good way, of course)!

If you follow me on Instagram, you will remember that James and I gave our bedroom a mini-update a few months ago. We didn’t do anything drastic (like we’ve done to the rest of the house), but we painted the walls/closet doors, got a new main door, bought new curtains, and just spruced the place up. I need to take some updated photos to share, but I wanted to show you my favorite piece that now hangs in the room.

One of my favorite Sir Alfred J. Munnings paintings is “The Red Prince Mare.” I love everything about it – the horse, the people in the background, the overall scene, the people’s attire, etc. I found this print online at Horse & Hound, bought it, and then had it professionally framed at Michael’s. I almost went with a white matting around the outside, but changed my mind at the last minute to this sage-y green.

Didn’t it turn out perfectly!? It really anchors the room, and I used it as color inspiration as well, (walls are grey, curtains are navy blue, etc.).

Now that it’s getting cooler and the days are getting shorter, there will be less outside chores taking up my time. I hope to really get back into the swing of things and blog regularly!!

Enjoy your weekend!

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Artist Tim Olden

Aug 24, 2017 | Category: Decor

I came across equestrian artist, Tim Olden, on Instagram, where everything wonderful seems to reside. Right now Tim is perfecting his equestrian art in the watercolor medium, but he is hoping to move on to acrylic soon.

Below you will find his Q&A as well as quite a few lovely portraits. I was lucky enough to have my Thoroughbred’s portrait painted, and it came out beautifully! It looks exactly like my Bailey, and it hangs proudly in my office. Thank you so much, Tim!

Tim works under the name “Holly Hill Studios,” can be found on Instagram @hollyhillstudios, and you can purchase his work directly from his Etsy shop!

Tell us a little about yourself as an artist. How long have you been painting? Please describe your style, technique(s), etc.

I’ve had a successful career as a graphic artist and illustrator in the UK for more than 30 years. I recently took up painting again and am enjoying pushing my boundaries with watercolors. It’s like I’m learning all over again and experimenting with this media. I would like to think my watercolor style is of a simplified detail with free flowing color. This is where I paint a brush stroke then add clear water outside the brush stroke to make the color run into that area.

What made you want to become an equestrian artist?

I have always loved horses from childhood. But to paint them seems to be a match made in heaven. My painting style is made for horses, the flowing color, the highlights, and the muscular definition suits me perfectly. I just want to paint them in every medium now.

Who is your favorite artist (in general) and/or equestrian artist? Is there a particular artist who has influenced your work?

I love the simplicity of David Downton’s portraits, but probably my favorite equestrian artist is Frederic Remington – what an inspiration.

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date as an artist?

People enjoying and buying my work says I’m doing something right.

What is one thing you’d like people to know about you as an artist? As an equestrian?

My love and passion for everything equine, I just want to paint horses in every scenario and every situation.

What’s next on the horizon for you as an artist?

I want to move onto acrylic and oil painting on larger canvases. Plus, I would love to find an agent to promote my work.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I play golf, walk, and cycle with my wife as a way to relax.

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The Polohouse is For Sale

Jul 28, 2017 | Category: Lifestyle

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, then you know that I’m a fan of Alison Sherman’s blog, The Polohouse, and etsy shop of the same name. You can also find her on Instagram @polohousestyle where she posts items for sale in her shop and other equestrian curiosities.

She also posts photos of her gorgeous house, a converted polo barn, in the Chicago, IL area. Well – that house is now for sale! While I can’t believe she’d ever want to leave such a perfect home, I can understand that it’s time to downsize and move on to a new chapter.

This house, inside and out, top to bottom, is simply a dream come true. Alison’s décor is spot on – I love everything about it! The horses, the dark woods, the plaids, the tartans, you name it. And now this home could be yours! For more information, see the listing here and the drone video here. Below are just a few photos; check out the listing to see more!

Best of luck with the move, Alison!

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Still Here

Jul 05, 2017 | Category: Lifestyle

Friends – I’m still here! I’m so sorry for my lack of posts – I did not mean to go MIA! I’ve just finished up a very busy two week stretch where I’ve been riding, writing, and traveling. Summer is supposed to be a relaxing time, but that hasn’t been the case so far, (but it’s still been fun)!

I have just returned from Gates Mills, Ohio, where I stayed at the gorgeous, historic Chagrin Valley Hunt Club. I was on assignment for Horse & Style Magazine as we were sponsors of the Equestrian Celebration Ball. I will be recapping the entire event on Horse & Style’s blog, as well as here, so keep checking back. The event was a whirlwind of beautiful horses, hounds, and people. My husband and I attended a black tie gala, a hunter trial, and had a variety of dinners with wonderful new friends including Rebecca Smith of Rebecca Ray Designs and entertainer, Carson Kressley!

Below are some photos from my time in Ohio. I hope you enjoy them – and I hope you had a chance to check out my Instagram stories over the weekend.

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Atlanta Hall

Jun 16, 2017 | Category: Decor

If you read Horse & Style Magazine’s Mar/Apr issue, you will remember my ‘Horse & Style: Home’ feature, Atlanta Hall. The Monkton, Maryland, farm is home to the Voss family (relatives of the great equestrian sporting artist, Franklin Voss,) and many steeplechasers and flat racers. Below are a variety of photos that did not make it into the print magazine. Look at all that art!!

Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend!