The Gift of Timing

"The Gift" pastel (detail) by Kim McElroy

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.”

~ John Keats

As an artist, I am often approached by people who are inexplicably drawn to my work. In these moments, I am reminded that art has the power to touch the soul in ways we may not fully understand. And sometimes, these encounters become a catalyst for inspiration and healing, both for the viewer and me.

It all Starts with Love

I met Sally in 1989 at the Arabian Nationals in Albuquerque, New Mexico where I was exhibiting my artwork. She was very appreciative of my talent and told me that she had a photograph of her mare with her newborn foal that she would like to share with me in hopes I might be inspired to paint it someday.

I received the photo a few weeks later. Her letter said she had taken the photo years before. The filly was now grown, and though she had witnessed the births of many foals since, this beautiful image still held a special place in her heart. The filly was a daughter of her Arabian Stallion, Barexi, who graced the cover and pages of Robert Vavra's book, "Horses of the Sun".

The gentle love in the mare's eye was a wonder to behold, and the image of the filly's sweet, scrunched-up nose made me smile. I knew I would want to paint them.

 

Creating a painting isn't just about putting color on paper

Several months later, I ran across the photo again and decided to begin the painting. In my imagination, I tried to place myself in the stall to be aware of the intimate details I would observe and perceive if I were there with them. The mare's eye reflected the distant doorway of her stall - a haven for her precious angel. The light was soft, and the air was warm. The hay rustled. I could almost feel the smooth, short fluff of the filly's coat. I sensed the quiet breathing as the mare gently nuzzled her foal. As I worked, I perceived these small details and tried to portray them with all the magic and softness that was present in the moment the photograph was captured.

When I finished the painting, I was anxious to send Sally a photograph in the mail as I rushed to get the painting ready for an exhibition. I wanted to let her know about the painting in case she wanted to purchase it, though at the time she had sent me the photo, she had said she probably could not afford the original. I offered to send her a print as a gift for her inspiration.

"The Gift" Pastel by Kim McElroy

 

The Miracle of Timing

Sally called me two days later. The photograph had arrived in record time. Haltingly, she explained that receiving the photo was a poignant coincidence, for she had just picked up her mail that day after burying her mare, the one depicted in the painting. Her tears were a mix of grief from suddenly and tragically losing her mare, and the gift of seeing her again so vividly portrayed in my painting.

I am humbled by the realization that art flows from a source beyond myself, and I am a mere channel for its expression. For me, horses symbolize this divine guidance, illuminating our path and inspiring us to receive grace. Horses are messengers, reminding us that the journey of creation is a process of surrender and trust.