PICTURES: Livestock art gallery
Next time you’re cruising the stands at an agricultural show, keep an eye out for Kay Johns’ livestock artwork stand.
Kay is a Lincolnshire-based artist who specialises in painting horses and livestock.
She has a passion for the countryside and became particularly fascinated by livestock after exhibiting wildlife art with her partner David at agricultural county shows.
The secret to her skill is in getting to know breeders and their animals well and spending time with them to build up a rapport.
Kay has just released a new collection of images which was inspired by photos she took at livestock sheds.
The pictures are available from Kay and David’s gallery JP Framing as original artwork or prints.
Click through the gallery of images below of livestock and horses and you can read about the picutres in Kay’s own words below.
About the pictures – in Kay’s words
Beef Shorthorn
This commission was a total joy to work on. This prize winning bull gave me a superb example of its breed, with huge muscles, beautiful colouring and something that always attracts me for an image to paint….that look in his eye!
The Black Bull
I love to work on a black background to give my work atmosphere. What’s more challenging and more appropriate than a Black Angus bull. This young Angus makes full use of portraying its attitude, emerging from the darkness.
Lincoln Red
This Lincoln Red Heifer was as intrigued by me, as me in her. Innocent eyes and stunning colouring make for a lovely painting.
Trojan
My attention was drawn to this Longhorn bull, with amazing long eyelashes and incredible patterns in his coat, he was going to give me a challenge to recreate in pastels.
Ebony
This black mare has everything about her that made me fall in love with horses from a very young age. Her soft velvet nostrils and ‘kind eye’ always pull a few heart strings for me.
Duke
Named after my cousin’s old shire horse, Duke was a real gentle giant. Every year at the East of England’s Shire horse show, I take every opportunity to photograph these noble animals ready for another inspiring painting.
Eclipse
I have always been fascinated how quickly a horse can change its expression with just a slight movement to its eye. This alert Thoroughbred certainly caught my eye at Hickstead last year.
Young Explorer – work in progress
A young Hereford Calf. This youngster was at last year’s Kent County Show, in a farming college marquee, a hive of activity with lots of young farmers preparing for the following days competitions. It was oblivious to the chaos. Instead, it was relaxed and enjoying a small bit of evening sun streaming through an opening in the marquee, shining through and warming the rope it was exploring. Such a beautiful sight!
You can email Kay for more information at kay@pjframing.co.uk