Galloping Mustangs

Three mustangs race across the grassy plains of the American West. On a cool November day, clouds drift through the cold blue skies over grass that has turned yellow and brown. Despite the chill in the air, these three wild paint horses kick up dust as they gallop freely across the prairie with the wind in their manes.

For this work, I was inspired by Edgar Degas's work "Jockeys in the Rain" which I once saw in person (though I can't remember at which museum). I liked the way the composition emphasized directionality of the riders and horses. I wanted to make a similar equine work, but I wanted a much more energetic scene featuring three very active horses (and no people), something more befitting of the American Wild West. I made the composition roughly in the shape of an arrow pointing to the right to emphasize the speed, motion, and direction of the animals as they cut through frame.

I created this image using CGI technology and digital painting techniques.

Thanks for looking!
Daniel Eskridge