Equestrian artist Sandy had her New Forest pony, Joker when she was 12, but he was “not to ride, but to be with, to breath in, to feel and to draw”. Of course, she did
Equestrian artist Sandy had her New Forest pony, Joker when she was 12, but he was “not to ride, but to be with, to breath in, to feel and to draw”. Of course, she did ride too, but the unique bond between human and horse is what has always inspired her creativity and capturing their aura is her aim. Sandy’s lifetime study of equine movement and form has built her reputation as one of the foremost equestrian painters, working primarily in oils or charcoal – from life, photos and pictures. She is also a sculptor. Initially painting in watercolours and then acrylics, Sandy was introduced to oils at a workshop and eventually to using larger brushes – a one-inch wedge brush is a favoured size. She loves oils as they take so long to dry so she can make changes.
Sandy admits to never being much of a businesswoman and nearly set up a website once, but it somehow did not happen, and her sales are usually through exhibitions or by word of mouth.
She cannot remember ever not drawing, painting or creating and would have loved to teach children art, but with her husband Brian working in the airline industry, it was hard to fit work around his shifts, so Sandy had lots of part time jobs and a garden business alongside painting. Her art sales were mainly of buildings, but her focus on equestrian art developed fully once they retired to Brockenhurst 22 years ago.
Like any artist, Sandy loses track of time when painting is going well. For demonstrations, such as at the New Forest Show, she will block out 3 areas on a grid and then transfer onto canvas so those watching can see a painting develop. One of her most cherished accolades was from a small boy watching intently, who finally announced: “You’re good!” before walking away with a bit of a swagger! Sandy has been a member of the Society of Equestrian Artists for many years and organises ‘sketch out ‘days.
She will be setting up a group called New Forest Urban Sketchers (linked to the groups in Southampton and Bournemouth – to meet, draw and then have coffee somewhere lovely and to have a group for sketching small ponies – notoriously awkward to master!
you can contact her on 07904 858426 or via sandypoynter50@gmail.com – she loves chatting and will be delighted to show her work.