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Born on the West Coast of Scotland some time ago, but not so long ago that you can't imagine. From an early age she had a strong fascination and connection with animals, especially horses.
From the age of 3 when she refused to go into hospital without her knitted horse, "Dan Patch" She knew that Dan Patch was more afraid than she was together they knew they would get through it together. Feeling connected to animals, she was captivated by the strength, innocence and beauty of the horse, and the natural world around her. As a small child she adored spending time with them and gathering creative skills. Her knowledge of the world of equines and indeed other animals, colours, textures, shapes continue to be explored and have become an exciting focus of her work today.
Here she remembers as a child spending way too long staring at beautiful or interesting things, and being uncomfortably close to the subject matter. It didn't matter if it was an animal, or a scene, or a persons face. She was compelled to get up close, and have a darned good look, leaving her rather red faced parents apologising for her absurd behaviour. She explains, "I was merely trying to capture the interesting contours of the image and imprint it on my mind". Perhaps this is why her parents bought her first paint set, was it a diversion ? Perhaps we should ask them this teehee.
Setting off on a lifetime of adventures, sourcing animals as inspiration she was determined to learn how to capture moments and memories in a more traditional and less absurd way. A journey of wonder and passion for drawing and photography began. Qualifying as a graphic designer saw her spend many exciting years sharing her perception of the beauty around her through design.
The utter joy of becoming a mum and owner of horses, dogs and other creatures too many to mention, proved to heighten her awareness of how beautifully pure the innocence and importance of love, communication and trust relating to humans especially children and animals. She knew that she must investigate further as she studied her daughter move totally in sync with her pony in the showjumping arena. Determined to find a way to capture the innocence and beauty of the experiences we share with animals.
Returning to University in the 90s she studied BA in Media and Communication. Eventually launching her own design and photography studio which became her passion for many years focusing on children and animals, with the objective of capturing their very essence.
Knowing that she had to find a way to share the enormity of a single moment of connection that stayed with her. One pivotal moment for her is depicted in a painting of her own horse.
She explains...."I painted her in this way to capture the strength and tightness, and loss of control I knew she fleetingly felt that one particular day after galloping through two gates and fields away from the herd. A gun shot pierced the air the herd panicked and bolted for cover staying close together for safety. My girl instantly switched to high alert and looked for me for security... she split from the herd, in a blind panic, snorting, bucking, her feet galloping faster than her mind could assess. Mackenzie was lost in a momentary haze of fear, heightened energy and power as every nerve and muscle surged with adrenalin.
In a cloud of dust she screeched to a halt behind me. Her heart racing, she swallowed as though her throat was tight, or maybe the dust was catching it. Every muscle, every nerve in her body told her to run to be with the herd. She stood firmly behind me, nostrils ablaze, fearful, yet knowing that no matter what, I would protect her. She soon calmed and stood squarely, as her breathing settled. This was the day I knew for sure she that our connection was sealed, that our bond of trust, love and respect was confirmed"
Gaining such enjoyment from her animals and writing short stories for her daughter, sparked the decision to bring the characters to life through illustration. This artisic and journalistic journey with paint brushes and pen continues to focus on the communication and connection between us and animals.
Pentland Ross has now emerged with a wonderful collection of animal and equine artworks that continues to grow and gain respect and appreciation. We would love to hear your thoughts on this new collection.
Born on the West Coast of Scotland some time ago, but not so long ago that you can't imagine. From an early age she had a strong fascination and connection with animals, especially horses.
From the age of 3 when she refused to go into hospital without her knitted horse, "Dan Patch" She knew that Dan Patch was more afraid than she was together they knew they would get through it together. Feeling connected to animals, she was captivated by the strength, innocence and beauty of the horse, and the natural world around her. As a small child she adored spending time with them and gathering creative skills. Her knowledge of the world of equines and indeed other animals, colours, textures, shapes continue to be explored and have become an exciting focus of her work today.
Here she remembers as a child spending way too long staring at beautiful or interesting things, and being uncomfortably close to the subject matter. It didn't matter if it was an animal, or a scene, or a persons face. She was compelled to get up close, and have a darned good look, leaving her rather red faced parents apologising for her absurd behaviour. She explains, "I was merely trying to capture the interesting contours of the image and imprint it on my mind". Perhaps this is why her parents bought her first paint set, was it a diversion ? Perhaps we should ask them this teehee.
Setting off on a lifetime of adventures, sourcing animals as inspiration she was determined to learn how to capture moments and memories in a more traditional and less absurd way. A journey of wonder and passion for drawing and photography began. Qualifying as a graphic designer saw her spend many exciting years sharing her perception of the beauty around her through design.
The utter joy of becoming a mum and owner of horses, dogs and other creatures too many to mention, proved to heighten her awareness of how beautifully pure the innocence and importance of love, communication and trust relating to humans especially children and animals. She knew that she must investigate further as she studied her daughter move totally in sync with her pony in the showjumping arena. Determined to find a way to capture the innocence and beauty of the experiences we share with animals.
Returning to University in the 90s she studied BA in Media and Communication. Eventually launching her own design and photography studio which became her passion for many years focusing on children and animals, with the objective of capturing their very essence.
Knowing that she had to find a way to share the enormity of a single moment of connection that stayed with her. One pivotal moment for her is depicted in a painting of her own horse.
She explains...."I painted her in this way to capture the strength and tightness, and loss of control I knew she fleetingly felt that one particular day after galloping through two gates and fields away from the herd. A gun shot pierced the air the herd panicked and bolted for cover staying close together for safety. My girl instantly switched to high alert and looked for me for security... she split from the herd, in a blind panic, snorting, bucking, her feet galloping faster than her mind could assess. Mackenzie was lost in a momentary haze of fear, heightened energy and power as every nerve and muscle surged with adrenalin.
In a cloud of dust she screeched to a halt behind me. Her heart racing, she swallowed as though her throat was tight, or maybe the dust was catching it. Every muscle, every nerve in her body told her to run to be with the herd. She stood firmly behind me, nostrils ablaze, fearful, yet knowing that no matter what, I would protect her. She soon calmed and stood squarely, as her breathing settled. This was the day I knew for sure she that our connection was sealed, that our bond of trust, love and respect was confirmed"
Gaining such enjoyment from her animals and writing short stories for her daughter, sparked the decision to bring the characters to life through illustration. This artisic and journalistic journey with paint brushes and pen continues to focus on the communication and connection between us and animals.
Pentland Ross has now emerged with a wonderful collection of animal and equine artworks that continues to grow and gain respect and appreciation. We would love to hear your thoughts on this new collection.