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A Horse Lover since childhood, Donna B
developed her artistic passion by doing what it has been said
the early cave artists did - drawing horses as a means of
"capturing" them. "Their very form and grace have inspired me
for as long as I can remember," she recalls.
Donna creates highly expressive contemporary equine art in
asian-inspired ink brushwork, large-scale acrylic and mixed
media canvases, and bronze sculptures. "I have watched and
drawn horses forever, watching being the essential element. My
images are born of a rich visual memory, blending the splendid
equine form with both figurative and abstract stylization." Her
work evokes a deep energetic simplicty, and the natural,
accurate action of the horse. Through vibrant colors, dynamic
forms, suggestive gestures, her style communicates freedom,
movement, energy and passion. "I have been told that my work
'radiates aliveness'."
Originally from New York, and having spent many years in the
real estate industry, she now lives in McCall, Idaho, with
her husband, a national level soccer coach, and their three
aussie-dog family. There she finds no end to the source of
inspiration for her art, being surrounded by horses and their
spirit. Using a variety of mediums, whether acrylics,
watercolors, chalks or just a good pencil, she embraces the
freedom of movement and unfettered abandon of her favorite
subject.
Currently, her sculpture will be displayed at the Idaho
Regional, sponsored by the Moscow Arts Commission, and at 20
North Gallery in Ohio, celebrating the Kentucky Derby.
She was invited to show at the "Iron Horses of Western
Art" event at Lone Star Park in Dallas, Texas; she has
shown at the "Horse in Art" juried exhibit in
Tipperary, Ireland; at the Saratoga Springs "Win Place
Show" equine art event, during their classic summer racing
season; at the J. Whitney Gallery "New and Emerging
Artists Collection" in Southington, CT., and at the New
York ArtExpo 2004 in New York City. Prior to that
she has exhibited at the 2003 Boise Art Museum Juried
Show, the Western States Horse Expo, and many other fine
art juried events.
Her large-scale series of acrylic canvases entitled "Cave
Paintings", reflect her colorful and instinctive response to
those ancient and primal equine artists. One of these, "Blue Cloud", was featured
in the Official Program of the Equitana Brisbane Art Awards,
held in Australia, December, 2002.
Ms. Bernstein's sculpture "Buck" was completed for
the National
Ability Center of Park City, Utah. It commemorates the
pride of their Horsemanship Therapy Program, a 37 year old
gelding named Buck, and was
auctioned at their annual fundraiser "Southwestern Elegance" in
September, 2001. The piece, No. 1 in a Limited Edition of 8,
was then generously donated by the purchaser to the NAC for the
Permanent Collection at their newly dedicated Ranch
Headquarters.
Buck was also been chosen to celebrate 2002, the Chinese "Year
of the Horse," in Hong Kong, China. During the Chinese New
Year, year 4699 in the Chinese calendar, which extends from
February 12, 2002, through January 31, 2003, Buck will be on
display in the corporate offices of Bel Fuse, Ltd., Kowloon,
Hong Kong. Ms. Bernstein was honored to receive this very
special recognition in the very auspicious Year of the
Horse.
The Black Stallion Literacy Project Art Show in Ocala, Florida,
early in 2002 and hosted by the Public Education Foundation and
the Florida Thoroughbred Breeder's & Owners Assn.,
exhibited two juried pieces, "Horse Blanket" and "Black
Stallion". This event opened with a special live
auction, and was highlighted for its unique and powerful
fund-raising organizations on Peter Jennings' "World News
Tonight". Both pieces were sold at the event, and "Black
Stallion" was chosen for Special Mention by the Judging
Committee.
Her website was awarded the "Site of the Day"
Award on July 8, 2001, from LetItRide.com. LetItRide.com is
the "World's Largest Online Horse Racing Community", and Donna
was honored to recieve that special recognition. Ms.
Bernstein's acrylic painting, "Purple Paint", was chosen as
the signature artwork for the Western Idaho Horse Fair 2000,
held in Boise. She also created a piece of
two-dimensional art for the American West 4D Barrel Racing
Series, held in Blackfoot, Idaho, in June, 2000. It is the
largest event of its kind in the State. Another piece, "Checkmate", a black and
white acrylic, was on exhibit at the Western States Horse Expo
in Sacramento. Another of her watercolor pieces, "China Doll", received Honors at the
choice Salmon River Art Guild Show in 1999.
Donna participated in the 1999 Beaux Art Societe Show at the
Boise Art Museum, which highlights emerging Idaho artists, and
the BAM Wine Arts Festival in May 2000 and 2001.
She contributes pieces annually to many fine causes,
including the Idaho Foodbank "Artists Against Hunger" Auctions,
presented by Hewlett-Packard,and held at the Idaho Historical
Museum; to U.S. Pony Club events both in Idaho and around the
country; to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Redwings Horse
Santuary, and Arkwild, dedicated to preserving the wild horses
of Abaco, Bahamas, among others.
Donna also has created the Running Wind Art
Scholarship, awarded annually to a graduating High School
student in McCall, designed to nourish that creative process
and artistic spirit. She is a member of the Equine Art Guild,
the prestigious Society of Equestrian Artists, UK., the Equine
Studies Institute, on the Board of Directors of the McCall Arts
& Humanities Council, a member of the Sun Valley
Center for the Arts, Sun Valley, Idaho, and the Saratoga County
Arts Council, Saratoga Springs, New York.
Donna describes her style as inspired by the simple power of
pure line. "I've learned that the horse expresses for me
essential elements - Beauty, Power, Movement, Sensuality and
Freedom. When I see the horse, this is the poetry I see."
Donna's work has been inspired by a number of fine equine
artists, most notably the work of Paul Brown, Sam Savitt, and
Wesley Dennis, as well as the classical masters Degas, Munnings
and Voss. Picasso and especially Rosa Bonheur are particular
favorites of hers. True to form, Donna's sense of expression
reveals a dynamic yet subtle affinity between woman and horse,
and her own unique connection to those that run with the wind.
Commissions and inquiries are welcome. Donna can be
reached directly at 208-634-2418, and online at donna@RunningWindArt.com.
Artist Statement
Artist Curriculum Vitae
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