Things have been happening for me this year regarding national art shows and this is one of two paintings that will be going to the American Academy of Equine Art 2007 Fall Open Juried Exhibition at the International Museum of the Horse, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY., Sept. 21-Nov. 4. The painting was done from photos taken several years ago while I worked as a private groom at Wildwood Stables in Maine's Acadia National Park. This popular recreation area located on Mt. Desert Island is just outside of Bar Harbor and was the summer retreat for many wealthy families in the 1920's and 30's. The Rockefellers, who still spend summers there and eventually donated the land for preservation , built almost 50 miles of beautiful carriage roads way back when, so that they and their friends could ride and drive their horses while enjoying the breathtaking scenery that overlooks Frenchmen's Bay and the coastline. The park still welcomes horse people as well as hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts who come to experience Maine's finest, but most often overlooked, natural resource. Wildwood Stables (the barn is pictured here), offers daily carriage rides to the top of Day Mountain and boarding facilities for horse owners who come to travel at their own pace on the well maintained roads. One very special summer I was able to bring my horse and it was an experience I'll never forget. For a memorable start to your day in the park...go to the top of Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise ...On a clear day you can see 100 miles in all directions.Talk about stepping back in time....this elegant carriage was owned by Jack Seabrook and was put to a four in hand of white Kladrubys, a breed of carriage horse first developed in Bavaria. What a handsome sight they were. Mr. Seabrook's grooms , Chris and Jeff at the ready, were sitting on the back seat...those were the days...
