66 SIDELINES OCTOBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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Artist Profile
Lila Blakeslee
Vero Beach, Florida
Type of artist: Fine Art Painter, Design Artist for AWST International - Website:
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Lila Blakeslee has a true passion for the equestrian sport – having
competed professionally in hunters, jumpers and eventing. This
background greatly impacts Lila’s artwork as she has a genuine
understanding of her subjects and equestrian clients. Today, she enjoys
creating fine art masterpieces with various mediums from acrylics to mixed
media. In addition, her “Lila Collection” designs are translated into home
décor, apparel, handbags and miscellaneous equestrian motif items found
in specialty boutiques and tack shops across the country.
Lila in front of “Stallion
Fire” – a 48 x 48 painting
collaged with a horse’s mane.
Photo by Barbara du Pont
“Indigo and Margie Engle” – a 36 x 48 painting, courtesy of Bob and
Shay Griese.
“Next Generation” – a 20 x 24 painting depicting Hayden Walsh
and Devon Kahle, courtesy of John and Reve Walsh.
How would you describe your artistic style?
I am a very literal artist. It is easy for me to portray the horse accurately.
Then, I create a more powerful interpretation with use of color and
definition. My horses take on a surreal look, which focuses on their beauty,
power and emotion. Creativity is key to growth as an artist. I don’t just paint
what I see, I want you to feel it.
What was it like when an Olympic rider purchased one of your
paintings?
Several years ago, Anne Kursinski saw one of my paintings and
recognized herself on Eros. I had painted it simply because I loved to
watch Anne and Eros compete, so for her to see it, love it and buy it
instilled a confidence to continue to capture “moments in time.” Over the
years, many riders and owners discovered my paintings in much the same
way.
If you had to pick your favorite painting, what would it be?
I have several paintings that I have kept over the years. They represent
turning points in my life. “Stallion Fire” is one of them. I decided to paint
something way outside my traditional equestrian scenes and came up with
this bold, powerful, in your face painting. One night when it was almost
completed, I woke up and thought, add real pieces of the horse’s mane!
Bringing the DNA into the painting was an emotional, exciting discovery.
Now, many of my portraits of horses also contain their DNA.
“Ali” – a 24 x 30 painting, courtesy of Rory Mueller.
