26 SIDELINES OCTOBER 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Office Space —Lyn’s paints are set up and she is ready to be inspired by her surroundings.
A young Sophie St.Clair and her aunt, Lyn, taking part in the
Buffalo Bill Art Show in Cody Wyoming.
Do you work certain hours each day or only when you’re
inspired to work?
I work whenever the muse cracks her whip! Usually I prefer to
work in the morning, but if I get into a painting, I may work all night.
Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?
Work from life as much as possible and draw, draw, draw! Spend
time watching your subjects and learning all you can about
anatomy, conformation and movement. Learn all the rules — then
know when to break them. Believe in yourself and your work,
but be willing to listen to constructive criticism. Don’t copy other
people’s art or photos! It’s okay to be inspired by someone else’s
work and easy to want to paint like your heroes but each artist
has something uniquely beautiful to bring to the world. Trust your
own vision!
Of all the career choices, do you think yours was a good one?
I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. Being an artist is not an easy
life. It means a lot of hard work, determination and discipline, but
the payoff is that I get to do something I’m passionate about.
Where can we find you?
West Lives On Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming
Blog: wandermuse.blogspot.com and on Facebook
About the writer: Sophie St.Clair is a high school sophomore from Southern
California. She has an interest in the psychology of high performance athletes. She
is also a Junior Ambassador for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where she works
to raise funds and awareness for the hospital. Sophie is working toward becoming a
professional show jumper but is taking it “one jump at a time.”
