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Monday, July 06 2015 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Janet Crawford: A Life Revolving Around Ponies and Painting

“The Aristocrat”

By Taylor Renner

 

Janet Crawford Hicks has been passionate about art and horses for as long as she can remember. The New England equine artist, based in Massachusetts, focuses on classic portraiture of horses and dogs depicting the equestrian lifestyle as well as portraying candid moments that capture the true nature of the horse in her popular oil paintings.

Since receiving her bachelor of fine arts with a concentration in painting from Rhode Island College in 1991, Janet has been recognized for her talents by many organizations and has won multiple awards including the Special Talent Award from Rhode Island College, Horse World Magazine’s Morgan Artist of the Year and the National Distinguished Service Award from the American Hackney Horse Society along with having her work featured on a number of magazine covers and show programs.

Sidelines Magazine caught up with this accomplished artist to learn more about her artwork and equestrian background.

“The Clothes Horse”

 

Sidelines: When did you realize your talents as an artist?
Janet Crawford: I’ve been drawing and painting my whole life, really. I took lessons as a child and went to college for it and then right after college started painting professionally. I always knew that I’d go into painting horses. Even in grammar school I knew that would be my choice for a career; it was just something that came naturally. It’s always been my passion. When I was a kid taking lessons they’d force me to paint other things and I’d always come back to painting horses or dogs.

Sidelines: What is your background with horses?
JC: My husband, Rodney Hicks, and I have Hackney ponies that we raise and show. He has a public training stable called Rodney Hicks Stable in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. As a child, I just had pet ponies. Rodney has trained other breeds — Morgans and Saddlebreds — and is a judge in all of those breeds but at this time we primarily have Hackney ponies including the World Champion Hackney.

World Champion Hackney

Sidelines: What helped jump-start your career as an artist?
JC: Right after college I set up and displayed my artwork at a local horse show (UPHA Chapter 14 in West Springfield, Massachusetts) and I got my first commission there. So right away it just began. I’m very lucky to have such loyal clients — painting all the different horses they’ve had over the years — and of course I always enjoy meeting new clients as well. I started off painting the more animated breeds, Saddlebreds, Morgans and Hackneys, but I’ve done a lot of the hunter/jumpers over the years. Once I started setting up with VanderMoore Designs, Inc., who represent artwork on the hunter show circuits, I started painting a lot more of the hunter/jumpers.

Sidelines: What other subjects do you paint?
JC: Pretty much any animal. Lately there have been more interesting requests for cat paintings and I’ve done some chickens. But I mostly do horses and dogs.

Sidelines: Do you have a favorite painting that you’ve done?
JC: One of my favorites is a painting called “Silhouette” that was taken at the in-gate at the equitation finals at the Big E grounds [Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts] many years ago. That one sold out of print edition and has always been popular. In any job you know when things go right and that one — things just went right and fell together. Sometimes when I look at older work, I see things that I’d do differently — that one I’d leave just the way it is.

“Silhouette”

Sidelines: What are some of your accomplishments that you’re most proud of as an artist?
JC: I’m very proud of the work that I do with the American Hackney Horse Society. Most recently I updated their logo, and every time I see that displayed I’m very proud and happy to have done that. I’m also very proud of the work that I’ve done for the Berkshire Carousel. I designed two carousel horses, the American Saddlebred and the Hackney, and then I worked on three others. The Berkshire Carousel was created by over 200 volunteer artists and is set to open later this year.

Sidelines: Where is your art showcased?
JC: Right now I have my work in Spa Fine Art Gallery in Saratoga Springs, New York, which has led to me doing some more work depicting Thoroughbreds and horse racing. I painted the American Thoroughbred racehorse Mineshaft as a portrait commission years ago but I’m just now getting more into the Thoroughbred work through being in that gallery. VanderMoore Designs, Inc. from Tennessee have also represented my work for years on the A circuit — booking commissions and selling originals. I also have my work in a gallery called The Equestrian Collection in Somers, Connecticut.

Sidelines: What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not painting?
JC: I’m an amateur exhibitor with our Hackney ponies. Last year I won my first World Championship with a great pony called Four Point 0. He was the World Champion in the Junior Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving class at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky. My son shows as well so even though it’s my husband’s job, it’s our hobby. Pretty much everything revolves around the ponies. And I raise Corgis as well!

Sidelines: What does the rest of 2015 hold for The Fine Art of Janet Crawford?
JC: I’ll be preparing some Thoroughbred work for the July meet up at Saratoga Springs, New York. I’ve also already booked a few portraits for the year and then I just have the usual show circuit with VanderMoore Designs, Inc.

To purchase one of Janet’s paintings, contact a gallery or Janet Crawford directly. Visit her website for more information: www.equineartwork.com.

“The Stately Jumper” "The Look"

“Number Six”  Set of six hunter/jumper paintings

About the writer: Taylor Renner graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S.A. in agricultural communication and a minor in animal science in 2015. She’s ridden and shown in the hunter/jumper and equitation discipline for 12 years and is an avid photographer and writing enthusiast. She hopes to combine her love of horses and journalism into a lifelong career within the equine publishing industry.

Photos courtesy of Janet Crawford

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: equestrian art, hackney, Janet Crawford Hicks, oil painting, Taylor Renner

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We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
13.1hh, Welsh section B
Stud Fee $750 (plus collection)
AI only and EVA negative
Fairfield, VA

Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #sidelinesmagzine
Don't get caught without your green on today!🍀🍀
 
In today's featured article, we have Jessica Howington, who is dressed for the occasion in her green shirt! Jessica is the Owner/Rider at CrownView Dressage, a Realtor with Showcase Properties of Central Florida, and a Nurse Practitioner! Jessica has been involved with horses since she was a little girl. Everything from bareback to eventing she tried until she found her love for dressage.

Today, she and her family own CrownView Dressage, a 157-acre training, boarding, and breeding facility in Ocala, Florida. Jessica started training and teaching but felt as if her life was still missing something. Until Jessica focused on horses full-time, she didn’t realize how important the healthcare field was to her life. Jessica missed seeing patients and being in the medical field. Jessica is now back to working again as a nurse practitioner while also focusing on training her five competition horses, including her Grand Prix mare Cavalia. 

Jessica feels lucky 🍀 to have two amazing parents who have supported her in all of her endeavors and instilled the importance of work ethic, morals, dedication, and sacrifice. 

You can read all about Jessica and how she's finding fulfillment in her busy lifestyle in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Click the link in our bio for more 

✳️Tag us in your “lucky” photos for a chance to be featured on our story! Happy st. Patrick’s day everyone!🍀🍀

📸Photos by Melissa Fuller, msfullerphotography.com 

#stpatricksday #irish #stpattysday #green #ireland #luckoftheirish #stpaddysday #shamrock #happystpatricksday #lucky #saintpatricksday #leprechaun #stpatricks #stpatrick #kissmeimirish #clover #paddysday #march #potofgold #stpattys #love #beer #guinness #shopsmall #handmade #stpatricksdaydecor #stpatricksdayoutfit #fourleafclover #stpatricksdayparade #luckycharms
Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no stranger to balancing a busy schedule. From serving as president of the Pony Club South Region Youth Board to working on her online high school courses and modeling gigs, Devon has nearly every minute of her time planned out. And with her horses right in her backyard in Ball Ground, Georgia, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Devon’s fast-paced lifestyle stems from growing up around her parents’ animal casting business, Animal Casting Atlanta, where they train and provide animals for projects in the film industry. Devon’s parents, Carol and Greg, took her on her first film job at just two weeks old; both parents pushed Devon toward acting when she was younger. While Devon didn’t want to be an actor herself, she did follow in their footsteps with her love of animals, especially horses. 

“My parents’ company has provided animals for ‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Suicide Squad,’ a majority of the Marvel TV shows, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and so many more,” Devon said.

Devon started her equestrian journey when she was 9 years old. Initially, the Tresans bought a flashy gray Welsh pony, I Am Superman, for Devon to take in the hunter ring. However, Superman lived up to his name and proved to be too speedy for the job. 

“He was super cute and just a great little ride,” Devon said, “but he was still a pony! He made me work hard for everything we accomplished together. I was lucky enough to ride with a trainer who did both hunters and eventing, so we were able to switch disciplines pretty easily. Those eventing lessons together kickstarted my love for the sport.”

Read all about Devon and her busy life in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more
@TrDevon Lane Tresan  @Devontresan

📸Photo by Carol Lane Tresan
📸Photo courtesy of Devon Tresan
📸Modeling photo by Sara Hanna, @atlphotos 

#model #fashion #photography #love #style #instagood #photooftheday #beauty #instagram #beautiful #like #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #Sidelinesmagazine
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