New interview

Learned a bit more about some UConn mares last night. Some of them were real hot tickets!

My husband said he'd take me to the Altnaveigh Inn and Restaurant when my book is done. It's near UConn, and it's a 1700's colonial house steeped in history. Perfect.

And who wouldn't like something like this:

Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon & Gorgonzola
Char-grilled ten ounce filet wrapped in bacon and grilled over an open flame to your request. Served with our classic demi glace and Béarnaise sauce, then topped with crumbled gorgonzola cheese.

You're hearing me.

Don't forget the carrot cake!

YES!

Finished the UC Toronado chapter!

A handful of mare chapters are all that are left. I made some phone calls, waiting for them to be returned. Then, a phone interview this Wednesday, then one final research call.

Then, I add few more illustrations and VOILA.

I am so excited for the moment I get to write, "The End."

What should I do to celebrate when it's done? I say a nice dinner date with my husband. *big smile*

Have I mentioned...

...how much I love history?

I had a wonderful chat with Dr. Donald Balch last night. He was the director of the UVM Morgan Horse Farm for over thirty years, and he is UVM Viking's breeder.

UVM Viking was herd sire at UConn for about a year in the 1970s.

When I asked him about Viking he said "I can see him in my mind as if it was yesterday."

Dr. Balch loved every one of his horses.

Thank you for sharing, Dr. Balch. It was an honor to speak with you.

Here is a great video about the UVM Horse Farm featuring the Farm Director, Steve Davis. Steve Davis was Dr. Balch's successor--recommended highly by Dr. Balch himself.

Thank you, UVM, for your help in keeping the Morgan breed alive!

Chapter updates!

Nearly finished the UC Toronado chapter this weekend. His story is really heartwarming--I loved writing it.

Just need to add a few more details to the UC Show Biz and UVM Viking chapters, then the stallion chapters are DONE.

Then, a phone call or two--and perhaps an e-mail or two-- and the mare research is done.

Still on track for a summer, 2012 completion. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

wrapping it up!

The final chapters are in the homestretch, just received some info on the last few mares-- hopefully I will be able to start their chapters soon.

(....Because I just called a bunch of people to ask them to share their stories with me...Hope those return phone calls start rolling in! Happiness!)

Had a wonderful conversation about UC Expectation last night. Oh my goodness, there is quite the funny and delightful story about her--no spoilers! Wait for the book.... *big smile*

Research! And MORE research!

Ah, yes--my plan was to write the UC Toronado chapter this weekend. That didn't happen because I drowned myself in American Morgan Horse Association registry information.

This will help me connect the dots and complete those last few chapters.

However--I've run into a snag with UC Esther--I can't find much on her, even in the registry. Can anyone help? E-mail me at soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

Thank you!

UC Show Biz

Fun with research:

UC Show Biz, a full brother to UC Ringmaster, was a bit of a "stinker" when he was a youngster; full of energetic shenanigans. Picture the lovable neighborhood kid with a red baseball cap looking for mischief, that was him. He could be a bit of a spirited chap, and hence, he was mostly trained and groomed by the more experienced handlers during his time at UConn.

The beautiful bay spitfire grew up to be a gorgeous stallion that was, "gentle as a kitten."

How cool is that? So many gentlemanly stallions graced the barns at UConn--a handsome, noble lot they were.

writin' writin' writin'

....up to 37 chapters. Whew! *wipes brow*

Almost finished the chapter on Delmaytion Desire....and then, it's tweaking the UC Show Biz chapter.

Who do I have left?

UC Esther, UC Expectation, UC Aria, UC Carberry and the black stallion, UC Toronado.

...and a little more for the UVM Viking chapter.

There ya have it. Watch this space!

HOORAY!

The Open Studio was a success! What a fun time.

Thank you to everyone for coming by and making my day.

It's always wonderful to get a SUPER MYSTERY SURPRISE guest on Open Studio day! My good friend, Matthew, visited and gave me big ol' kiss on my cheek. YAY!

I've known Matthew since junior high---so, he knows what a true dork I am. Yet, he loves me anyway. Everyone needs a friend like Matthew!

Love ya, buddy!

In book news: I can't believe the writing journey is coming to a close. Cross your fingers that a publisher will love it and take me on. I want the world to know the stories of these great horses.

Thanks again to everyone for your continued support of this happy artist and writer.

PS I have a Facebook fan page! Join me here: Helen Scanlon Facebook Page

Holiday Open Studio

Every year since 2003, I've held a Holiday Open Studio. I actually clean up and get cookies and everything.

It's a blast! Come on by! My paintings for the book will be there--and they're for sale!

Sound the Bugle Studio's Annual

Holiday Open Studio

Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011 from 10am-4pm

6 Kenyon Rd., Hampton, Connecticut.

Helen Scanlon, Equine Artist

Hope to see you!

Sidenote: Hampton is beautiful and charming New England town with many historic homes, farms and rolling hills. A drive down Main St. (on the way to my studio) is sure to get you in the Holiday spirit---all of the white candles in the windows and evergreen wreaths with red ribbons. So wonderful!

Learn more about Hampton here: www.hamptonct.org

Lunch break literary conquests!

I wrote and illustrated my first book when I was ten. I wanted to go back to that time when the equine was the indispensable work partner of humans and write about a horse that clip-clopped on cobblestone streets, hitched to a beautiful carriage. I wanted to feel what it was like to live in Anna Sewell's day; it always astounded me that she wrote her book when she was so sickly. Her book, Black Beauty, was a masterpiece. You would never know its author was so ill, it was written with such bravery, tenderness and hope. I could picture Anna's mother sitting at her daughter's bedside, patiently transcribing her words. I found it incredibly sad that Anna died only three months after her beloved book's publication. She was a hero of mine.

My horse's name was Golden Beauty.

In my fifth grade class at the Hawley School in Newtown, Connecticut--we ate lunch in the classroom. We could order snacks like yogurts and cheese and crackers from the school kitchen, and we ate our sandwiches and chips at our tables.

I always ate my lunch quickly so I could work on my book about the golden carriage horse. I had nearly filled a composition notebook with my story and drawings when my teacher noticed what I chose to do with my lunchtime freedom. He called in the school librarian, a soft-spoken woman a little older than my mother, and asked her to take a look at my book. She picked up the black and white marbled tablet and flicked through the pages, smiling. It made me feel uneasy. I was an extremely sensitive child who became anxious when people observed my work, but, on this day, I put my fear aside and allowed this kind woman to encourage me. And, much to my amazement, I discovered that the encouragement felt good.

She urged me to design a cover for my book so she could put it in the school library. MY book? In the library? Wow. It had a card catalog number and everything. I will never forget the feeling of watching a student pick it up from the New Releases section and bring it to the front counter to sign it out. My book! And, another student, then another. It stayed in that library for quite some time. Towards the end of the school year, I wanted my book back. It was getting handled a lot and the sage-green construction paper cover was starting to tatter.

One day, I went to its shelf, and I quietly slipped the composition notebook into my book bag and took it home. It was my book. People read it and they liked it--I felt bad for "stealing" it back, but my protective instincts took over and my book and I were reunited. I had missed it.

A lot of My Horse, My Heart was written on lunch breaks, too. Thank goodness for lunch breaks!

And thank you to all who are encouraging me. It still feels good.

Song of Courage

Looking for memories of the mare, Song of Courage. Any and all input is welcome!

E-mail me at soundthebuglestudio@charter.net

Thank you!

Soon, Fearless

Songs that inspire the writer...

Hope

Finished the UC Hope and Courage chapter this weekend. Many thanks go out, yet again, to the fabulous Meg Brauch for her memories and input.

Horses have enriched my life so much. They helped the shy, insecure kid come out of her little shell and enjoy life. On the back of a horse, no one told me I was doing it wrong. It was just me and my horse and the sound of metal horseshoes hitting the arena sand.

On a trail ride, it was all about the wide open sky and the wind and the trees. My view from the saddle was a full harvest moon reflected on the marsh.

My horse always took me home.

Take the Big Leap--the one that thrills you and terrifies you at the same time. I will take care of you. I know the way home. ~The Horse (Helen Scanlon, 2011)

above image is me and Jamie enjoying a nice ride. Photo by Lindsay Murphy, 2011.

Perserverance

When the world says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
~Author Unknown

Many people have a book in them, waiting to come out. Write. Do it.

Writing a book is hard work, but it has the ability to awaken your spirit. It is worth the time and the tears. Believe me.

Many things get in the way of the writing journey--day jobs and obligations eat into our most precious commodity: TIME.

Don't let Time slip through your fingers. It all starts with a single word. Then another and another. Soon, a sentence appears. Then another. And another.

Why did I wait so long to write a book? I knew at age three that I wanted to write and draw--that's all I ever did when I was a youngster. My pen and drawing pad were always near. I filled notebooks with horse stories inspired by Anna Sewell and Marguerite Henry. I studied CW Anderson and Wesley Dennis. I wanted to be them when I grew up.

As an adult, I abandoned my book idea for many years. Then, a few years ago, I got the tickle of my dream in my sleepy grown-up brain--why not write that horse story? Why not?

We love horses. Horses evoke long forgotten memories of the squeak of saddle leather and the hay-scented breath in our ear. The thrill of sitting on a horse for the first time, the glee illuminating your heart as your proud parents looked on. Then, the trot. You learned to post. You could barely walk the next day, but the smile refused to leave your face. You couldn't wait to ride again.

Horses are generous with their gifts. Please, remember the patient school pony that nuzzled your cheek, his whiskers light like the wings of a dragonfly. Don't forget how those reins felt around your fingers, the leather strong, yet forgiving.

Remember that one special horse--the one who taught you that you could do anything. Remember how brave you were!

Remember that time when your heart was young and a horse showed you how to live in the present; to feel the sun on your face, to really look at the sky and the cloud formations.

Remember.

The Inspiration

Here is two-time World Champion Morgan stallion, UC Ringmaster, the inspiration for my book. He is 33 years young and just adorable-- I took this photo of him yesterday.

I thought it would be great to write his story--so, why not write a book about all of the stallions and broodmares? Why not, indeed. Ring got the ball rolling.

Thanks, Ring.

If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it. ~Toni Morrison

Moving right along...

UC Ringmaster from many years ago--love the fall backdrop...this photo was given to me by Dr. Al Cowan.

I took a little break from writing this week to recharge my batteries. My laptop power cord picked a good time to crap out on me...

While I await the arrival of my new power cord, I've kept myself busy with planning studio events. My Holiday Open Studio is scheduled for Sat. Nov. 26 from 10am-4pm (come on down! Sound the Bugle Studio is located at 6 Kenyon Rd in GORGEOUS Hampton, Connecticut.)

I love my town, can you tell?

AND my artwork will be displayed at the Willimantic Food Co-op for the month of October. The Co-op is at 91 Valley St., Willimantic, Connecticut. My UConn Morgan paintings will be there, check them out.

It's my busy season, I love fall!

I am starting to feel the urge to write again, however--so hurry up, power cord. Let's get a move on!

My mom is visiting me this weekend and she asked if we could go visit my buddy, Ringmaster. She's smitten, too. The Great Red Horse still has many fans.

excerpt from The Teacher

...Breezing over the russet painted earth
We were joined by bridle, bit and girth.

~2011, by Helen Scanlon

farewell, UC Sonata....

UC Sonata, 1977-2011 by Helen Scanlon.

Painting...

painting UC Doc Daniels, photo by Roxanne Pandolfi.

awwwww

This young UConn Morgan really wanted to tell me something!

photo by Roxanne Pandolfi.

article in the Willimantic, CT Chronicle newspaper

Many thanks to Heather Lake and Roxanne Pandolfi! *big smile* Click on the article to make it bigger. And yes, Ringmaster is a stallion! :-)

research phase...

...is nearly wrapped up.

I've been writing and painting so much! I had to take a little break today and refuel--very necessary. Downtime is essential to keep creative momentum going.

I was also interviewed by a local paper last week, the story will be out on August 13. I will try to post it here if I can.

I can not overstate my gratitude to the UConn Horsebarn, UConn alumni, The American Morgan Horse Association, The National Museum of the Morgan Horse, UConn Animal Science, The Dodd Center, my interviewees, blog readers, friends and family for all of their unwavering support.

It's my dream and my passion to write and illustrate this book. I've loved the Morgan horse since I was a kid, my nose pressed into Justin Morgan Had a Horse.

Wow, they just seem like a perfect horse. Is there anything they can't do? I would ask myself.


Thank you, everyone.

24 CHAPTERS!

Update:

24 chapters started--and MOST of these chapters are DONE!

Finished the Goldfield chapter today, polished up the Ledgemere Bounty and Mentor chapters, too.
AND (deep breath) I finished a painting of the mighty stallion, Mentor. Busy, busy, busy!

So, now it's time for some hanging out in my air conditioned living room watching Star Wars.

Yes, I am a geek.


Enjoy your day!

The Morgan Horse!

Here's an ad from a 1941 UConn Block and Bridle program (cool, huh?)

Oh, and don't bother writing for your free copy of The Morgan Horse magazine, they aren't there any more. The Morgan Horse Club, inc. became the American Morgan Horse Association quite some time ago...

Sharing a little history, enjoy!

War Horse

War Horse, the Tony award-winning play, is now a movie directed by Steven Spielberg. It will be in theaters this Christmas. Check out the trailer (and I dare you not to cry!):



The Morgans at UConn are descended from government bloodlines--many of these horses were bred for the cavalry. The forefathers of the UConn Morgan horses carried our men into battle and saved lives with their stamina, surefootedness and courage. They were war horses.

Here's to you, brave souls.

Can you imagine flying over a war--and you know you can never look down. You have to look forward...

or you'll never get home.

Mentor

The government-bred Morgan stallion, Mentor, stood at UConn in the 1950s-60s.

He was...

AMAZING.

He is the subject for my latest painting. I don't have any color photos of him, but I learned from a trustworthy source that he was a deep, dark chestnut. He is buried on a farm in a nearby town--as a matter of fact, I drove down that very street today.

Did I feel awe when I passed by the fields and farms, wondering which grassy meadow held the bones of Mentor? Absolutely.

I hope my painting can adequately honor this great, great horse.

Mentor inspired me to write this poem today:

My Horse, My Heart

Under a tree, my beloved steed

Earth and roots now hold you near.

Twisted branches scrape the painted sky

With sun to soothe and stars to guide.

My old friend, he is there in the nimbus

Wind shapes his hoof and molds his ear.

I see him in the rays through my window

I hear him in the gust through the flue.

My horse, my heart-- he is near.

My horse, my heart--he is here.

-Helen Scanlon, 7/10/11

little horse, big heart

Finished the Ledgemere Bounty chapter. Many thanks to Bob and Patti Brooks for sharing their memories with me.

His was a fun chapter to write! Patti shared a humorous "at home" story of Bounty that is just fantastic. I really want my readers to know the essence of these great horses. They are so much more than just a name and a color-- they are souls.

Love it!

This is somewhat of a short blog entry because I've been writing the book all weekend and I think I have callouses on my fingers. My keyboard has been clicking away....

Okay, time for some stretches and a snuggle with the kitties. It's too early for bed...but I am so tired..YAAAAWN.

Next, I will learn all about the mares UC Taffy and Salem Sentana. Can't wait!

Thanks for sharing this wonderful book journey with me.

Until next time, I will leave you with this:

Ah, steeds, steeds, what steeds! Has the whirlwind a home in your manes? Is there a sensitive ear, alert as a flame, in your every fiber? Hearing the familiar song from above, all in one accord you strain your bronze chests and, hooves barely touching the ground, turn into straight lines cleaving the air, and all inspired by God it rushes on! ~Nikolai V. Gogol, Dead Souls, 1842, translated from Russian (above is combination of translations by Bernard Guildert Guerney, Richard Peaver, and Larisa Voloklonsky)

meeting another legend...

UC Ovation is a daughter of the beautiful UC Sonata, another UConn legend (be sure to read my June 8 blog post on UC Sonata)

UC Ovation's big, gorgeous eyes looked right into my heart. My first impression was "what a perfect Morgan mare face!" Lovely. I could see her dam in those eyes.

I patted her sleek neck and ran my fingers through her mane as she munched on her hay. I could instantly feel her kind, patient energy.

Thank you for a great visit, Mama O.

writing writing writing and after that, writing.

...that's what writers do, after all.

All of my summer weekends are booked for writing and research (with occasional forays into my garden). How cool would it be to actually get the book written this summer? I mean, DONE. Then I can illustrate my heart out....Bliss!

I am giving myself a year to have the book done and ready to go. Publisher suggestions? Support? Encouragement? French fries? Send 'em my way!

Since this book is non-fiction, I can send proposals to publishers before it is completed. But, I am pulling the reins in on that for now and I'm just going to write. Cross the bridge when I get to it and all.

I want to have the manuscript pretty much done before I do the ol' peddle-to-a-publisher. When I work at my own pace, I can hear the muse nicker in my ear.

To my family, friends, interviewees: I really appreciate all of your unwavering support.


Watch this space!

UC Sonata

34 years young and totally beautiful, UC Sonata is a legend. Look at her wise and gorgeous face!
That large brown eye...the strong, sound legs....that equine happy smile.

This mare stole my heart. *big smile*

voice from the past

I received some archives today that nearly moved me to tears. History has that effect on me sometimes; it is profound and inspirational.

So many questions, answered. So many details, added.

A voice from a dear departed arrived in my e-mail inbox this afternoon. Many, many thanks to the messenger. My gratitude is boundless.

Could it be...?

The stallion chapters are almost done? Really?

Hoooray!

UC Toronado

UC Toronado, aka "Gideon," 2011. 14" x 18" acrylic on canvas.

I gave the mighty black stallion of UConn a red and orange background to match his fiery spirit. What an amazing creature he is....(click on the pic to see color and detail)

Colors in his black coat include: burnt umber, deep magenta, cobalt blue-- and deep cadmium red-- like smoldering coal embers.

Productive research

A lingering question was answered last night! Thank you!

What do I like most about research? The interviews. I love talking with the people who were there. The people who actually touched the great horses of UConn.

...The people who can describe their rich color, their unique personalities, their floating gaits. They were there, they saw it as it all happened....

It inspires awe!

History is important. I am listening, and I am writing it down.

It is an honor.

wise advice from a dear, departed friend

Just write. Don't worry, don't fret, don't get caught up in structure. Bust that dam wide open and let the words flow.

Thank you, Mary. I miss you.

Get your stories in!

ATTENTION: now is the time to get your stories in to me or arrange for me to visit your UConn Morgan. I am wrapping up the research phase so I can complete the chapters.

Thank you, everybody! It's YOUR input that will give the book its true heart. You know these horses, you have the tales. Some of you trained these horses. Some of you witnessed their births. Some of you rode or drove them in shows. Some of you won big Championship ribbons. Some of you gave a broodmare or a stallion a retirement home. The list goes on...

....and ALL of you love the UConn Morgan Horses!

Thank you all, so much. I look forward to hearing from you!

my e-mail: soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

More thank yous!

THANK YOU to Jennifer Simoniello of UConn's Animal Science department for spreading the word and for sending me some incredible archives.

I really appreciate it!

research, research, research. And more research.

Awaiting a BIG BUNCH of material from the National Museum of the Morgan Horse..I am quite excited about this! Many, many thanks to Amber Broderick for her help and support.

Many thanks also goes out to Christina Koliander from the American Morgan Horse Association for helping me track down information on some of these UConn horses.

I love archives!

Onward!

In other horse news: I ordered my very first pair of full-seat riding breeches this week and I am anxiously awaiting their arrival. My dressage trainer said once I ride in them I will never go back to knee-patch breeches or riding tights. It's all about comfort and grip, folks! Can't wait.

speaking of UC Doc Daniels...

UC Doc Daniels, 2011. 30" x 30" acrylic on gessboard.

...with the colors of royalty: purple and blue.

the ambassador, UC Doc Daniels

The stall plate of the one and only UC Doc Daniels.

Doc now resides in Morgan horse country--beautiful Vermont. His handsome son, UC Domination, can now be found in his sire's stall.

a visit with UC Ringmaster...

UC Ringmaster---33 years old and a most friendly gentleman.
He was talking to me here...*whuffwhuffwhuffwhuffle*

The University of Connecticut in May...

Beautiful!

The crabapple trees are in full bloom, the grass is emerald green and the sky is clear and bright...
No deerflies, no oppressive heat, no humidity--just perfection.

a great quote, had to share

I think they'll take me to my grave with a pitchfork in my hand and a rub rag in my back pocket.

~Eddie Sweat, Secretariat's groom

Many wonder why a person would want to work with horses. How could anyone enjoy the sweat, the dirt, the back-breaking work? Piles of manure? Itchy hay? The long hours? Getting up before the sun? Sleeping on a hay bale next to a sickly equine charge? Staying up all night with an expectant mare?

It's because the sun doesn't hum incessantly like a florescent light and the fresh air doesn't give you a headache.

It's because working with horses brings you back to what is truly important in this life.

They will tell you what they need and you need to be present and really listen.

Here's to you, dear grooms of the world. Thank you for all that you do for the horses.

above photo is of me and my charge, Sound the Bugle, circa 1990.

Reading aloud

I read five of my completed chapters to my husband, Steve, last night--FUN.

Reading aloud is a great way to improve your writing--actually hearing the words can help you edit, fix grammar and revise sentence structure. It also helps immensely if you can read it to someone so they can offer their feedback and suggestions. Thank you, sweetie!

Steve's encouragement lights a creative fire in my heart, I am so blessed to have this great guy in my life.

Have a wonderful Derby day, everyone! Hug your horse and have a mint julep.

Getting to know you....

...that song has been stuck in my head for the past day or so.

Had a wonderful chat with John Bennett (UConn Horsebarn Manager) and Kathy Pelletier (Assistant UConn Horsebarn manager) yesterday. My note-taking pen was FLYING over the paper!

They are a wealth of information: They have decades of UConn Morgan horse history between them.

Thank you for sharing, John and Kathy!

Learned more about UC Doc Daniels yesterday. John and Kathy had smiles in their eyes when they talked about him.

I wrote more in his chapter, with the feeling still fresh in my brain:

UC Doc Daniels would keep a cool head in every situation—even in a parade through the streets of Hartford, the sound of his hooves echoing off the tall buildings in a near-deafening din of clip-clops.

The Morgan Stallion

The majesty of the Morgan stallion can make the breath catch in your throat.

The sight of such a magnificent creature stirs up an emotion so raw, so real and so undeniably visceral that it wells up inside of you until tears form in your eyes.

The muse of the day.

Back in the saddle...on a Morgan!

This weekend I pursued my passion for dressage again-- I got back in the saddle, thanks to my great friend and instructor, G.

I rode an adorable and intelligent bay Morgan named Jamie and he took very good care of me. He even went round and on the bit. *elation* *happiness* *wow*

It had been many, many years since I have felt that wonderful harmony and connection in the saddle. (Thank you, G!)

I now feel confident that I will ride consistently and work hard to be the best rider I can be. Picking up where I left off....

And on a Morgan, no less! Yippee!

Me and Jamie before our ride, 4/30/11. Photo by G.

illustrations

...decided to get a bunch of cream-colored Canson Mi-Teintes paper yesterday....

I would like to do charcoal portraits of some of the stallions, and the cream paper will give the drawings an aged, archival look....

Above image is The Gentleman, a drawing I did last year. It's charcoal and pastel on the cream Canson paper. Love that paper!

Research trips!

On the "must do" list:

Go to Vermont and dig through the archives at the National Museum of the Morgan Horse. (Sigh. It's a hard job, but somebody's gotta do it....)

Vermont is a lovely state full of Morgan horses and Morgan horse lovers--can't wait!

My copy of The Morgan Horse by Jeanne Mellin arrived this weekend, and wow--what a fantastic book. I wish this book was still in print and widely available--Jeanne Mellin did some exhaustive research on the history of the Morgan breed and presented it with some amazing photos and her wonderful artwork.

Oh, and be still my heart--there is a photo of the mighty stallion, Mentor, standing in a field with the old UConn horse barn in the background. Lovely piece of UConn history, there.


today's image is a freehand sketch of a Morgan stallion. I did this drawing last week when I wrote more in the UC Doc Daniels chapter--he inspired me. :-)

Happiness is....

...Having an ENTIRE WEEK to do nothing but write and paint!

The word continues to spread, and many have shared their stories with me. I am so grateful. It's your input that will give this book a true heart!

THANK YOU!

Oh boy, I have three gigantic blank canvases in my studio right now (five foot by six foot, to be exact), and I can't wait to take a vine charcoal to them! (Whatsie whozit?)

Let me explain. Vine charcoal is a very soft drawing medium that allows for easy erasing and re-working. You can wipe the line away with your hand--no gum eraser needed. I use vine charcoal to draw my sketch directly on the painting surface. I sketch, step back, correct, re-work, fix, etc--I don't use a projector to trace a photo or drawing onto the surface. I like working this way, using memory and imagination really gets me connected to the work. It also keeps my knowledge of horse anatomy fresh and my drawing muscles strong.

When the sketch is done, I veeeeeeeeery gently wipe away most of the vine charcoal on the canvas or gessboard so that only a faded outline appears on the surface. Then, I paint. I start with a diluted underpainting over the entire surface for the background, then I paint the outline in so it doesn't disappear.

I can't wait to get started--- I'm chomping at the bit! (pun TOTALLY intended!)

(By the way---UC Ringmaster gets one of these canvases....) (yippppeee! I love painting him! He's SO expressive)

Things are really picking up in the research department, too. So much to do! So much FUN!

Watch this space....

image is a detailed crop of My Horse, My Heart from 2009. Pressed charcoal was incorporated into this work, and varnished in. (I love charcoal! I like to give it a starring role every once in a while...)

new chapters started

Yesterday I started the chapters on the stallions Canfield, Goldfield, Magellan and Mentor. I was in the zone--the words flew off my fingers! LOVE IT when that happens.

And, the UConn men won! Congrats!

Mama "O" aka UC Ovation

(detail from "Concentration", 2007. Charcoal and Conte crayon.)

She could sense if the rider was nervous and she wouldn’t go too fast or toss her head impatiently if the reins were accidentally pulled too hard. If a rider had more experience, Ovation would size them up and offer more of a challenge by getting a little sassy.

~from the UC Ovation chapter


oh, and CONGRATS to the UConn Huskies! FINAL FOUR!

The list...

I figured I should list the horses I am writing about, so perhaps they will show up in a google search and MORE people will contact me.

(Last night, I had a fantastic interview with an alum from the class of 1972--very knowledgeable horsewoman, and she's a poet. Her descriptions of the horses were, well, like poetry! So wonderful.)( I love this job!)

Anyway, here are the stallions:

-->

Abbott,Canfield, Goldfield, Magellan, Mentor, Panfield,The Explorer, Windcrest Don Again, UC Marquis, Ledgmere Bounty, Orcland John Darling, UVM Viking, UC Ringmaster, Chantwood Command, UC Doc Daniels, UC Show Biz and UC Toronado
And the broodmares:

Sheba, Sentana, UC Sensation, UC Melodie, Cannie, UC Rhapsody, UC Expectation, UC Taffy, UC Lyric, UC Concertina, UC Fascination, Merwin Black Beauty, UC Sonata, UC Topaz, Delmaytion Desire, UC Esther, Song of Courage, UC Ovation, UC Aria, UC Carberry, UC Hope and Courage, UC Electra, Salem Sentana and UC Holiday.

Send me your memories: soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

UC Cannie and Foal

UC Cannie and foal, watercolor pencil and ink Illustration for My Horse, My Heart: The Morgan Horses of the University of Connecticut. copyright 2011 Helen Scanlon.

Born in 1949 to the to athletic and exquisitely feminine mare, Phillipa, and the formidable stallion, Canfield, Cannie possessed a brilliant chestnut coat and a small star on her face with a tiny smidge of a snip on her muzzle. Her eye was large and bright; her attitude kind and willing.

~excerpt from UC Cannie's chapter

by request--an excerpt!

(me and The Great Red Horse, UC Ringmaster. June, 2010, photo by KJL)


Here is a little taste of the UC Ringmaster chapter....

UC Ringmaster loved children and was careful and kind when they were in his company.

After he won his second World Championship, a woman and her two blonde little girls visited the show barns and asked if they could meet Ringmaster.

Les (Parker, Ringmaster's rider)took the woman and the twin little girls, who were no more than five or six years old, to see the Champion. Les opened the stall door and Ring bent his head down to greet the excited girls. He softly blew his sweet, hay-scented breath into one twin’s golden hair and rested his black velvet muzzle against her cheek. The girl visibly shivered.

“You can touch him,” Cheryl (Orcutt, Ringmaster's owner) said to the young girl, no doubt a horse-crazy girl at that.

She reached over, stroked the gentle stallion’s nose and was transformed.

“We call him the fire breathing dragon,” the girl said, her hushed voice filled with awe.

Time to draw!

I finished the outline of the UC Cannie and foal illustration. It just needs color and it's done.

I couldn't track down photos of the beloved mare, so I went by a description of her from the all-breed pedigree website.

I have a goal of two new illustrations a week. So who should I draw for my second horse this week?

UC Toronado?

UC Doc Daniels?

Abbott?

I have about 30 or so illustrations to do. Gotta get moving! The Arches paper arrived and it is SO MUCH BETTER than this "multi-media" crap, I mean, "paper," that I purchased a while back. Multi-media? No way. Unless you actually *like* your watercolors to look like they've been painted on Kleenex.

Why did I even think of using any other paper?? Oh, Arches, please accept my humble apologies.
*grin*

PS Yes, the UC Ringmaster foal illo was done on that multi-media paper...so guess what? I'm re-doing it.

UC Toronado

Here he is--now a gelding named "Gideon" (what a fantastic name!)---with his rider and biggest fan, Jade.
Nice Champion ribbon, you two!

From summer 2010, Woodstock Fair.

Toronado ("Giddy") was a herd stallion at UConn for many years. And yes, he sired beautiful babies!
(Of course he did--look at him!)
He was a success right away--he sired UC Hope and Courage and UC Concerto in his first year.




Pic provided by Jade, thank you.

UC Doc Daniels

Mary O' Donovan and UC Doc Daniels in the Hartford Courant, 1997.
UC Doc Daniels, driven by Mary O'Donovan, UConn Holiday barn. (The mares were near, but he behaved himself!)(what a great horse)
Credit: Horsin' Around Photography, Brenda V. Cataldo


Thank you to Mary O'Donovan for these incredible photos of UC Doc Daniels.

UC Doc Daniels was a UConn herd stallion for many years. A handsome gentleman with an unwavering work ethic, he sired many beautiful, sturdy foals. (Take a look back in this blog--UC High Hopes "Shoe" is one of his famous sons!)

It is such an honor to write this regal stallion's story.

hay! you with the pitchfork!

Grooms and working students: me (on left in red scarf) and two of my wonderful roommates at Woodcock Hill Riding Academy, circa 1990.

Fun, fun times! Our days were filled with horses, hay, wood shavings, saddles, sweet feed, polo wraps, snaffle bits, buckets, friendship and laughter.

Our house was just over the hay field past the indoor riding arena. We would return home after a long day of barn work and EAT. Boy, we could eat. Anything not nailed down was smothered in peanut butter and devoured.

We would burn it all off by the next day's chores....


My next chapter is about the lovely mare, UC Hope and Courage.

Watch this space for some pics of the magnificent stallion, UC Doc Daniels. Prepare to be awestruck....

Helllooooo UConn Alumni!

Send me your stories! I want to hear from you!

soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

Tell me about your time with the Morgan horses at UConn! Each herd stallion and top-producing broodmare has their own chapter. (So, do the math---that's 34 chapters, people!)

Just finished UC Cannie's chapter. I never met her, but she left a hoofprint on my heart.
What a sweet, beautiful mare she was.

The book journey is one filled with wonderful tales of the grand Morgan horses of the University of Connecticut....

....thank you for sharing your stories, dear alumni. Keep 'em coming! Spread the word.

Somewhere

Somewhere...Somewhere in time's own space
There must be some sweet pastured place
Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow
Some Paradise where horses go,
For by the love that guides my pen
...I know great horses live again.
- Stanley Harrison

a life, changed

Me and my old friend, Red, at Woodcock Hill Riding Academy, 1991. (Please note the fabulous attire--perfect for stall mucking)


I have A LOT of information I need to get into the chapters. My interviewees are THE BEST: They are so willing to share their stories with me.
And let me tell ya--they are GREAT stories. It is an honor to transcribe them.

The Morgan horses at UConn live in so many hearts. Many alumni I've talked with tell me that their time at UConn was life changing and was some of the most fun they've ever had. Being young and surrounded by horses--- living the barn life, riding all the time, making forever friends--it can transform a soul.

I can understand it, because it happened to me.

I lived and worked at a nearby riding academy during my time as a UConn student. I would get up well before the sun to muck stalls before my 8am class, eat a second breakfast, throw the bike in the back of my pickup, drive to UConn, park, jump on the bike and ride to the art building all the way on the other side of campus....it was a fun and very busy time of my life.

I shared a house with a bunch of horse crazy women and we usually had wood shavings and oats embedded in our socks and hay in our hair. I am still friends with many of these women today.

We lived in service of the horse; we bonded over the care of our beloved charges.

We fed them, kept their stalls clean, brushed the shavings out of their tails. We rode them and learned from them. We cheered when they won a ribbon at a show. We cried when they left us.

Your whole being changes when you have horses in your life. Something in your soul clicks into place when you hear the soft, friendly nickers of hungry horses as you slide the barn doors open just as the early morning light peers over the horizon.

You are never the same after that....

Justin Morgan Had a Horse

I read Marguerite Henry's book, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, when I was around nine years old and I promptly fell in love with the Morgan breed.

I bugged my parents to get me a Morgan for Christmas (yup--just get a Morgan--I'll keep it in my bedroom!). I drew Morgans all the time; intently studying Wesley Dennis' illustrations. I made sure the neck was thick and the legs sturdy. I envisioned Justin Morgan beating every horse in a race and out-pulling even the strongest of seasoned workhorses. Justin Morgan, also known as Figure, was born a runt; nothing to write home about, but he grew into an amazing stallion of great heart, mighty strength and boundless stamina. He was the father of America's first breed: The Morgan.

For Christmas one year, my parents gave me a set of fabric markers and my first project was to draw the mighty Figure on my favorite ratty orange t-shirt (see pic on left--you can kinda see it). I wore that orange t-shirt all the time. I was a kid obsessed.

I'm 43 now, and my childhood love of the Morgan horse has re-awakened.

And that makes me very happy!

the nature of horses...

(Me and my friend, Cavan. Rest in peace, Little Man...)

Horses are true to themselves.

If we don't get the answer we want from them, we asked the wrong question.

Horses teach us patience, humility and integrity. One can not be false with a horse. One can not lie to a horse. They know what the truth is, and they will remind you of it. Always.

A horse can be kind to show us that we can trust. A horse can be spirited to remind us to not be complacent. A horse can be strong to carry us home when our own legs have weakened. A horse can remind us to treasure life and the ones we love--everyday.

Even when our hearts are broken, we need to stand up and take care of ourselves and also take care of those who need us.

I can not get UC Cannie out of my mind....

Cannie was a beautiful and wonderful broodmare who taught so many important life lessons to those who loved her.

Her kindness and nobility carry on.

1959 video

Have I mentioned how GREAT youtube is?

Look what I found--a 1959 video of the National Morgan Horse Show in Northampton, Massachusetts:


Mentor was standing at stud at UConn during this time, I bet he was at this show.

I love history!

horses *are* poetry....

An alumna of the class of 1974 contacted me yesterday. How exciting! Can't wait to talk with her and hear her stories about the UConn horse barn in the early 70s.

The UC Doc Daniels chapter is progressing nicely. I find my words are leaning towards an almost poetry-like style as I write about these amazing horses. It wasn't intentional, it just happened that way. I don't want to write a dry history text--how can I write that a horse like UC Doc Daniels is simply "a bay Morgan born in 1987" when he is so much more than that?

I want to give my readers a peek into a soul.

....and what grands souls they are, these UConn Morgans....


Check out this video. Can you see why the Morgan horse inspires me so?


The Morgan horse is living, breathing American history. They helped build our great country; they pulled the stone boats for our walls, hauled the logs for our houses and carried us on their sturdy, proud backs.

I raise a glass in your honor, dear Morgan horse. Thank you.

Back on track!

Started the UC Doc Daniels chapter AND the Panfield chapter.

Panfield was a favorite of Dr. Cowan's because of his correctness and beauty. Panfield added a real one-two punch to the Morgan breeding program at UConn: He was a wonderfully prodigious broodmare sire and his brilliance can still be seen in his modern-day descendants.

Oh, and he was GORGEOUS. Picture a sturdy, muscular Morgan stallion all dressed up in a gleaming gold coat topped off with an illustrious blond mane and tail....

....a stallion to make your heart skip a beat. A stallion of fantasy.

But, he was real. He lived.

That, my friends, was the mighty Panfield....


Here's a golden Morgan stallion named Crispin enjoying a sunny day: (I LOVE youtube! Wonder if this guy has any Panfield in his pedigree)

...a speed bump of sorts...

Last week, I wrote nothing.

The week of distraction was topped off with a lovely, paint-creased dent and damaged rear bumper on my little jellybean-sized car. Yup, someone oh-so kindly slammed into my car in the parking lot and didn't tuck a note under my windshield wiper. Niiiiiice. Thanks a lot!

I pitifully scooped up the shards of plastic from my cracked bumper and called my insurance company. They were so nice and said they were sorry that some heavy-footed jerk ended their parking lot joy ride with a "whoopsie" on my poor car.

(I knew something was off when I saw my car positioned *diagonally* in its parking space.)

But now, it's a new week and I am cracking the whip on myself. It all starts with this modest (and somewhat whiny) blog post.

A new chapter on the bay stallion, UC Doc Daniels, awaits me. I can't wait to paint him, too. He is absolutely gorgeous.

Until my next update, here's a nice little video of some UConn Morgans in a homecoming parade:

First book illustration!

I spent the past two days drawing some book illustrations, and here is a completed one: UC Ringmaster as a foal.

I didn't have a photo for reference, so I imagined what Ring must have looked like as a foal and I went from there. I gave him those famous upright ears (only a bit bigger because he's just a baby here and he needs to grow into them), and I made sure I drew that cute, friendly and inquisitive expression on his face. Oh, and straight, long legs---the legs of a future World Champion.

Oh my, this was fun.

I will post some illustrations here, but not all. You'll just have to wait for the book to see all of them. :-)

thoughts on illustrations....

....well, one thought, really: I need to start drawing!

I decided yesterday that I need to draw UC Ringmaster as a foal. I can't locate any photos of the Champ as a kid, so I think I will imagine what he must have looked like and go from there. The Assistant Barn Manager at the time, Bruce Walters, called him "the most beautiful foal he had ever seen."

See? It has to be done!

Also, I talked with a woman last night who saw UC Doc Daniels being born. She saw the future UConn herd stallion stand up and take his first wobbly steps! How cool is THAT?

The book continues to connect me with some really great people. Thank you all for your time and willingness to share your horse stories with me.

My interview notebook is getting full!

Abbott

Abbott was the first Morgan stallion to stand at UConn. He was a rich, dark chestnut with a snip and a star on his face. He had quite a handsome head and lively, soulful eye.
He began his stud career at UConn in 1931.

There is an amusing story about Abbott and Dr. Al Cowan....No spoilers! Let's just say that horses are expert humblers!

Dr. Al Cowan was the head of the Animal Science Department at UConn for over 30 years. He passed away in 2009.

I had the distinct pleasure of talking with him via telephone several times; he had so many great stories about the horses in his life. He was one of the men responsible for bringing UC Ringmaster into the world. He was also the man who named the two-time World Champion. He knew, even when Ringmaster was a newborn, that the red colt would dominate the show ring.

Al Cowan really knew his horses.

Here's to you, Dr. Cowan! Thanks for the great conversations. You are missed.

UC Toronado

I found him!

The magnificent, noble, fiery black stallion, UC Toronado, sired many beautiful get during his time at UConn. He possessed an other-worldly beauty: Wavy black mane, a forelock that swept his muzzle, large expressive eyes, muscle-creased neck---what a sight he was. I loved to visit him when he lived at UConn.

I clearly remember the awe I felt when I was in his majestic presence. He was a horse that could take your breath away.

His owner contacted me and now I can add Toronado to my growing list of UConn Morgans I am visiting when this snow melts.

Now gelded, he goes by the name "Gideon." And yes, he is a lucky girl's Dream Horse.

All horses deserve, at least once in their lives, to be loved by a little girl.
~Author Unknown

In honor of UC Toronado, "Gideon"--a tribute to the Black Stallion:

Delmaytion Desire

I received word today that top-producing UConn broodmare and beloved sweetheart, Delmaytion Desire, has passed away. She was 39 years old.

"Desire" was a beautiful chestnut girl with a golden mane and tail. She had gorgeous babies and she was a trusty UConn Drill Team mount for many years. She was adored.

Rest in peace, dear mare.

Chapters!

So, the Holiday and Ovation chapters are nearly done! YAY!

And ya know what?

ADJECTIVES are fun!

Describing a chestnut coat, for example. There are so many shades of this coppery tone--from a pale golden sand to a cherry red and everything in between. Finding the right words for this magnificent color is a blast! It really gets the ol' brain cells jumping around....(love it!)

Next up, I hope to start a chapter on the magnificent bay stallion, UC Doc Daniels.

More on UC Ovation and UC Holiday

I just had a wonderful chat with Julie Biron, a UConn alum who had the pleasure of working with UC Ovation as a yearling.

She also trained full siblings UC Holiday and the late UC Wilde Mark to drive as a pair. They must have looked like bookends--both had gleaming red chestnut coats and blazes that dripped down their faces. What a lovely sight they must have been!

It cannot be overstated just how smart and well-mannered the UConn-bred Morgans are. With each person I interview, I can hear the love and reverence for these horses as clear as day through the telephone line.

The UConn Morgan horses gave many a budding trainer a solid foundation. They also taught many riders how to have balance, patience and correct position. They gave many The Dream of having a horse of one's own.

Some alumni even sought out their favorite mare and took her home for a richly deserved retirement.

Many a horse crazy girl took riding lessons UConn, and some even taped pictures of their favorite mount in their high school lockers.

The UConn Morgan's violet-brown eyes can tell many stories of the students who cared for them and worked with them. They nestled in many hearts and no one has forgotten them.

The memories are fresh; the emotions are still on the surface. The love is there.

(image is a detail of "The Kind Mare," a charcoal drawing I did in 2009.)