Debbie Dunbar Art

Stunning equestrian and rural art from the studio of Debbie Dunbar

Home   :   Galleries   : The Artist :  News :  Commissions :  Blog   : Facebook :  Info :  Links

This part of the site is to be dedicated to information about and pictures of my favourite horse breeds, in particular - but not exclusively - the  Welsh Pony and Cob and the Spanish Horse, who continue to give so much  inspiration to my work as an artist and as a horse lover. It is a work  in progress and will be added to over time.

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society Founded in 1901 The Welsh Pony & Cob Society is the largest of Britain's Native Breed Societies. The Society's membership is worldwide, reflecting the popularity and versatility of Welsh Ponies and Cobs.The Welsh Pony and Cob Society was established in 1901 by landowners, farmers and those interested in the Welsh Breeds, who recognised the importance of documenting and  recording the pedigrees of Welsh Ponies and  Cobs.  In 1902, the  Society published the first volume of the Welsh Stud Book, which, today contains the breeding details  of four 'Sections' of Welsh Pony/Cob: Section A, theWelsh Mountain Pony, under 121.9 cm (12 h.h.) Section B, the Welsh Pony, under 137.2 cm (13.2 h.h.) Section C, the Welsh Pony (Cob Type), under 137.2 cm (13.2 h.h.) Section D, the Welsh Cob, over 137.2 cm (13.2 h.h.) no upper limit There is also a Welsh  Part-Bred Register recorded in the Stud Book, for horses and  ponies with not less than 12.5% of registered Welsh blood in their parentage.

Crake Ifor - Welsh Mountain Pony

The British Association for the Purebred Spanish Horse was founded in September 1982 and was originally known as the 'British Andalusian Horse Society'. The society is intended to promote the Andalusian horse (also known as PRE - Pura Raza Española, or "purebred Spanish horse") in the UK Purebred Spanish Horse, or PRE has to be registered or listed in the Spanish Stud Book. The letters stand for Pura Raza Espanola. That is a Purebred Andalusian horse raised with direct Spanish lineage whose parentage is listed in the Spanish Stud Book and are qualified as approved breeding stock. In order to qualify as a P.R.E. these horses must go through inscription and revision process and their parents must be listed as  approved breeding stock.

Events for 2010

These are some of the provisional events for next year, please check back here for more information or visit my blog for updates.

St Pirans Stud Open Day, Penzance, Cornwall - July TBC Details to follow

Solo Exhibition Pendre Gallery, Cardigan - April/May Dates to be confirmed

BAPSH National Show, Hartpury, Glos - TBC

Society of Equestrian Artists Annual Exhibition - TBC (Fingers crossed!)

Welsh Pony and Cob Society Pavillion, Royal Welsh Show - July

Royal Windsor Horse Show, Windsor, May 12th - 16th - TBC

Two workshop days at the Artist’s Studio July and August

 

GALLERIES WHICH STOCK DEBBIE’S WORK

target=NewWindowWhite Hill Equine

Visiting agricultural shows and fairs throughout Wales, showcasing the very finest equestrian art.

Equine and rural art, cards and prints and Alternative Equine Therapies, herbal supplements.

www.whitehillequine.co.uk

 

Art Matters

Castle Walk, Tenby, Pembrokeshire. A chance to see some of Debbie’s non equestrian work

Welsh Pony and Cob Society Offices

Bronaeron, Felin Fach, Lampeter. A good selection of Welsh Cob and Pony paintings are on permanent display here.

Pendre Gallery

Pendre, Cardigan, Ceredigion. Gallery and Coffee Shop. Displaying Originals, prints and artcards.

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society Exhibition Vehicle

can be found at top events all round the country. Carrying artcards and limited edition prints.

.

"Y Cob Cvmraeg" - "The Welsh Cob"

The image of artists is often one of the Bohemian, free to paint when the  mood takes them. For this artist nothing could be further from the  truth. To be successful an equine artist must be disciplined, single  minded and prepared for the disappointments, as well as the successes. But Debbie Dunbar counts herself as most fortunate that she is able to make her living from a fusion of both of her life long passions.

Living in the rural heartland of West Wales is a haven for this artist, the  people have a deep inbred passion for their horses, and their pride in their Welsh cobs is a constant source of inspiration.

The magnificent Welsh Cob is truly a gift to the equine artist. It has such grace, power and beauty combined and is spectacular to watch in action. These animals are famed for their soundness, versatility, courage and  spirit, which makes them a popular outcross to produce modern sport  horses. Debbie tries to reflect this spirit in her work. "I love all the diversity of the different horse breeds, but I often find myself returning to the free spirit of the cobs, I fancy you can see their  history in them and the strength of their ancestors, coming down through the ages. Sometimes they seem to be almost of another world.

The Welsh have a word for this, "Hwyl" (pronounced "hoyl"} There is no direct English for this but it broadly translates as passion and spirit. When you see this "hwyl" you will know, as it makes the hairs stand up  on the back of your neck!

Debbie and her husband run a small stud of Welsh Cobs and Welsh Part Bred  Horses, on their farm in West Wales, UK, giving plenty of opportunity to study the details of equine life and interaction.

Debbie says " ...I do favour a representational approach to my work. There is  no substitute for observation and attention to detail, and a thorough  knowledge of the subject. But if you want a photographic portrayal, commission a photograph and have done with it, this is not the point of my paintings.

I try to capture a sense of the soul of the horse, so whilst knowledge of anatomy and technical painting skills are vita! to my work it is  equally important to try and interpret the spirit and vitality of the animal that I am painting.

My whole life seems to revolve around horses, whether on the farm, at shows or painting..."

"...I have always favoured oils as my medium. I love the feel and texture, and the rich depths of colour, the fact that you can use the thinnest of glazes or the heaviest impasto, sometimes I feel that I a sculpting  with the paint. I believe that light in a painting is also vitally  important, a painting without a sense of the light looses something of  its and vibrancy. It has a huge effect on the mood and colour of a scene, so I am always looking for how the light affects the feel of the  work."

Amongst her influences as you might expect Debbie cites the great Sir Alfred Munnings and the ultimate technician, Stubbs. Others less obvious  include John Singer Sargent and Stanhope Forbes, as well as contemporary artists such as U.S artist Booth Malone, she also greatly admires the work of sculptors such as Priscilla Hann. She enjoys looking at how other artists work and is also an art collector.

"I am always trying to improve my techniques and skills, and get frustrated when things don't go to plan as is often the case!

I also like to study anatomy, though I can't see myself going to the lengths that Stubbs did!* Drawing is very important, it is the  foundation upon which your art is built. Just like riding a horse, the  more you do it the more natural and spontaneous it becomes."

"I am so very, very fortunate that my passion is my work and my life. I  look forward to every day. How many people would love to be able to say the same?"

Particularly known for her ability to capture the horse's presence and movement. Debbie enjoys painting other domestic animals, and has a keen interest  in human portraiture, but always returns to her horses. Her work is found in private collections around the world. Closer to home she is  proud and honoured that works include commissions for H.R.H. Prince of Wales, and the Welsh Pony and Cob Society.

Copyright debbiedunbar2004 ©