Reshaping Equestrian Art
Art focused on the study of the horse and equestrian lifestyle is not a new development; however, Julie Ferris is working to reshape the way equestrian art is defined and perceived.
All horses deserve to be memorialized through art.
There is nothing so mesmerizing, so strong, so powerful, so inspiring, so tantalizing as the horse—and a life with horses. While Julie’s work is realistic, her brushwork and painting techniques work together to encapsulate the unique movement, personality, and vitality of the horse she is painting. The pristine white background puts them in an idealistic space, allowing you to see each horse as they truly are. So while oil and canvas are the means, the horse is the end—and the viewer’s experience of the work continues to keep it alive.
Portrait of Abigail, Oil on Belgian Linen, 18”x24”
Portrait of Belgravia, Oil on Belgian Linen, 36”x48”
Portrait of Maury and Zev, Oil on Belgian Linen, 30”x50”
Portrait of Isabella, Oil on Belgian Linen, 30”x40”
Portrait of Likoto’s Boy, Oil on Belgian Linen, 28”x22”
Portrait of Boca’s In Pursuit, Oil on Canvas, 45”x55”
Portrait of High Society, Oil on Belgian Linen, 36”X48”
Portrait of Toy Story, Oil on Belgian Linen, 26”x38”
About Julie
A graduate of the Savanah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Julie Ferris doesn’t just paint horses—she paints life. She paints the reality of the seen as well as the unseen using the horse as her muse. Over the years, Julie has participated in multiple exhibitions with galleries in Atlanta and the South East. She is currently working on a number of private commissions alongside her own explorative bodies of work. After experiencing her work, she hopes people will develop a newfound or deeper respect for the horse and equestrian art as a whole, as well as make new connections about themselves and the world around them.
Not By Sight
This abstract collection was created in the Spring of 2020. The works were initially drawn with eyes completely closed. The process serves as a reminder to keep moving forward when living in uncertainty. To walk by faith, not by sight. This concept also directly relates to our interaction with horses, where much of what we do with them and their response to us are a result of trust.
“The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and fire.”
— Sharon Ralls Lemon
Meet Vienna
Julie started riding at age 5 and from that day wanted her own horse more than she has wanted anything in her life. Her childhood dream finally came true in 2019 when she purchased one-month-old baby Vienna, sight unseen, from a breeder in Canada. Already the inspiration for numerous paintings, Julie looks forward to getting Vienna started under saddle within the next year. One thing Julie has learned from Vienna is to take it one day at a time. Horse ownership is more about the journey than the destination, there are always ups and downs — it has been quite a journey so far, but worth it.
We need horses like we need beauty, like we need truth. Horses tell us the truth about ourselves. They are like mirrors.
