Horse Artist Interview – C. Tanner Jensen

Name
C. Tanner Jensen

Website & Places you can find my work online
Website: www.ctannerjensen.com
Turning Point Gallery
Blog: http://ctannerjensen.blogspot.com/ – I just started the Blog and I’m trying to get the hang of it.
Follow Tanner on twitter: @SweetGrassArt

Where I am
I am currently living in Virginia, but I keep a studio in Flagstaff, AZ.

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
My dad was (is) a Marine, so we moved around quite alot. I believe this accounts for my wanderlust. I consider myself an Arizonan, and call Flagstaff, AZ home.

I’ve worked with horses as a wrangler, groom, stable
manager, rider & instructor

I continue to ride and learn about dressage. I also received a BFA from Northern Arizona Univ, and a MFA from East Carolina Univ.

When did you first start drawing horses?
My first memories of drawing horse was when I was about 3 yrs old. I would entertain myself for hours with a box of crayons and paper.

What is your favorite breed?
I don’t have a favorite breed.

I am attracted to horses on an individual basis, presence and movement factor heavily into what attracts me

Most of the horses I have owned have been Thoroughbreds, but I currently own an Appendix Quarter Horse.

Who are your main influences?
I love colour and line, so Klimt is one of my favorites. I love the way Degas painted a horse, and how Buck Dunton gives you a sense of space and light. I believe that I am influenced and informed by the art I am viewing at the moment, and that changes constantly.

Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
I have had animals that have inspired paintings that led to a series, but no I don’t have one Muse. My inspiration usually comes from passion, not always mine.

I have had philosophies, poems, books, songs, etc inspire a series of paintings

Also something as simple how a shadow is falling across the lawn.

Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
Not really, although I do listen to alot of NPR.

Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
Outside is usually where I get re-energized. I find that I daydream about paintings while I’m mowing the lawn or digging in the earth.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
Anywhere there is internet people can view my art and then contact me. I’ve had people email me from all over the world, how cool is that!

Has it had an effect on yours?
I am not really sure that the internet has had a direct effect on my art. I have sold painting to people from the website, but that hasn’t changed how I create.

Which one is your personal favorite piece?
I am usually enamored of the painting I have just finished or am working on.

Would you ever sell it?
I do have a few painting of mine that I won’t sell, but generally I will.

I love to see the joy that someone else experiences when the connect with my art

It’s really great when someone comes up and tells you they bought a painting and how meaningful it has become to them.

What else are you passionate about?
Other than art and horses, I love gardening.

Working on anything new?
I currently finishing paintings that I will be showing the FEI World Cup in Las Vegas, NV in April. I can hardly wait. The show is very exciting and the people are great.

I am currently represented by Turning Point Gallery – Chapel Hill, NC; West of the Moon – Flagstaff, AZ; Bridle Suite – Geneseo, Il; & Bridle Suite of Texas – Round Rock, TX.

C.Tanner Jensen

More to Come

Thanks to Tanner for answering the interview and sharing her art. Be sure to check out her art website for information about her latest pieces.

Also stay tuned for more horse artist interviews & horse photographer interviews to come.

Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.