Horse Artist Interview – Boyd Greene

Name
Boyd Greene

Website & Places you can find my work online
Website: boydgreene.com
Blog: boydgreeneart.typepad.com/
Western Art and Architecture Magazine
Follow Boyd on Twitter: @BoydGreeneArt

Where I am
I reside in Rock Spring, Georgia with my wife, Holly, and Jack Russell Terrier, Disco just south of Chattanooga, Tennessee at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountain range.

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I use Rhythmic Realism’s mathematical and musical rhythms in my oil paintings to bring the natural world to life.

I rely on strong design, rhythm and atmosphere to evoke feelings of serenity in my paintings

I always strive to tap into an animal’s or scene’s raw beauty by understanding it thoroughly, often taking 200 photos of a single subject to find its best angle.

Then there is the research through nature books and the internet for information. Next, I make numerous studies in graphite to find the best placement and tone for a particular subject.

Lastly, I will use graphite to sketch a drawing on a medium toned canvas before painting.

I use only the finest oil paint, Old Holland, for its amazing pigmentation, painting on linen and wooden panels. Using a minimum of brushstrokes, I express my inspiration in thick impastos of paint known as chiaroscuro and transparent shadows to create energy in my paintings.

The shadows are made all the more intriguing by my use of amber which creates a translucency that grows more beautiful as it ages revealing hidden colors. Amber is also recognized as one of the finest preservatives.

Finding my inspiration in the Appalachian Foothills, I grow ever more fascinated with the Creation of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I find great satisfaction in exploring for subjects to paint as it furthers my understanding of a particular subject; as I learn more about what makes it unique by close study and observation.

When did you first start drawing horses?
I started drawing horses as a child inspired by my older brother’s hotrod car sketches. I loved animals and had little interest in fast cars, though I do love speed.

Growing up on a small farm and having lots of woods to explore around my home gave me a deep appreciation for nature and animals

What is your favorite breed?
If I had to choose a breed to sit and watch, it would be Clydesdales.

My favorite riding horse was part Morgan and part Quarter Horse. She was incredibly tough and reliable.

Who are your main influences?
The Booth Western Art Museum, John Seerey-Lester (the only instructor I’ve had), photographer Clyde Butcher, Michelangelo because of the simple beauty he captured and Rembrandt for the drama he captured.

Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
It would probably be a Yellow Lab named Snowball that was absolutely the toughest and most loyal dog I’ve ever seen.

He actually backed against my legs to keep me from running underneath a falling limb only to run under it himself as it started to fall

Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
Reading, surfing the internet looking at other artist’s and photographer’s work, browsing through the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, talking to other artists and creatives and just being in nature examining it up close taking in all its beauty.

Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration? Cloudland Canyon or anywhere there are animals to watch.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
I think the internet will have a growing effect on art as consumers grow to trust the purchasing capabilities that the internet affords them.

Better selection than ever before and a better means to do the much needed research that so many collectors fail to do.

Has it had an effect on yours?
The internet has definitely helped me to connect with a lot of people but I’m just on the brink of where I plan to go.

My first project will be to connect with collectors through Western Art and Architecture Magazine.

Which one is your personal favorite piece?
My favorite piece is a Texas Longhorn Steer that I just recently finished painting.

Would you ever sell it?
Yes I would and it will be up on my website soon.

What else are you passionate about?
Hiking, sports, and photography

Working on anything new?
I always seem to have quite a few new paintings going, a new Belgian horse painting that I can’t wait to do is my favorite! It is in the planning stages.

I’m currently working on the graphite rendering so it will be thoroughly planned out when the rose painting I’m working on is done.

More To Come

Thanks to Boyd for answering the interview and sharing his art. Be sure to subscribe to his art blog so you can keep up with his latest pieces.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
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.