Name
Halee VanDevander (formerly Halee Lewis)
Age
Actually, I just turned fourteen yesterday!
Website & Places to find my art online
Deviant Art: Green Horse Arts
Where I am
Nevada
Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come
from?
I was born in California near Napa Valley, growing up in a lush forested area where there was no shortage of horses. Though I rode at every chance I could, it wasn’t until I was ten that I got the chance to be up close on a constant basis. At eleven, I moved away to wild horse country with a new family member, a dad (stepdad) to love.
It was at the age of twelve when I truly began to work on drawing. At first, admittedly I drew nothing but anime because I was scared to attempt to improve at horses. When I did draw them, I drew in a watered down ‘Spirit’ style.
On my thirteen birthday, I discovered the joy of realism and that is exactly where I have stayed for a year now.
When did you first start drawing horses?
I’ve always drawn them, but didn’t start trying hard at it until I got ‘serious’ at art. Until the age of twelve or thirteen, the hardest I worked at horses were doodles on schoolpapers.
What is your favorite breed?
Mm, tough one. But I have a huge passion for Mustangs. And, a soft spot for Arabians. Beautiful animals, horses are as a whole, though.
Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
Not really. Just, horses all together as my inspiration.
No particular horse makes me want to draw, because all of them do. From old nags to young sporthorses.
Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your
art?
Not really, actually. I draw anywhere, anytime. As long as I have a pencil, pen, paintbrush, er…stick of eyeliner…I’ll draw.
Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
Any place around horses is honestly what inspires me. Seeing wild horses though…It’s the most amazing thing you can ever experience. Especially here in Nevada at Red Rock Canyon. It’s just something about lean ‘broomtails’ covered in reddish dust that makes me need to draw.
Actually, a piece of mine called ‘Wild Horses In My Eyes’ I drew as soon as I got home from my first time seeing wild ones.
What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
A huge impact. I would have had no idea how to improve had it not been for the virtual support from other artists. I’ve learned so much so quickly just from viewing all the stunning artwork on the web.
Has it had an effect on yours?
Yes. As stated above, it’s just completely motivated me to see other young artists that were so much better than me. It gave me drive to really want to improve.
Which one is your personal favorite piece?
Oh, that is so, so tough. I love every drawing for different reasons, but my favorite? It has to be ‘Mustang Heart’.
Would you ever sell it?
Well, considering it’s digital….I can’t! However, I would never sell my favorite traditional piece. It’s too dear to me.
What else are you passionate about?
Horses, obviously! Also, writing is second to horses and art. After that, singing. Some say that I’m better at singing and writing than I am at drawing! Ha.
I’m not published with my writing, but I am writing a book called ‘Kimberwicke’ which is, naturally, about horses.
Working on anything new?
Oh, many, many, mannyyyy……More than you can imagine! I’m working on so many things in traditional art, though none of my ‘real’ traditional drawings make to the internet.
More to Come
Thanks to Halee for answering the interview and sharing her art. Be sure to check out her art website periodically for updates about her latest works.
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 us a note to get involved.
Wow, there is so much to learn about you here and about your history with your art and talent. I hope you let us see your traditional drawing that you said they never make it to the internet, I would very much like to see them. Very nice interview, there is a lot to learn form you here. What a gift you have to be able to live among horses and experience them in their wild nature.
Hey my name’s Rosie.
I am also pasionate about drawing horses but am no where near your standard of work. I am currently workig on an art project for college. It’s based on the nerological structure of the horses brain and also it’s skeletol and muscular structure. I need to reasearch artsts. I would like to learn more about you so you can be my primary artist to base my work on. What meadia so you use the most? I prefer to work souly in black/white/grey… so pencil and charcole for me! I need to know more about you!!!!!!