Name
Lorna Matsuda
Website & Places you can find my work online
The majority of my artwork along with specialty items can be viewed on my website at www.GiddyUp-Portraits.com. Some of my artwork can also be seen at the Trail Of Painted Ponies, WoW Horses, International Equine Artists, Calgary Stampede Western Showcase & Auction and Davalyns located in Onoway, Alberta.
Where I am
I’m located in Onoway, Alberta Canada
Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
As a completely self-taught artist born and raised in southern Ontario till about 12 years ago when I relocated to central Alberta. Throughout my life I have always had a great love for both horses and art which had lead me to raise registered quarter horses for many years. I now only own a couple horses which have been by my side through many years and serve as inspiration for my artwork.
Recently I have been juried into the Calgary Stampede Western Gallery and Auction, Awarded 2 International Equine Artists People Choice Awards and received several awards in recent Trail Of The Painted Pony competitions.
When did you first start drawing and painting?
I can’t really put an exact date on when I first started drawing and painting, since I have been doing it for as long as I can remember. It has always been a big part of who I am and no doubt continue to influence me in the future. Coming from parents that were both very artistic in their own ways I suppose it was natural that I inherited the artistic traits.
You paint far more than just horses, what is your favorite subject?
While I do paint more than just horses, horses and the western lifestyle are by far my first and foremost favorite subjects to paint. However a very close second would be the various types of wildlife and domestic animals which can be seen in a number of my artworks.
Who are your main artistic influences?
Over the years I’ve had many artistic influences however at an earlier age Robert Bateman’s paintings were definitely admired, I loved the realism and beauty he was able to portray in his wildlife subjects. As my primary focus shifted to western themed art I came to truly admire Tim Cox and his exquisite portrait of western life.
Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
There have been are a few special animals in my life that I often use as a muse behind my work. Queenie was my first horse, she was a black mare with a white start, Speckles came a few years later and was a paint gelding that was so athletic and fun to ride.
Though truthfully there have been many special horses and dogs that I’ve shared my life with and each with their own unique personality that has influenced me in my art to help bring personalities into my subjects.
Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
I don’t have any secret rituals when getting ready to start a piece, though I find thinking about the emotion I want to portray in my painting helps me to stay motivated and focused.
Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
I feel more than anything being located in the country is a great source of inspiration, seeing wildlife pass through the acreage often, the many species of birds flying about and watching the horses as they wander through the trees and meadows. All this aids me giving me feeling of peace and inspiration for my art.
What effect do you think the Internet will have on art?
The Internet has had tremendous effect on both art and the artist; it opens so many opportunities for your art to be viewed by the world.
It also allows the artist, admirers and collectors to connect on a more personal level.
Has it had an effect on yours?
The Internet has made it possible for me to showcase all facets of my art to a variety of people all over the world and has allowed me to share and market my talent. It has also brought to my attention many venues to expand my artist recognition.
Which one is your personal favorite piece?
It is for me hard to say which is my favorite piece as I have several that are dear to my heart once completed, then again tomorrow I may complete another that will be a personal favorite. I really don’t have a specific favorite but definitely have several that I feel more connected to on a personal level.
Would you ever sell it/them?
While I do have a special connection to certain pieces I would indeed sell them. In my option I have achieved my goals with the piece and I’m happy to pass the original on to a buyer who will cherish the artwork each day because they see something in it that they themselves have a special connection to.
What else are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about stopping cruelty to all animals and have made numerous donations over the years towards the cause.
Truthfully we could all stand to learn a lot of the basic good and kindness from watching animal behavior.
Working on anything new?
This past year I have been involved with the Trail Of Painted Ponies, winning several design awards and am looking forward to a future release of one of my designs. I am also in the process of completing a couple original painted ponies figures that will be posted later on my website for collectors to purchase. Recently I have started painting on wild turkey feathers; this beautiful art form is quite delicate proving to be very challenging and rewarding creating a beautiful piece when complete.
Many Thanks
Thanks to Lorna for answering the interview and sharing more about her lovely work. Be sure to check out her website periodically to see what she’s been up to.
Lorna Matsuda is my favorite artist. She is so talented!