Arabian Horse painting ‘Arabian Princess’ by Anna Ravliuc
The Artist
Our artwork of the week is an Arabian Horse painting from Series of artworks by Anna Ravliuc ‘Arabian Princess’. The painting is oil on canvas using a pallet knife. It is on a large canvas at 100 x 80cm with a depth of 3cm. It is varnish and ready to hang, no framing is necessary.
Based in the UK, Anna’s artist career began 40 years ago, when she studied fine arts and classic Masters. Since then, she has exhibited in 100+ exhibitions throughout Europe and USA.
Her new series of horse paintings are large detailed portraits of horse’s head, usually side on. They have a contemporary expressionist and modern style. The background of these artworks is mostly one flat colour, which compliments the horse. The main focus of the painting being the horse itself.
The Painting
As the name suggests, this piece is of an Arabian Horse. His nostrils are flaring and his head slightly raised. He is looking very proud. The artwork is in grey and white tones, apart from his nostrils which shows a dot of red.
The Horse is one of the major themes in Anna’s art. She says when she first ‘mounted’ a saddled horse she was only one year old. It is the first and the most vivid recollection from her childhood. Along with this image, I have preserved forever the ‘feeling of the horse’.
In Anna’s words. ‘In this brush-stroked canvas, I captured the spirit of a majestic creature through the lens of emotion and motion. An embodiment of strength and grace, the equine gaze resonates with the soul’s depth—its presence in your space a constant reminder of unbridled passion and the splendour of life’s dance between control and wild abandon. The Horse is the symbol of courage, virility, self-reliance and power, they can sweep away everything in their run, and can get over any obstacle. They are untamed, uncontrollable and unrestrained. They are Free…’
SEE MORE ARTWORK BY ANNA RAVLIUC
QUESTIONS TO THE ARTIST ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Can you share a bit about your artistic technique and process in creating this piece?
My style is a combination between classical and modern painting. I have deep knowledge and skills for painting on easels, which gives me unlimited possibilities to experiment with technique and materials. I use pure, clean colours with maximum beauty and power.
How does your childhood memory of horses influence your current artwork?
My whole childhood was connected with horses, as I grew up next to a horse farm. When I was little, I used to sneak into the stalls and pet untamed horses, often falling asleep at their feet. As a consequence for that I was punished by people, but no horse ever hit me or bit me. Since then, I keep in my memory the look of their moist eyes, and it seemed like I was drowning in another universe. I think that children are more honest and more willing to share stories, that’s why they perceive things differently, with more imagination and charm. In any case, that was me. I have many beautiful memories of that period and I still remember the names of the horses: Bulana, Baikal, Baitrega, Kresko…
What symbolism or qualities were you aiming to capture in the Arabian Horse?
I got to know Arabian horses more closely, at the riding school, but saw the “real” ones in their native countries. Stallions – a knot of nerves, like a compressed spring of skin, ready to come out at any moment and compete with the wind. It is like quicksilver, which you keep in check. And with all that, a perfect grace, a dance of the feet, which can be envied even by the most talented ballerinas… Arabian mares have their own special charm, they have a piercing gaze and the attitude of the princess – a little naive, a little playful, but gentle.
What message or feeling do you hope viewers experience when they see “Arabian Princess” on display?
I wanted to arouse feelings of fascination and admiration for the beauty of the Arabian horse. I wanted that from the painting on the wall, the Arabian Princess would look at you with a gleam of mischievousness and pure gentleness.
SEE MORE ARTWORK BY ANNA RAVLIUC
