Here’s the finished painting!

This painting is on a flat 5″ x 7″ Ampersand Gessobord panel, which is made in the USA from sustainable forest products that ensure the protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water.

If you ever want to see wild horses, visit Assateague Island on the Maryland shore.

Local folklore describes the Assateague horses as survivors of a shipwreck off the nearby Virginia coast. While this dramatic tale of struggle and survival is popular, there are no records yet that confirm it. The most plausible explanation is that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock.

The horses are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia side and one on the Maryland side of Assateague. They are separated by a fence at the Virginia/Maryland State line. These herds have divided themselves into bands of two to twelve animals and each band occupies a home range. The National Park Service manages the Maryland herd. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the Virginia herd.