Gaylene Fortner - Spring 2007 Issue of Horses in Art Magazine

Gaylene Fortner

by Carolyn Zimmerman

The Wading Pool – Watercolor, 20 x 30, by Gaylene Fortner is an energetic painting of a fall scene with its contrast of lights and darks, warms and cools. The different colored horses fluidly moving through the water increase interest, as your senses enjoy the splashing water.
Growing up in the middle of nowhere surrounded by wildlife is a good way to become enthralled with the beauty and grace of animals, especially horses. When nowhere is actually a jewel in the crown of Montana, Gaylene Fortner’s enthusiasm for nature’s beauty was magnified by the rich landscapes full of texture and color. Fortner still lives in Montana, now closer to civilization, a mere thirty miles from two small towns.

Debbie Bunch, owner of Galleries West Fine Art in Jackson, Wyoming, who represents Fortner’s artwork comments, "There is a truthfulness in Gaylene’s portrayal of horses that can come only from knowing her subject intimately. Her background, growing up on a ranch in rural Montana, informs her paintings in a way that photographs never could. Her paintings communicate an authentic western experience that is appealing to people of all backgrounds."

Driving a team of horses while her father pitched off the hay to the cattle was one of Gaylene’s regular chores. She learned to ride on a black and white pony, Shadow, who was tall for being half-Shetland but typical in temperament for the breed. Shadow would step aside while Gaylene was standing on an object attempting to jump on bareback or nibble her leg as she got on. After winning a horse while involved with a 4-H club, she broke it herself, and the bond with horses became part of her life. The one-room school was about five miles of rough roads away, but offered Fortner some exceptional opportunities for her early education. The only student in her sixth grade class, Gaylene’s teacher helped with a steady stream of library books and purchased her art supplies and art instruction books. A mother who enjoyed sketching and a father who enjoyed nature were huge ingredients for her interest in art. This combination of freedom and support fueled her curiosity as she explored the world around her, and Gaylene’s move into art was a natural and seamless one.

Group Therapy – Oil, 14 x 18, by Gaylene Fortner. "The bond of the group is their therapy, like being with your buddies. These horses seemed to enjoy being together as they were taken for a drink. Their comfort with their owner was obvious as their rich coats glistened in the sun."

Since Gaylene’s high school didn’t offer art classes, she pursued her skills on her own volition and later took art classes. Soon she had people who wanted to buy her work. Today Gaylene Fortner’s paintings illustrate a love of horses as well as a love of the landscape and the way that the horses fit into it. Nearly every trip down the road offers a scene highlighted by glorious animals, dancing light, rich color, or varied landscape.

For more information about Gaylene Fortner’s art and a list of her exhibiting galleries, please visit www.gaylenefortnerart.com.

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