Crys - acrylic by Victor Wren.

"This is another painting of Illusion Crystal Clear, a Shire stallion that I saw as a two-year-old at the Nevada County Draft Horse Classic a couple of years ago," explains Wren. "I enjoyed the way the light struck his face. I look forward to seeing Crys at all the shows I make it to where he is performing. He's really a very special horse.

Enchanting Realism of Victor Wren - by Sarah H. Crampton

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Although Victor Wren has been exhibiting his art in other genres for over ten years, the 2002 Draft Horse Classic Art Exhibit in Grass Valley, California, was the first time he had publicly exhibited his equine artwork.

In this issue's cover painting, Shire Light, Victor Wren's treatment of light and shadow combined with his vividly realistic style resulted in this dramatic yet tranquil scene. The play of light has a glimmer of spirituality that instills a hushed reverence for the quiet moment.

"Shire Light is a peaceful piece," Victor explains. "I wanted to experiment with the light and angles of the horse to see what happens. I'm just doing what looks good to me. It sounds simplistic, but my whole reason for painting comes down to that I would like to create the art I would like to see."

Shire Light will be used for promotional material at the Draft Horse Classic in 2003. Victor was a little surprised to learn his piece was selected. He observes, "In the past years, the chosen artwork was of horses in harness or working in harness. This painting by comparison is a simple picture with little activity. I tried to capture the sense of the horse itself being a work of art. There are horses so beautiful that you enjoy looking at them - whatever they're doing."

Primarily self-taught, he did appreciate his studies, particularly the life drawing class, at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia where a great many assignments somehow seemed to evolve into a tribute to horses.

"The discipline of seeing what is in front of you and drawing accurately is always useful," remarked Wren. "I approach things mechanically, but I hope it does not show through in my artwork."

His long-standing love affair with horses was finally realized eight years ago when he brought home two abused ponies, a mare named Cerise, and her colt, Trip.

Victor continues, "I was not prepared before I got horses for the strength of the protective feelings that they inspire in me. I've tried to do the best that I can for them since I got them, but I always wish I could do more. I'm hoping it won't be too much longer before I can provide an ideal environment for them, and maybe even introduce them to a larger herd. They are a part of me, and there is no greater gift that I can receive than the trust that they give me when I meet them in their paddock. I love them, and when I am with them, I remember why I continue to slog down the roads that I do."

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