Capturing the Spirit by Faye Taylor - Winter 2007 Issue of Horses in Art Magazine

Capturing the Spirit

by Faye Taylor

Storm Rider – Watercolor by Faye Taylor. Original or Giclée prints available.
Even as a child I visually studied every scene around me — landscapes, animals and especially people. My parents always chastised me for staring or called me a daydreamer because I didn’t seem to be listening. But that wasn’t it at all; I was single-minded and focused on something that fascinated me.

For me, art is more than the study of or an attempt at photo-realism. Art is about capturing the non-physical element — the spirit. My favorite subject is the human form -– next to that, the horse. I grew up on horseback, rodeos and western movies and am in love with anything western. I am known as a western artist; however, sometimes I stray, and a landscape will grab me and won’t let me go until I paint it.

I paint in oils and watercolor, but feel most comfortable with watercolor. The watercolors have a will of their own, something I can’t totally predict or control. Sometimes it seems as though the painting is painting itself. It gives me goosebumps. Oils on the other hand, allow me to paint in a more controlled manner and I have to deliberately try to stay loose and keep it painterly as opposed to photographic in style. I have found that using bigger brushes and holding them far back on the handles helps me avoid becoming too tight.

Lively colors and loose, suggestive backgrounds are my trademark; at least that’s what I’ve been told. I also use a lot of repeated shapes such as triangles, wishbones, S curves and Zs, which create cohesiveness and lead the eye.

My hope is that when people view my work their spirit is moved.

Artist Faye Taylor is a member of the Women Artists of the West. View her artwork at www.fayetaylor.com.

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