Trent Gallery
Watercolor painting of a black Horse

Noble

Deborah Trent, 2024 · Watercolor on paper

This horse embodies the spirit and energy of freedom—seen through a timeless lens.Exhibited in the Black & White Art Show, Hallberg Center for the Arts (Wyoming, Minnesota), September 2025.

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Inspiration

The power and majesty of these animals is why so many people feel a special bond with horses.

Artistic Process

I began with charcoal on newsprint, letting my arm move in broad, sweeping strokes to capture the wind-whipped mane and that sense of boundless energy. My biggest challenge was depicting sweat. I studied photos of horses—especially racing thoroughbreds—to understand where sweat naturally appears. In the end, I mixed a touch of charcoal dry pigment into the paint and applied it as a final pass. A little goes a long way because of the iridescent effect.

  • Brushes: Round (0, 2); SNAP! Filbert 12.
  • Paints: Lunar Black, PearlEx Antique Silver 662, Titanium White.

Reflections

Next up: America’s wild horses.

Date of Creation

April 24, 2024