Growing up horse-crazy in Santa Barbara, Katie always had horses wandering around the yard. Making paintings and drawings of them was a natural expression of her fascination with and love for these great animals.

Katie returned to horse imagery while working toward her MFA at UCSB in the late 80's. Those early mature works, in conté and charcoal on paper, were both huge and hugely successful. The Horse as subject and muse has been the focus of her work ever since.

Color, light and the vibrant energy Katie introduces through her draftsmanship and compositions are major themes in her art. She works from both observation and memory, seeking to refine her understanding of the massive presence of these creatures and her ability to communicate that visually.

And yes...the horses are still out there, wandering around the yard.

email: [email protected]

Katie Upton, Santa Barbara
Katie Upton, © 2002

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