Equine artist Karen Brenner’s series of paintings, “Beautiful Horses of Texas,” will be on display at Sheplers in Austin, Texas, July 7-9. The exhibit will include 29 luminous oil paintings depicting horses from around the Lone Star State.

Many breeds–including Quarter Horses, Morgans, Arabians, Friesians, Paso Finos, and Andalusians–are represented in the project. Most horses were nominated by their proud owners to participate in the project.

Last summer, Brenner traveled  to visit 29 ranches and farms. She traveled as far north as Whitesboro, south to San Antonio, and west to Lubbock. “Seeing lots of Texas and talking to lots of Texans was part of the adventure of putting together this project.” Brenner reports. She is currently undertaking a similar project in her home state, Ohio. Brenner shot over 4,500 photographs for reference material for the “Beautiful Horses of Texas” series, which is made up of one painting from each stop. The paintings, along with a list of owners and information about each horse, can be previewed on her web site, Horse Paintings by Karen Brenner, at www.karenbrenner.com.

Using numerous layers of transparent oils, it took up to three months to complete each painting. Ten to 14 equine paintings–in different stages of completion–can always be found in Brenner’s studio