Equine Art with Donna Bernstein

Donna Bernstein is one of our favorite artists not only for her modern art depiction of the Equine form but for her next level silk scarves and whimsical fashion accessories designs as well. For those of you who are not familiar with Donna B, you should be. Her artwork is imaginative and expressive and her style and appreciation for fashion comes across in her innovative artistic renderings worked into fashion items such as jewelry, riding shirts and her well known scarves.

“For me the form of the horse blends pure joy and sensuality in a dynamic architectural body. My paintings and collections celebrate this kinetic marvel, and reveal a sense of motion palpable to the viewer in minimalist bursts of fresh, raw emotion. I have come to understand that it is not horses that I paint; I paint the way they make me feel. Horses are for me a source of healing and life-affirming movement. They carry universal qualities of power, vulnerability, compassion and lively awareness. Their actions elevate the emotional connection I share in my work,” says Donna. Join us as we interview Donna about her recent collaborations and inspirations.

When did you begin to feel a connection to horses? Are you a rider yourself?

I was, as they say, “born that way.” The essence of horses was built into my soul. I did not grow up around them; I studied them from books and learned about their conformation, bones, anatomy, finesses and cures, and drew them, so as to create horses into my life. When my neighbors got a horse when I was around 12, I spent all my time with their horses, teaching myself to ride, studying movement in the live horse, and refining my drawings through my dreams and imagination. In the process, my signature artistic style was revealed. I rode for a short period through my teens, but have not always has horses. I now get my horse fix as a partner in an all-female Thoroughbred racing syndicate, based in NY.

Are many of your patrons actual equestrians? Or does the love of horses or your artwork for that matter transcend that? In other words, do you find you connect with buyers on different levels through your pieces?

Absolutely. My patrons and collectors are from all walks of life, both equestrians and non. In much the same way that my art was a dream way for me to access horses, I often find that those who deeply connect to my art are the same. They never had a horse either, and my work often reflects the horses of their dreams – as my art did for me. My work is minimal in style, full of the energy and movement of horses, who are both historic and mythological creatures for us. This connection to my art completely transcends for all buyers, because even equestrians who have formal or realistic horse paintings appreciate and collect my ethereal work.

Beyond the artwork you also have a wonderful accessory collection and recently did a collaboration with the popular equestrian brand American Equus. In this collaboration your artwork is represented in the fabric of their newest riding tech shirt. Tell us about that.

There’s always more to a story…. like how American Equus started designing hi-tech hi-performance stirrups … because his daughter needed them! I started designing fashion scarves and jewelry… because I love fashion and art and could see the possibilities! Having my art as wearables keeps me moving forward and inspired. Now our first collaborative Collection ~ Hoofbeats ~ is available. I could not be happier working with this amazing innovative AZ company.

Do you do commissioned pieces as well? If an equestrian were to come to you with say a size or placement in mind do you do private consults?

Absolutely. Love commission work, in all sizes and mediums, from a large scale acrylic painting to charcoal sketches or ink drawings. Whatever the client wants in a horse, I can do, and I love creating piece that is custom yo the client or project and becomes for them exactly what they were envisioning, and a joy for them forever to appreciate in their home or inspire them in their office. Often I find that equestrians will come to me and want me to do a painting of their horse, button my style. I love that! In that case I often try to visit the horse if I am i the vicinity, or get a video of him moving. I want see his movement, personality, attitude and style. That is what I bring to the piece.

Where can we follow and find you?

My contact information is as follows, and there are paintings, scarves and jewelry available on my site, as well as a listing of gallery representation. The best way to reach me is via phone or email, at donna@donnabernstein.com Donna Bernstein Donna B Fine Art  208-861-4331 I also have a opening reception TODAY actually. If you happen to be in the Phoenix area, See My Work Exhibited at the Foundre Contemporary Gallery, Foundre Boutique Hotel, Phoenix.