MADRA
MADRA is one of three animal charities I support, they rescue, rehabilitate and re-homes unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs.
Hard to believe it is that time of year again, when local dog shelter MADRA hosts an Art Auction to fundraise for the dog and pups in their care. Like every other business in Ireland they too have suffered during the pandemic having to close their doors to the general public and working with limited staff. But they still keep going tirelessly and with great support! When they put out the call kind souls always rally to help.
Which leads me to the reason behind this little blog…..MADRA is one of three animal charities I support, they rescue, rehabilitate and re-homes unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs. Last year they were spilling over with unwanted dogs and puppies which is when I adopted my wonderful boy. I cannot begin to tell you how he brought life back into a very broken heart…(that is a story for another post)remind me to share with you.
Anyway, this year I wanted the artwork I was going to create to be more meaningful and have a direct connection to the work that MADRA do. So I got chatting to Ciara the event organiser about the dogs who come through their shelter, she estimated that at least 60% of the dogs taken in were collies!
I set to work and after a couple of weeks on and off my desk, a collie face finally emerged. I posted the drawing on my facebook page and asked my followers what name they thought would suit.
There were lots of marvelous suggestions but one in particular jumped out at me ‘Hope’. That was it, Hope, it resonated with me and hit all the right feeling in my heart.
It wasn’t just her name, it was everything that MADRA stood for and delivers to all of their rescues, hope of a new home, hope of a new life, hope for someone who will adore and appreciate them. And so, Hope was the title.
She was collected during the week for framing and will reappear online for the Art Auction. This year MADRA have also had to adapt to the online platform due to the pandemic and restrictions. I will keep you posted as soon as I know the dates in early December.
’When I look into the eyes of an animal,I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I see a soul.'- A.D.Williams⠀⠀
Apache of Sand Wash Basin
The images I select to paint affect me emotionally, which I believe they must do, in order for it to take life on a canvas. Years spent with horses also help in getting the feel of the horse on canvas or molded in clay. The image must convey the freedom, beauty, strength and majestic qualities of the subject.
Apache" 11 by 17 inch Equine Oil on canvas.
Interview with Linda L. Martin an American artist and advocate for the Sand Wash Basin Mustangs. At the time of this interview I was living in Cape Town, funny what you find when you are tidying up and had completely forgotten about. Please enjoy.
A Forgotten Interview
From MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011
Guest Artist: Rachel Dubber
What mediums do you use?
My portfolio consists of mostly equine and animal oil paintings, drawings, photography and occasionally sculptures.
Where have you exhibited?
To date my work has been exhibited in Europe, China and South Africa and is included in collections in Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, Spain, China and South Africa.
Why do you paint animals?
I specialise in animal portraits because of the emotional benefits, for me and my clients.
The images I select to paint affect me emotionally, which I believe they must do, in order for it to take life on a canvas. Years spent with horses also help in getting the feel of the horse on canvas or molded in clay. The image must convey the freedom, beauty, strength and majestic qualities of the subject. I love my oil painted horses to be free, unhindered by tack or riders, free from any constraints and always, if possible, in motion.
For this guest artist exhibition and interview the requirement was to paint a Mustang. Not having access to Wild Mustangs or the availability of images, the issue was solved by the generosity of John Wagner a passionate American Photographer whose work I truly admire. After contacting John, I was given permission to paint one of his photographs.
Why did you choose to paint this image?
This painting is of a Mustang called Apache; approximately between 3-4 years old, he is a "satellite stallion" in a Mustang herd called Brave's Band. John kindly informed me that Apache is a satellite stallion, which is a full adult stallion that is allowed to hangout with a Band that already has a lead stallion. Usually the satellite stallion hangs out away from the main Band. The satellite serves a purpose, sometimes he is a challenger, an extra pair of eyes, and so the lead stallion can stay closer to his Band.
Apache is very aggressive, he picks fights with Brave all the time and any other stallion close by. He may be small but he is very assertive and determined. Something about this image grabbed my focus and attention, maybe it was the wide open space, the rugged and free horse or just the whole spirit of freedom. I just knew it had to become a painting.
Brave's Band lives in Sand Wash Basin Horse Management Association in Northwestern Colorado, on 160,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management Land, 250 square miles of Freedom to roam where they want. The land is so huge that the Wild Horses don't even scratch the surface.
May The Wild Horses Run Free forever....and keep touching our hearts and minds.
Kind Courtesy of Linda L. Martin and John Wagner.