Experience of a Lifetime

One Saturday morning in November of 2022 I woke up to an e-message complementing my artwork, then asking if I would share my skills teaching an equine painting workshop at Joseph’s Dream Stud in sunny Namibia. As you might imagine, it took a few hours to process that this was indeed a real place, a real person typing and indeed a really great opportunity worthy of following up on.

Joseph’s Dream Stud is situated on Sandwerf Farm Namibia, in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the country. A riverbed runs through the property and covered with hundreds of years old camel-thorn trees. Founded by Leon and Annika Barnard, Annika being an artist herself. She has a vision of creating a magical place for horses and humans to connect, heal and inspire.

During my initial brainstorming, I was flooded with ideas to share with others. The timing for me was ironical and perhaps serendipitous because after covid shutdown, going through a personal family trauma during that time, I was searching to find myself and creatively connect with others in person again. I didn’t want to be in my studio alone any longer. I had already started to host Cold Wax open studio, giving others gentle guidance exploring, creating and loving it.

An Equine painting workshop in a setting where we could work from horses directly from life is one the best and essential components of this opportunity. Participants will be able to directly reference, touch and feel all parts of the horses we are painting. Something not possible working from photographs.

I strongly connected with Annika’s horse/people training mission and the opportunity to include working with horses as a part of the workshop. In my personal journey, going through the effects of PTSD I realized that the horses were a mirror to what I was holding inside. I couldn’t lie or fake what I was going through personally with them or my trainer. I discovered much of this was true at the easel as well. Working freely and intuitively gave me a new way of feeling and seeing. Something that continues to help my representational painting become more uniquely me.

During the workshop, JD horsemanship will share their intuitive, peaceful approach of communicating with horses. Participants will learn body work, trust exercises and liberty training to guide us in harmony with horses, complementing our creative journey at the easel. What could be better horses AND art in a heavenly setting? Oh and we will be sure to have a few laughs too. 🤪I hope you will consider joining us there. Full workshop details are listed HERE. A lovely article on Sandwerf HERE from FEI.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out, I am always happy to hear from any readers.

❤️ Jennifer