There is a fleeting, sacred window of time just after a foal is born—the "wobbly steps" phase. This piece captures that universal moment of maternal protection, where the mare’s presence is both a shield and a steadying force. It is an exploration of the quiet, powerful love that defines the first days of life on the range.
 
Drawing on my background as a wood carver, I chose a solid wood panel for this piece to provide a grounded, tactile foundation that canvas simply cannot replicate. The surface was hand-sanded to a glass-like finish and gessoed to ensure the archival quality of the acrylics.
 
To capture the warmth of living breath and the "glow" of a newborn, I moved away from traditional sienna tones and instead utilized a vibrant pinkish-red undercoat. This hidden layer radiates through the rich chestnut coats of the horses, giving the subjects a lifelike depth and an internal light that shifts as you view the piece from different angles.