Sally began drawing horses as a child and has been painting professionally her entire adult life. She studied art at Syracuse University and the Kansas City Art Institute, and holds a BFA from the University of Texas. She was a senior designer for Hallmark Cards before retiring to devote full time to her animal paintings.
During her career, Sally Ann has been fortunate to do commission work for clients across the United States as well as those in England and Canada. Her paintings have appeared as covers of Saddle and Bridle magazine, the programs of "The Symphony of Horses," and the Morgan Horse World Championship. She has received the Meiselman Award for painting from the American Academy of Equine Art.
"Hey, Hay!"
Winner of the Leonard Meiselman Memorial Award at the 2004 Fall Show of the American Academy of Equine Art.
Much of Sally Ann's inspiration comes from her experience in owning and showing horses for 35 years. She's particularly drawn to the casual moments when animals are being themselves, relating to people or to their environment. She's able to capture the subtlety of gesture and expression that makes each animal and situation unique. She's especially interested in the effects of lighting and atmosphere in her paintings and uses them to set a mood and draw the viewer into the scene. It's very important to her that her artwork evokes an emotional response and a sense of being there with the animal.
Sally Ann lives on a small farm in the heart of horse country in Ocala, Florida. Three of her own much loved horses are available for models right outside the studio window. She also has a constant source of inspiration in the wealth of breeds and equine activities close by. She often uses the beautiful local countryside as background in her paintings. Sally Ann is active in community art and equine events and especially enjoys her volunteering with the local therapeutic riding program.
Sally Ann welcomes commission work for portraits or farm scenes as well as for designing farm logos.