Clear vision, speed, and a safe return

I have so many ideas for horses.  I am really trying to make each horse have a distinct personality and theme, since I know that the kids riding the carousel will have their favorites and use their imagination to tell a story as they ride.  Who doesn't love dreaming about thundering across the plains, bow and arrow at the ready, on your smart and trusted steed?  I really wanted to create a Native American painted war horse, so I started with making her a realistic Appaloosa, dark brown with those distinctive white and brown spots on the rump.  Then a leather saddle and patterned blankets in Southwest colors, added some eagle feathers, and then I did some research on symbolism and traditions in horse painting. 

Here's the code:
-the circle around the eye is for sharp and clear vision
-the lightning on the legs is for speed (and also an arrow, which means it will go poorly for your rivals)
-the left handprint on the hip is a mark reserved for horses that have brought their rider safely back from a dangerous mission...this is also my handprint, and happens to be the way I sign large paintings!

Once she's back on the carousel in natural light, I'd love to get a better photo.  As Julia said, working at Sarah's Patisserie these last few weeks has been a pleasure.  Thanks Tammy!

I wanted to include a photo of this horse before painting.  As part of the outside circle, you can see how much the colors have faded and worn.  She was originally cream-colored, but the years had turned her slightly green.  I really love bringing them back to colorful life and can't wait to see the whole carousel bright and shining.

-Christi