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| Staff Writer |
In the world of horse racing, where thundering hooves and photo finishes capture the imagination, a quieter form of magic exists. It's found in the delicate brush strokes that bring to life the most iconic moments and magnificent creatures of the sport. At the heart of this artistic realm stands Robert Clark, a man whose journey from a young horse enthusiast to a globally renowned equine artist is as captivating as the paintings he creates.
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Growing up with a pencil in hand and horses in his heart, Robert Clark was destined for a life intertwined with equine artistry.
"I have always been 'drawn' to horses," he quips, revealing a sentiment that has guided his entire career. This passion for horses, nurtured through years of practice and dedication, would eventually lead him to become one of the most sought-after equine artists in the world.
Clark's artistic journey began in earnest at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Here, he honed his skills, learning to see beyond mere shapes and forms to capture the very essence of a moment.
"The trick was learning to see and create a connection from the eye to the hand, with as little distraction from the brain," Clark explains.
"The brain wants the artist to draw simplified memories, which are often cartoonish. However, the eye is a portal, and vast amounts of visual information can move uninterrupted to the hand."
But the road to success was not without its hurdles. After college, Clark found himself unable to make a living from his art alone. Undeterred, he set new goals, working in the stock brokerage industry for a decade while nurturing his artistic ambitions.
"I made it my goal to return to painting horses in 1992, and that's exactly what I did!" Clark recalls with pride.
A pivotal moment at Claiborne Farm set Clark on the path to greatness. Despite initial reluctance from farm manager John Sosby, Clark's wife Jennifer insisted on showing him Clark's portfolio.
Sosby's reaction was nothing short of astonishing. "Your artwork is already better," he declared, comparing Clark's work to that of the renowned Richard Stone Reeves.
This endorsement opened doors that seemed firmly shut just moments before. Suddenly, Clark found himself face-to-face with living legends of the turf. Secretariat, Mr. Prospector, Nijinsky II, Spectacular Bid, and Danzig paraded before his awestruck eyes. The day culminated in private viewings with all three living Triple Crown winners of the time – a dream come true for any equine artist.
Reflecting on this experience, Clark shares, "Just like that, I had private viewings with the three living Triple Crown winners. Despite the quality of my artwork at that age, I was not able to make a living selling it. So, I set up new goals for the next 10 years as I moved to Miami and went to work for a major stock brokerage firm."
Clark's approach to painting is as meticulous as it is inspired. Drawing from techniques pioneered by Rembrandt, he employs a wet-on-dry layering process that brings depth and richness to his work.
"When I start a painting, I expect there to be five layers from beginning to completion," he reveals, offering a glimpse into the painstaking process behind each masterpiece.
The first step in Clark's process is establishing the basic contour drawing of the subject.
"I use an old technique for getting my drawing from the paper to the canvas that came to me from a graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago," Clark explains.
"I learned over 40 years ago how to use blue pastel chalk on the back of the drawing and redraw the horse, creating a blue line drawing on my canvas, which I then seal with a spray workable fix."
Clark's palette setup, a ritual unchanged for the past 30 years, is inspired by the teachings of Jon Houghton, a portrait artist and former apprentice to Daniel Greene of The Art Students League in New York.
"I set up my palette the same way every day," Clark notes. "With each layer, I go from blocking in the large shapes to becoming more detailed, while the colours become richer with each layer."
But it's not just technical skill that sets Clark apart. His ability to capture the spirit of each horse, to convey the emotion of a moment, is what truly elevates his work.
"I like to think that I paint horses the way the best portrait artists in the world paint their subjects," Clark muses. "In the end, each one is different, and each one is unique."
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In 2015, Clark's artistic journey reached new heights with the publication of A Brush with Greatness. Collaborating with legendary turf writer Edward L. Bowen, Clark created a volume that is as much a testament to his artistic skill as it is a chronicle of racing history.
Clark explains the unique approach they took, "When we were talking about the concept of the book, I mentioned the three components -his words, my paintings, and the owners' quotes. Ed wondered how we would get those owner quotes. I reminded Ed that I had painted for them, and they would talk about their horses like a grandparent would talk about their grandkids. AND THEY DID!!!"
From American Pharoah to Invasor, Clark's brush has captured the essence of racing's greatest champions. His painting of Invasor, purchased by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, stands as a testament to the global reach of his art.
"Invasor was a special horse to him," Clark notes. "Of the thousands of horses, he bred or raced over the decades, Invasor was one of the few that Sheikh Hamdan picked out on his own."
While Clark's roots are firmly planted in American racing, his influence extends far beyond US shores. His work has garnered attention and admiration from racing enthusiasts and industry leaders around the world, particularly in the burgeoning racing scenes of the Middle East.
Clark has painted six races from the Middle East, including multiple Dubai World Cup winners. Reflecting on the region's growing influence, he observes, "Dubai is extremely well established in international horse racing. Meydan Racecourse has emerged as a prime destination for the best horses around the world. With the recent innovation of the Saudi Cup, a circuit is now developing for horses to stay in the Middle East longer and compete at the highest level."
"The Middle East is taking an increasing role in the legacy of horse racing history," Clark continues.
"I believe we will see more and more of these stories happening in the Middle East. Meanwhile, I'm ready to put paint to canvas in an effort to turn a blur at the track into a lasting masterpiece."
As Clark looks to the future, his passion for preserving racing history through art remains undiminished. His recent selection by the 4,000 micro share partners of My Racehorse to paint their Preakness winner, Seize The Grey, demonstrates the enduring appeal of his work and its ability to unite diverse groups of racing enthusiasts.
Clark's art serves a unique purpose in the world of racing. "I see each of my paintings as a beautiful heirloom, preserving a piece of racing history," he reflects. This commitment goes beyond just capturing winning moments.
"There is something special about almost every horse I've ever painted," Clark shares.
"If you don't believe me, just ask the horse's owner! I enjoy the interaction with my clients and getting to hear their stories. I know I have been told things you'll never read in any magazine. Those private tidbits are the nuggets of gold."
Looking ahead, Clark shows no signs of slowing down. "On any given day, I might name one horse as my favourite horse to paint, then the next time it's a different one," he admits.
"I have painted for so many wonderful owners that often my favourite horse is as much about the people as it is the horse."
As he continues documenting racing history one brushstroke at a time, Robert Clark's legacy in equine art grows ever more secure.
"It has not been an easy climb over the last 30 years, but I continue to paint better," Clark reflects.
"I've been fortunate to have painted hundreds of the best horses in the world. Along the way, I have developed a client list that features owners from around the world. Not too shabby for a kid that was always sitting around drawing horses."
In a world that often moves too fast to appreciate the finer details, Robert Clark's art offers a moment of pause, a chance to reflect on and celebrate the timeless beauty and power of the Thoroughbred. Through his brush, the fleeting moments of racing glory are transformed into lasting tributes to the sport of kings and the majestic animals at its heart.