Updated: 5 days ago
Discovering the World of Donkeys: An Artistic Journey
EquuStyle: How did you become interested in painting and sculpting donkeys?
Barbara Meikle: I was born a horse lover. My journey into the world of donkeys began when I had to care for a pair of riding mules. Their intelligence and unique personalities captivated me. A visit to a donkey rescue in Colorado, Longhopes, sealed the deal. I wanted to paint them just as much as I painted horses.
Capturing Individuality in Art
EquuStyle: Do you aim to portray the individual personality of each animal, or a more general 'essence' of a donkey?
Barbara Meikle: I strive to do a little of both. There are individual traits, like the length of their coat or the dorsal stripe. Yet, there’s also a universal quality—the gentle eye and the tilt of the ear when you’ve caught their attention.
EquuStyle: How does your relationship with donkeys influence the way you portray them?
Barbara Meikle: I focus on the physical differences between horses and donkeys. This distinction is crucial. The angle of the head, the straightness of the back, and the smooth coat versus shaggy fur all matter. My love for them allows me to give them big brown eyes and a mischievous expression, capturing their charm.
Evoking Emotion Through Art
EquuStyle: What feeling or mood do you hope a viewer experiences when looking at your paintings and sculptures?
Barbara Meikle: I hope to evoke happiness! I want viewers to feel joy and beauty, simply absorbing the energy of these wonderful creatures.
Exploring Donkey Artistry: Techniques in Paint and Clay
EquuStyle: How do you think the medium (painting vs. sculpture) changes the way you represent donkeys?
Barbara Meikle: Paintings allow me to be experimental, playing with abstract ideas of color, texture, and movement. Sculpture, however, keeps me grounded in three dimensions. I must get the proportions right from every angle while making it interesting.
EquuStyle: How do you apply impressionist techniques, such as visible brushstrokes and an emphasis on light and movement, to capture the essence of a donkey?
Barbara Meikle: I start with a brush to sketch the subject, then use a palette knife to apply thicker layers of paint. I mix colors and values, using brights and pastels to show movement by losing edges. I often overshoot the color, allowing the background to define the donkey's image.
EquuStyle: Which visual elements—color, light, texture, or form—do you feel take priority in your work, and how does that choice impact the final painting?
Barbara Meikle: All these elements are vital. Color is expressive and emotional; it reflects how I feel about the animal. Light anchors the painting in reality. Texture builds character, while form ensures I accurately represent the donkey or horse, even if I take creative liberties.
Influences, Creative Process, and Challenges
EquuStyle: Are there any other artists, within the impressionist movement or wildlife art community, who have significantly influenced your work?
Barbara Meikle: Many French impressionists, like Monet, Pissarro, and Sisley, have inspired me. Outliers like Manet, van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec also offer valuable insights into subject matter, color, and the artistic process.
EquuStyle: What is your process for creating the work? Do you use photo references, live models, or memory and imagination?
Barbara Meikle: I love painting from life, or "en plein air." I also use photographs from my travels to places like France and Africa. After nearly 50 years of painting and drawing animals, I rely heavily on my imagination.
EquuStyle: What technical challenges did you face when capturing the form or texture (e.g., fur, muscle, movement) of a donkey, especially in sculpture?
Barbara Meikle: Sculpture is a long game. I first create an armature, or skeleton, for the piece, then cover it in clay. It's a constant process of tweaking. I must consider the donkey's confirmation, the length of its ears, and how I place its feet. While I can finish a painting in days, a sculpture can take weeks or months. Once I hand it off to the mold maker, no more changes can be made.
Emotions and Ideas in Art
EquuStyle: What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers take away from your work?
Barbara Meikle: I hope people learn to enjoy the donkeys, horses, and other creatures I paint and sculpt. I want them to see these animals as individuals, just like us.
Passions Driving Her Professional Journey
EquuStyle: How do your interests outside of art fuel your artwork?
Barbara Meikle: I ride horses regularly, which keeps me thinking about how I would paint them. Trail riding exposes me to beautiful landscapes, inspiring my art. Visiting donkey rescues also sparks my creativity as I interact with the animals.
EquuStyle: What do you like most about being an artist?
Barbara Meikle: I love everything about being an artist—the challenges, the freedom, and the joy of creating something unique. I also appreciate being able to earn a living while supporting rescues that I believe in.
EquuStyle: In what ways does living and owning a gallery in Santa Fe impact your art?
Barbara Meikle: Santa Fe is the third-largest art market in the country, after New York City and Los Angeles. Many people come here to collect art. I like to say that New York is about investment, Los Angeles is about trends, and Santa Fe is about heart. People come from all over the world to find something they want to take home and remember their visit to our beautiful city.
Harnessing Creativity for Compassion: Barbara Meikle's Art Supporting Animal Rescues
EquuStyle: What would you like art enthusiasts to know about Barbara Meikle Fine Art?
https://www.meiklefineart.com/artworks/barbarameikle/oil-paintings/donkeysBarbara Meikle: My gallery is a wonderful place to find original work filled with color, emotion, and love. I often paint or sculpt on-site, which is rare these days. We also host live animal events several times a year, featuring donkeys and birds of prey from rescues we support. I paint them as they pose, helping to raise money for these organizations.
EquuStyle: For 19 years, you have been raising money through the sale of your artwork for horse, donkey, and wildlife rescues across the country, in the region, and in the state of New Mexico. Is this one of the more gratifying aspects of working as an artist?
Barbara Meikle: Absolutely! Selling my work has always been easy because I paint and sculpt what people love. Giving back to the animals that inspire me makes my work more meaningful, not just for me but for those who collect it as well.
The Heart of Donkey Artistry
In the world of art, every brushstroke tells a story. Each sculpture captures a moment in time. My work aims to celebrate the unique charm of donkeys and their kin. I want to share their joy and spirit with the world.
As I paint, I often reflect on the bond we share with these animals. They teach us patience, kindness, and understanding. When I create, I hope to inspire others to appreciate these beautiful creatures.
Art has a way of connecting us. It transcends words and speaks to our hearts. Through my work, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for donkeys and the important role they play in our lives.
A Call to Action for Animal Welfare
I invite you to join me in supporting animal welfare. Whether through art, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, every effort counts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of donkeys and other animals in need.
Explore my work and learn more about the rescues I support. Your passion for art can help create a brighter future for these wonderful creatures.
For more information, visit Meikle Fine Art or follow my journey on Instagram and Facebook.
