Name
Michelle Langille
Website & Places you can find my work online
www.theequinesoul.webs.com
Where I am
Nova Scotia, Canada
Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I was raised in Nova Scotia where I was bit by the “horse bug.” Ever since I was a young girl, horses have been in my life. I’ve had the pleasure of working for a large show barn and I’ve had the awesome experience of working with some of the best equestrians of our day and their mounts! I am one of the lucky ones who has a horse in my barn who calls me “Mama.”
When did you first start painting horses?
I started painting in grade 10 and horses were and have always been my main focus.
What is your favorite breed to paint?
If it has 4 hooves, I’ll paint it!
All breeds are beautiful to me, although Dutch Warmbloods hold a special place in my heart.
Who are your main influences?
I love Julie Bell & Boris Vallejo. I have a friend who is a great painter and she inspires me to grow. My mother is always pushing me to paint more.
Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
My mare Misty, who sadly passed away in 2007. She was and still is a driving force behind a lot of what I do with my art.
Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
I like to start and finish a painting in one day usually.
I am not someone who can stop and go back to the same painting days later, so I need a day where I can just go to my happy place and not worry about what’s on the schedule.
I like to listen to music, and watch my horse grazing out the window.
Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
The barn. Horse shows. Friends’ barns. Anyplace where there is a lot of horse action!
What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
I think the Internet can bring art into your life. Not everyone has the opportunity to visit art exhibits or go to galleries. I think it can be a great tool to motivate someone to pick up a brush.
Has it had an effect on yours?
Absolutely! I look to the Internet for techniques, inspiration. Some of the best art in the world would never be seen if it weren’t for the Internet.
Which one is your personal favorite piece?
A large painting I did for my grandparents called “Hummingbird.”
Would you ever sell it?
My grandmother is pretty sentimental so I am guessing that she wouldn’t part with it.
What else are you passionate about?
I love animals and have quite a few, right down to a couple of geese. Visiting my horsey friends and helping out with barn work.
A friend and I have just started our own effort to try and help save horses from the slaughter houses by selling our artwork and donating money to relocation charities. Horses deserve loving homes, that is our goal.
Working on anything new?
I have just started the process of making prints of my originals and possibly getting into the greeting card end of things. I am also in the process of a more abstract view on horses than what I do now.
The future is full of bright colors!
More to Come
Thanks to Michelle for answering the interview and sharing her work. Be sure to check out her art website periodically for updates about her latest works.
Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.