Richard Hampton raised draft horses, trained them and then took them to the Pennsylvania Amish country to sell them. They are beautiful animals. If you have never been around draft horses you have really missed a treat. Their massive size is at first intimidating but you soon come to realize that they can be grace personified.
Draft Tack, watercolor
This tack was hanging in Richard's barn and as soon as I spotted it I knew I had found an excellent subject for a painting. I asked Richard to leave it for me just as it was and drove all the way back to the studio to get my lights and stands so I could photograph it. These are some of the tools that Richard uses to work with these magnificent animals. Their placement was accidental and made a great composition.
Detail images of Draft Tack