We're not sure why Dusty feels compelled to express himself through painting. Perhaps he was inspired by the work of Smarty Jones, the renowned racehorse who almost won the Triple Crown several years ago. Smarty's painting was sold at a fundraiser for the Delaware Art Museum in 2004 for a tidy sum. Dusty definitely has more talent as an artist.
Dusty chose to raffle his paintings at past Bonfire Parties to benefit Day's End Farm Horse Rescue in honor of his good buddy Hammie who was rescued by them. One year, a donation of $600 went to Day's End, thanks to Dusty's talents.
Dusty works in acrylics on a prepared canvas, using his nose, ears, tail and hooves to express himself. Depending on his mood, he sometimes adds mixed media including hay, manure, wood shavings, hair, hoof trimmings and even blood when he gets angry with his assistant. He is a rather temperamental artist, and refuses to work if the creative juices aren't flowing.
Below is a sampling of Dusty's paintings. Click the images for a larger view. |