Expressive Horse Racing Paintings
It all started the morning of the Kentucky Derby. My girlfriend's mom was over, we were having a cookout, and out of the blue she said, "Oh, the Kentucky Derby is on — I want to watch it." So we turned on the TV.
I'd never really watched the Derby or paid much attention to horse racing before, but I was just starting my art journey at the time. Sitting there watching it, I got completely hooked on the action — the movement, the speed, and especially the jockeys' colors and patterns. Something about it just clicked artistically.
The next day in my studio, I pulled up some reference photos and started sketching horses. I filmed the process for my YouTube channel, not thinking much of it.
About six months later, I got a message from someone at Churchill Downs — the woman responsible for finding artists for the Kentucky Derby. She'd found my painting video on YouTube and loved the work. She asked if I'd be interested in submitting pieces for the board to consider as a potential Derby artist.
I put together some sketches, submitted them, and the board selected me. I was named the Official Artist of the 2012 Kentucky Derby.
My work appeared on the official brochures, tickets, programs, and posters — it was all over Louisville. I was flown in, appeared on the news, attended the Derby, and signed posters and prints for fans at the track. It's still one of the most surreal chapters of my art career.
Loose expressive acrylic painting of a horse racing scene with jockeys.
Acrylic horse race artwork with loose brushwork and vibrant motion
Loose Horse Racing Paintings — A Portfolio of Motion and Color
That experience sparked a lasting love for painting horse racing. These pieces — created on both paper and canvas — capture the raw speed, elegance, and spirit of the racetrack. Blending bold brushwork with intuitive color palettes, each painting evokes the rhythm and intensity of horses in motion, without relying on rigid detail.
Whether you're a racing enthusiast or an art lover drawn to dynamic, expressive compositions, this collection offers something uniquely compelling.
Own a Piece of the Portfolio
My expressive horse racing paintings are available as originals, or as custom commissions. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, so collectors looking for equine art in a contemporary, expressive style are encouraged to check back often.
Shop the collection or get in touch about a horse racing painting commission.
Watercolor horse race artwork with loose brushwork and negative painting techniques
Colorful mixed media horse racing painting on canvas
Colorful watercolor painting of horse racing with energetic brushstrokes.
Loose expressive acrylic painting of a horse racing scene with jockey.
