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# Expressive Horse Racing Paintings — My Kentucky Derby Story
- URL: https://craftedbyrobert.com/expressive-horse-racing-paintings/
- Published: 2026-10-16T09:19:04.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-16T09:19:04.000Z
- Description: Explore expressive horse racing paintings by Robert Joyner, Official Artist of the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Discover his story and original equine artwork.
- Author: Robert Joyner
- Tags: Portfolio

It all started on Kentucky Derby day.

We were having a cookout, and my girlfriend's mom was visiting. Out of nowhere, she said, "Oh, the Kentucky Derby is on. I want to watch it."

So we turned on the TV.

I'd never paid much attention to horse racing before, but I was just beginning my art journey. Watching those horses thunder down the track, I was immediately hooked.

The movement, the speed, the colorful jockey uniforms. Everything about it screamed *paint me!*

![Colorful mixed media horse racing painting on canvas](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ee/ee/eeee3f8a-028a-4efa-99e3-5af9bc505602/content/images/2026/10/dynamic-horse-racing-artwork-acrylic-on-canvas.webp)

## From a YouTube Video to the Kentucky Derby

The next day, I headed into the studio, pulled up some reference photos, and started sketching racehorses.

I filmed the painting process for YouTube and didn't think much more about it.

About six months later, I received a message from a woman at Churchill Downs who helped select artists for the Kentucky Derby.

She'd discovered my YouTube video and liked the artwork. Would I be interested in submitting some pieces for consideration?

Absolutely!

I put together a few sketches, submitted them, and waited.

Then came the news.

**I'd been selected as the Official Artist of the 2012 Kentucky Derby.**

My artwork appeared on official Derby tickets, programs, brochures, and posters. I traveled to Louisville, appeared on the news, attended the Derby, and signed prints and posters for racing fans.

Pretty wild considering it all started with a backyard cookout and a random painting video!

![Watercolor horse race artwork with loose brushwork and negative painting techniques](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ee/ee/eeee3f8a-028a-4efa-99e3-5af9bc505602/content/images/2026/10/watercolor-horse-race-art-loose-brushwork.webp)

![Loose expressive acrylic painting of a horse racing scene with jockeys.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ee/ee/eeee3f8a-028a-4efa-99e3-5af9bc505602/content/images/2026/10/loose-horse-racing-painting-watercolor-art.webp)

## Painting Horses Loose

That experience sparked a lasting interest in horse racing art.

I love the challenge of capturing horses in motion. The powerful shapes, colorful jockey silks, and energy of the racetrack are perfect for loose, expressive painting.

I work with acrylics, watercolor, and mixed media on canvas and paper, focusing on movement and personality rather than photographic detail.

A little structure, a lot of freedom, and plenty of experimentation.

That's how we roll, bro.

![Colorful watercolor painting of horse racing with energetic brushstrokes.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ee/ee/eeee3f8a-028a-4efa-99e3-5af9bc505602/content/images/2026/10/colorful-watercolor-horse-racing-painting.webp)

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