Horses - L'attente 

HORSE PAINTING BY THE ANIMAL ARTIST LAURENCE SAUNOIS

The National Stud Farms (Haras Nationaux) always exude a very special atmosphere. These places are often steeped in history. I have visited several stud farms, and each time, I am filled with wonder by the old walls, the scents, and the unique ambiences that emerge from them. Abolished in 1790 during the French Revolution, the National Studs were re-established under Napoleon I in 1806.

Under Louis XV, in 1761, the Pompadour Stud Farm became a Royal stud thanks to the influence of Madame de Pompadour. On the day of my visit, a show jumping competition was taking place there. While the competing horses waited patiently for their turn, others watched the countless comings and goings. This particular one was highly attentive to what was happening far away on the lawn.

I painted this picture on a soft wooden panel.

In my youth, I visited the Haras du Pin in Normandy. The grounds were majestic. Amidst the straw, the old walls, and ancient racks, the great stable housed a breed of heavy draft horses: the Percheron. It was within this distinctive atmosphere that I depicted the round, dappled quarters of these working horses. This is one of my very first paintings created with acrylics.

It was one of the five paintings that allowed me to become a member of the highly prestigious Society of Animal Artists in the USA.