Wild Mustang Walkabout 2024
June 23rd, 24th, and 25th
Your
Hosts
KAREN MCLAIN
and
MEREDITH HUDES-LOWDER
KAREN MCLAIN: PAINTER, PHOTOGRAPHER
Karen McLain is a third generation Arizona native. Growing up in Arizona, she developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, and for the rural and ranching lifestyle. Karen graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Studio Art. She went on to pursue more traditional and realistic styles, and to create a style of her own. A number of commissioned works are accepted from collectors. The rest of the time, Karen can be found drawing or painting en Plein air. These landscapes and life studies of wild horses are then developed into larger works in her studio.
McLain states: ”Painting from life not only reveals natures beauty first hand, but it also challenges me to focus and see clearly the light, form, and wonderful color present. Time spent in the saddle, and painting en Plein air results in an outlook that McLain describes as “Drawn from life, and inspired by life”, which is reflected in her work. See Karen’s “studio tour”
MEREDITH HUDES-LOWDER: PHOTOGRAPHER
A love of horses followed Meredith all her life. Photography has also always been a passion for Meredith, and she began with a Canon AE-1 in the early 80's and now shoots with a Canon Mark 5 III. "I believe in presenting the Mustangs as I saw them. I shoot and edit without artifice, embellishments, or filters so that the viewer feels as though they were standing next to me at the moment the photo was taken. " The horses are presented exactly as they were seen in the horse management areas with nothing added and nothing removed.
When not busy photographing wild horses, or editing images, Meredith can be found playing her concert harp, composing, and transcribing harp music, singing contralto in a Renaissance Madrigal choir, and attending Okinawan Kobudo & Karate class at the dojo. She spends a lot of time at both her children’s colleges, visiting and attending special events. Meredith is a strong women’s advocate and empowers women to make educated decisions about their health at her busy Manhattan medical practice. Meredith completed a research doctorate focusing on patient acceptance of an increased cervical cancer screening interval and performs pro-bono research for wild horse advocacy.
Join award-winning painter Karen McLain and Meredith Lowder of Equus ferus- Wild Horse Photography for an unprecedented opportunity to paint wild horses en plein air. The three-day workshop will be a spontaneous plein air adventure at The Wild Horse Refuge in Craig, Colorado. Each day will provide opportunities to encounter new subjects to add to the workshop’s traditional core focus of wild horses.
Transportation is provided for each day’s exploration. Workshop components encompass field study and photo reference to complete a studio painting with the life and energy of paintings in the field. Limited to 12, participants will gain skills and techniques to prepare for capturing forms when painting from life. Karen McLain’s extensive painting skills have been honed on wild horses, including those at Sand Wash Basin and other wild horse ranges. Cindy Wright of the Wild Horse Warriors for Sand Wash Basin will be our special guest for the workshop and will share her extensive knowledge of Sand Wash Basin horses both at the Wild Horse Refuge and on the Basin.
Registration for the workshop is $750, and participants must commit to all three days. Registration is tax-deductible and will include all instruction sessions, use of classroom space, transportation around the Wild Horse Refuge, drinks, and snacks. Lodging and meals are not included in the registration fee. Lodging options and/or hotel accommodations will be provided after registration.
Cancellation Policy:
For all cancellations made by registered participants more 30 days prior to the start date of the workshop, The Wild Horse Refuge will issue a refund of the registration fee minus a $25 administrative fee. For cancellations made within 30 days of the start date, no refunds will be given. If The Wild Horse Refgue cancels the workshop participants will receive a full refund.