2011

Judge1-I want to congratulate all the artists on their pony creations! I was very impressed by the entries! Each was special in their own way so it was very difficult putting them in a rated order and even more so in selecting a final winner. I considered originality, concept, the artist's execution of the design and even what would translate well into possible reproductions by the Trail. Thank you for the opportunity including me in the judging contest! Keep making great ponies everyone!

       * click on the picture *

  PYOP PAINTED

Lonesome Mourning    

txpollock aka Annette

Judge 1- I really like how the artist placed the mother coyote on one side of the horse and her pups on the other side. It conveys the concept of the artist's story and inspiration well.
 

Judge 2-  Nice balanced design and composition on each side.

 


Judge 3- No comments made

 

 

 

Judge 4-Even without the well-written story that describes this pony, the thought is clearly displayed - the pony itself tells the story.  Great theme, well emphasized

 

       Judge 5- No comments made

 

 

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ELEMENTS

Tamera aka reingirl

           

Judge 1-Conveys the artist's story of the forces of nature in a color blocked design. I really like the addition of the star shape on the base to pull it all together.
 

Judge2-Like the idea of this one, and i especially like it viewed from the back side where the brighter orange and blue legs show from the front side behind the more somber colors of the earth and wind.

Judge 3-  No comments

 

 

Judge 4-Extraordinary idea.  A pony to make one ponder the forces of nature.  You are drawn to study each section (element) and imagine and marvel at its power.
 

Judge 5- No comments

 

 

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             Autumn Garden              

southerngirl aka Lucy

 

 Judge 1- I feel the artist captured the sense of a garden in the splashes of colors. Very painterly and impressionistic! I normally associate autumn as being in the warm color hues but that may be due to the foliage and flowers in my area. If this pony were to be made into reproductions, an idea could be to rename the pony as not to restrict it to a certain season. Regardless, the flowering garden effect is definitely conveyed

 

Judge 2-Colors are balanced with an Impressionistic feel--each time i look at it, i see something else suggested, like a face peeking out

 

 

Judge 3-no comments made

 

 

 

Judge 4-Interesting palette.  The white seems to glow in contrast with the colors used, making a nice blend.  Very eye-catching. A pretty pony.
 
 

 

Judge 5- No comments made

 

 

 

 Thank Heaven for little boys

 Thank Heaven for little girls

 

zehorsegal aka Charlotte

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Judge 1-Very playful and cute concept! Having each side of the horse differentiated by a color scheme was a nice touch. I also love the artist's disclaimer that no puppies were harmed in the making of this pony!

 

 

 

Judge2-What a cute idea--my negative here is i would like to see the legs solid pink/blue from the knees/hocks down for a stronger design. The pawprints get a little more obscured on the thin legs--harder to tell what they are.

 

 

Judge 3-no comments made

 

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Judge 4-Really "cute" theme.  A clever, fun pony, very appealing, makes me smile!!
 

 

Judge 5-No comments made
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Speckled pony with no name

Blue pony

LaVonne aka LaVonne

 

 

 

Judge 1-I wish I knew the artist's story or inspiration behind this pony but the speckled painted technique on the horse is nicely done. It reminded me of speckled bird's eggs. I might have simplified the base so the horse itself is showcased even more.

 

Judge 2-Spattering is nicely done--my only negative is on the base; i think i would like to see the top red also w/o the spotting on top of the base. Would set off the grey horse more instead of compete with it a little.

 

Judge 3-No comments  made

 

 

 

Judge 4-Really "cute" theme.  A clever, fun pony, very appealing, makes me smile!!
 

 

Judge 5-no comments made

click on the picture  PYOP Embellished

 

Debra aka ponywuvv aka Bossmare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judge 1- Very strong design work on this pony! I love how the pony is mostly black on one side and white on the other and how the individual design elements balance it all out. The usage of the red accents the design wonderfully! Though this horse is embellished, the design is strong enough, it can work on its own, something that could be considered if being made into reproductions.

 

Judge 2-

Very bold eye-catching design with nice placement on the individual characters and i think the added beadwork is just the final touch. I may personally be a little biased toward this one (is that allowed?) because i love Red, Black, and White together and did recently finish one that is reverse B & W, so this one really speaks to me!


 

Judge 3-  No comments made

 

 

 

Judge 4- Great color contrast, very striking and bold.  Attractive bead-work.  The signs have nice balance and proportion; the base is an excellent compliment to the theme of this beautiful pony.
 

 

Judge 5-no comments made
 

 

 

 

 Leap of Faith

Katie aka mustangsobx

 

 

 

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 Judge 1-  Love the title and story concept. Nice twist making the horse an Appaloosa and the shimmering colors add to the heavenly effect! I also love the fact the feathered wings can be flexed or molded into a different shape if desired!

Judge 2- Beautiful, and obviously lots of work on those wings--i like the added feather to the base-kind of balances the wings.

 

Judge 3- no comments made

 

 

Judge 4- Of course, the feathered wings and rich body color make for a dramatic piece.  Would be very popular if reproduced for the public.  A gorgeous pony.

 

Judge 5- no comments made

River Rock Pony

Chris aka loveofhorses

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Judge 1- Who doesn't love rocks? The artist shares their inspiration of nature nicely. I love the concept and how the dimensional mosaic effect on the horse was done!

 

Judge 2- I like the placement of the different colors and sizes of rock on the pony, and the additional rocks on the base; works together for a nice unified design

 

Judge 3- No Comments

 

 

Judge 4- Very unique!  I love the texture - makes me want to touch!  Great story, also.  I have a customer who gives gifts of "ponies" to a blind friend, and I know he could "see" this pony.  My favorite in this Embellished category!

 

Judge 5-  no comments made

click on the picture

 PYOP  First Time Painter

Modern Day Rough Riders

 

Katie aka asolderscowgril

 

Judge1-The artist obviously was inspired to honor those in the service as the details on this pony show. A variety of creative techniques were used and the choice of colors really work on this horse.


 

Judge 2-Wow, a lot went into this and what a result--I'm sure anyone who has loved ones associated with all this over there would be proud to have a copy of this pony on display. Lovely tribute, and the boots and helmet are great!

 

Judge3- no comments made

 

 

Judge4-Heartfelt story behind this pony.  Shows the strong and passionate feelings and emotions of this artist.  Obvious amount of thought, time and effort went into the painting of MDRR.  My 1st choice in this Newbie category!
 

Judge5- no comments made

Compania

Michele

 

Judge 1-This is a great first time ever painted pony! Nice rendering of the horse the artist was honoring. Love the story of its creation as a thank you for a riding instructor and the personal touch of having all the students sign the base. Keep up the good work!
 

Judge 2-Liked the inspiration behind this pony, and including the names on the base--what a wonderful gift. The red base sets off the coloring of the horse nicely.

 

Judge 3-No comments

 

 

Judge 4-High gloss finish adds eye appeal.  I'm sure the "campers" who signed the base enjoyed their participation in the completion of this pony.  Great idea and meaningful endeavor

 

Judge 5-no comments made

 

CRIMSON LUNA

  Scarlett aka fey

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Judge 1- This pony conveys the meaning of the artist's story with a refined elegance. And I love Chinese characters! I'd be interested to see the artist do a version with a Spanish look to the design.

Judge 2- I really like the bold simplicity of this horse, but i would like to see the circle color a little brighter so it stands apart from the black more, though know many times photos don't do the original justice. 

 

Judge 3-No comments made

 

 

Judge4- Striking contrast, touching story, strong statement.  Nice presentation; a very attractive, eye-catching pony.


 
 Judge 5- no comments made
 
click on the picture

Judge 2  May I just say this was an especially hard group to judge, as all seemed worthy of first place to me, and would reproduce well as figurines in my opinion..!

 PYOP Artist Pony
 

Woman Warriors

Fabienne aka wildpony

 

Judge 1-  - I love the concept of women warriors and this is a nice take on it. The colors are vibrant - the blues are especially gorgeous! On the right side of the horse, I love how the painted feather grows larger extending out of the woman's hair.

 

Judge 2- WOW--just love the bold blue color which really sets off the design; like that the design is different on each side, and is nicely composed and balanced. Beautiful and eye-catching.

 

Judge 3- No comments made

 

 

Judge 4 - This pony jumps out, demanding your attention with boldness and color.  Fantastic story, which is reflected accurately in the artwork.

 

Judge 5-no comments made

 

 

BEST OF SHOW

JUDGE 1  Feather Fantasy

JUDGE 2  Womans warrior

JUDGE 3 Woman Warriors

JUDGE 4 Feather Fantasy

JUDGE 5 Womans Warrior

 
 

 

Pathfinder

Joani aka morningsong

 

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Judge 1-The details and artist's meticulous craftsmanship is simply top notch! Sometimes embellishments added onto a pony don't match or balance the scale and size of the horse, but the artist here nailed it! Beautifully done!

Judge 2- Beautiful--softly feminine but still with a powerful commanding presence to it. Overall, love the combo of light grey horse with the dusty rose trappings

 

Judge 3-  no comments made

 

 

Judge 4- Excellent shading on the body; beautiful, intricate beadwork.  The story is spectacular, a lesson in itself.  Love for art and passion for the theme is evident, and has obviously enhanced the creation of this pony

 

Judge 5- no comments made

 
 

 

Feather Fantasy

Kim R aka

 

 

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Judge 1-  - I just love this! Excellent concept! The design flows with the form of the horse and the colors are great. The horse's face is also beautifully framed and I especially love the element of the birds wings extending out beyond the top of the horse's head. It's an excellent touch and adds such movement! I can see this pony being made into reproductions by the Trail.
 

Judge 2- Bright and colorful, and love the feathers coming off the top of the head, and how the design is composed--only negative at all would be that the design is same on both sides--would love to see something peeking out of leaves here or there.

This is truly breathtaking.  Excellent use of color and theme.  Stands alone in uniqueness.  Would be an extremely marketable pony for reproduction.  My favorite pick of all entries!!

                                    

 Judge 3 - no comments made

 

 

Judge 4 - A unique design.  Immediate eye appeal.  Beautiful bright color combination.  Shows fabulous artistic ability.  Lovely figurine - my personal favorite in this Artist category.
 
 

Judge 5- no comments made

 

 
 

 

 

Above the Clouds

 Stefanie aka Stefanie

 

 

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Judge 1 -  This artist has a great eye for color and design details! Very nice graphic patterns and beautiful colors on this horse! I also like how the feathers flow from the horse's head and tail.
 

Judge 2- Really like the combination of large bright color areas with small B&W areas, and the little B&W detailing on the lower legs and hooves. Also like the color design carried onto the base. Overall very visually appealing.

Judge 3 - no comments made

 

 

Judge 4 Skillful use of mosaic pattern.  Very colorful, precise, interesting design.  Would like to have read a story about this one, to be able to more fully understand the artist's intent.
 

Judge 5-  no comments made

 
 

 

 LOTS OF WORK RANCH

 

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