Friday, November 18 is the 10th anniversary of the Sports Art Auction, a collaboration between Keeneland Cross Gate Gallery and Association in Lexington. Every year, Greg Ladd and his staff travel the world in search of fine examples of sports art from both new and established painters and sculptors. A portion of the auction proceeds benefit Keeneland’s nonprofit initiatives, including the Keeneland Library Foundation.
This year’s auction features a real performer. It is a magnificent painting titled “Going Out Epsom,” by British painter Sir Alfred J. Munnings. He meticulously plans his paintings. He often brings his horses and grooms to the track (when not in session) to sketch them, including his handyman Rudge to play a jockey. It has the potential to sell for between $3 million and $5 million. Cross Gate Gallery founder, Ladd is excited. “Of all the sports art painters of the 20th Century, he was the man! He was a great painter. It was the most important racing painting that was sold in 25-30 years. via.”
“The Grey,” by Diana Tremaine
Montana artist Diana Tremaine’s beautiful painting of a regal gray horse was featured on the cover of Keeneland Magazine – Winter 2022. As an experienced equestrian, she blends in with the personalities of those the horse and explain how she managed to capture the moment. “‘The Gray’ is always on alert, listening/witnessing/reacting to something far beyond our awareness. In painting her delicate tones, I tried to find the right combination. The mix of purple, gray, yellow and brown is warm and cool to activate her calm, but poised pose.As with all of my work, I try to allow for a wide variety of labels. Marks and paints — translucent lines, delicately daring verses — tell the story of the mystery and power inherent in these wonderful creatures.” Tremaine grew up in New York City and was influenced by her aunt and uncle’s art collection that included Andy Warhol, Joan Miro, Piet Mondrian, and Wassily Kandinsky.
Watercolourist Sandra Oppegard says that “her favorite pieces are in this year’s auction.” Ladd said, “We have two works. One is called ‘Towards the void’ and the other is called ‘Race on the Lawn’.’ It was a very nice piece. As soon as she brought it in, I said, ‘Let’s put this up for auction.’ The painting is bigger than what she usually does. All the brushstrokes, the use of watercolors, the light, the shadows, it’s all been incorporated into this piece. I just love it!”
Painting “The Gray” by Diana Tremaine
Oppegard said it was a pleasure to attend the auction in person. “I drink a glass of bourbon (to calm my nerves) and watch it with friends. It’s fun to watch other people but it’s stressful, especially when it comes to your work.”
The auction also features a great range of farm animals. This year there are cats and kittens, pigs, ducks, floppy-eared rabbits, ducks, pigeons and dogs. Suzy Smith, a native of Kentucky, grew up horseback riding on a thoroughbred ranch and began drawing dogs and horses as a child. “Pointer” and “Black Lab” are two of her paintings. “Being part of the Sports Art Auction means something different to me. The challenge is always in my head in the form of a question. Is my work good enough to be submitted for review? It’s a feeling of anxiety. It’s comforting to see your work as part of a wonderful auction and the joy of being there.”
Features Nick Bibby’s most interesting and adorable Berkshire pig sculpture. She is known as “Dittisham Lady 22.” Bibby visits pig farmer Sue Fildes with the intention of sculpting one of her champions. Unfortunately, she is no longer in display condition. Then he turned his attention to the sow’s daughter. “There is no doubt about her qualities. Lady 22 is a playful, vivacious little pig: full of energy. I have carved her as I have seen her—lifted, tail splayed. tall, hot for something delicious!I chose a rust that matched her markings—glossy black with a creamy white face, feet, and tail tip; and a pretty pink nose .” Bibby is self-taught and recognized as one of Britain’s finest animal sculptures.
Sculpture “Dittisham Lady 22” by Nick Biddy
Artist Jaime Corum depicts a horse from her past in such detail that any rider will instantly know what she’s talking about! “Visa was a giant in my earliest memories of exceptional horses. He had a profound impact on me when I started riding for the first time at the age of 12. A grain-colored horse. dime with lots of chrome, Visa is my trainer’s horse and I totally idolize him Sporty and handsome, Visa is a classic high school Thoroughbred, long and skinny, 17 arms tall I remember him walking like a Jaguar, and his graceful gait all around made those lucky enough to sit on him seem aristocratic and a bit sexy. Above all, I miss the eye. his intelligence, often with that bossy look commonly seen on horses that know their worth and only condescend to cooperate with humans because it pleases them.”
This is the first year the auction has featured a photograph. “The Prayer” was captured by British photographer David Sinclair in 2015 for the Amarillo Globe-Times. The black-and-white photograph is a powerful aerial shot of a few seconds before a zebra leaves the barn. Taken at the Finals of the Working Ranch Cowboy Association, there are four men praying on the horse and the rider has removed his hat, bowed his head and spread his arms. There was only enough time for Sinclair to shoot one frame. A perfect example of a picture worth a thousand words.
Auction favorite, Lexington resident Andre Pater has three paintings, one of which is part of the official artwork of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championship. “2022 Breeders’ Cup, Race Course Keeneland” was shown on the official track show and captured the glorious iconic paddle of Keeneland and its large sycamore tree in stunning light.
British artist Peter Howell was introduced to racing from an early age. Initially, he chose a career in racing (working as a coach and riding horses) but realized that he was born to be an artist. His painting “Deauville, Exercise by the Sea” captures the early morning sunlight glistening on the water while a group of horses and riders exercise. It’s a perfect example of why Howell is so popular. He was inspired by the French Impressionists Claude Monet and Edgar Degas.
The work “Pose” by Ukrainian artist Serhiy Hai is one of the most impressive works. With a bold use of red, orange, blue, purple and black colors, Hai depicts a jockey with an upright posture, which is mirrored by the posture of his horse. Hai is sponsored by Cross Gate Gallery as an artist-in-residence. He is now back in Ukraine. Liz McNeil, from Quinn Public Relations, recounted that Hai had to smuggle her painting from Ukraine to Poland in order for it to appear at this year’s auction. “In my approach to work, I can only draw what gives me strong emotions,” says Hai. “Equestrians are people who are still interesting and creatively challenged. The painting ‘Posture’ is made up of large blobs of color, where red acquires a distinctive, solemn sound. I tried to. love to simplify forms to achieve the best expression, which is common for artists, who have always been an example to me.”
One hundred and eighty works of art were introduced this year. They represent an incredible global community of immense talents united by a love of the art of sport. It speaks to a year’s worth of acquisitions by Ladd and the Cross Gate Gallery staff. Special mention to Field Ladd and Bill Meng. If you can, get your hands on the catalog. They recorded a lot of racing history in their descriptions. It is well worth reading! And, it’s a real page turner!
