Equine Artist Tom Chapman

Equine Artist Information :

Imagine careening down a racetrack on a half ton of horseflesh doing 40 MPH. Some would consider this as an art form. Many believe that some of artist/former jockey, Tom Chapman's, rides were works of art. Now his art takes on a more traditional form. Instead of riding horses, he paints them. Chapman works primarily with oils, and his style is versatile. The diversity in his techniques do share one common ground though, they all reveal his love, and knowledge of horses. Tom not only captures the grace, and beauty of his subjects, but also the raw power, and energy that equine athletes exude. Tom’s dramatic usage of color, light, and shadow display the excitement, and sheer thrill of horse racing at its very best. Tom isn’t limited to horseracing themes. He also does Western, pastoral, pets, and wildlife.

Equine Artist Biography:

From the drama and intensity on the track to the behind-the-scenes antics of the jockey’s room, no other artist knows the world of horseracing as intimately as Tom Chapman. After winning over 2600 races spanning a twenty year career, this jockey-turned artist has hung his tack and turned to painting full time. Following two years as the leading apprentice at Hollywood Park and Santa Anita, Chapman, a Montana native, moved to Northern California where he consistenty placed among the top riders on the circuit.

In the early ‘90s at the behest of his encouraging and supportive wife, Katherine ( a poet and musician who recognized artistic talent in her husband), Tom began painting as a way to alleviate the mental stress of his racing career. Turning to art, his childhood hobby which had been abandoned in favor of sports, was tantamount to a homecoming.

After riding Slew of Damascus to victory in the Bay Meadows Handicap, Tom felt compelled to paint the horse. When one of the Slew’s three owners offered to buy the painting, the other two commissioned Chapman to paint each of them a portrait also. This was the start of Tom’s painting career. Before long he had to start painting between races in the jock’s room to keep up with his commissions.

Tom paints in oils in several styles from realism to impressionism which reveals his love and knowledge of horses. He not only captures the grace and beauty of his subjects, but also the raw power and energy that equine athletes exude. His dramatic use of color, light, and shadow display the excitement of horseracing at it’s best.

Tom will paint your horse, dog, or children from photos that you supply. He’ll do portaits, pastoral scenes, equestrian, wildlife or Western themes. He has also done murals.

Contact Equine Artist:

Artistic Visions by Tom Chapman
Redwood City, California
(650) 369-1823
tchapman@jps.net
www.chapman-arts.com