Artist Information
Gena Lee Tharp, Roseburg, Oregon
When I was 14 years old I was riding our old mare "Star" who had just started off at a soft gallop. Just for a moment I closed my eyes as I dropped the knotted reins and opened my arms out wide. I loved the wind on my face and I think she did too. I listened to the rhythm of her hooves and the rise and fall of her mane. It was a special moment between Star and I and that memory has stayed with me my entire life. Star was my first love and she was a grouchy old girl who just put up with me. Then along came Ginger, a very gentle quarter horse that could out run any horse around.
Living on a ranch was a wonderful experience for my sisters and I.
I was part of a riding club in my teens and got to show my mare Ginger at the county fair during the summers and ride in the local Blackberry Festival parade. We didn't own a horse trailer, so I rode Ginger all the way into Sutherlin (9 miles!!!). Then I rode her in the parade and after the parade I rode her all the way back home. My mother followed closely behind in her jeep to make sure we made it to and fro safely. Thank you mom! I love you!
BIO
My artistic interests started when I was 4 years old. Nothing made me happier than a big box of crayons, paper, scissors and a coloring book. By the time I was 16 I was winning state wide competitions and I got my first commission when I was a sophomore in high school. My career allowed me to create and design newspaper advertising, radio and TV commercials for two of the nation's largest retail chains: Payless Northwest and The Bon Marche' which is now Macy's West. I loved my advertisting career. Now I photograph, paint and play with clay almost everyday. I have two distinct painting styles: realism and abstract. Painting in these two styles challenges me and helps me grow as an artist. Everything and everyone inspires me. Originally an oil artist I now prefer the freedom and versatility of acrylics. I use a palette of 6 to 8 colors of Golden acrylics. My camera and photography play a huge part in my creative process. I draw and paint from my photographs because the horse, light and shadows are constantly moving. My camera is constantly by my side.
I need two lifetimes to complete all of my future paintings. I can't wait to begin my next painting!
My paintings can be found in private collections in Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, New Mexico and California.
Thank You!
I want to thank some of the nation's finest artists and art teachers who believed in me as an artist. Bonnie Hill, Tom Browning, Dennis Porter, Bob Niems, and many, many more. Each one shared their valuable knowledge with me and I am forever thankful.
Living on a ranch was a wonderful experience for my sisters and I.
I was part of a riding club in my teens and got to show my mare Ginger at the county fair during the summers and ride in the local Blackberry Festival parade. We didn't own a horse trailer, so I rode Ginger all the way into Sutherlin (9 miles!!!). Then I rode her in the parade and after the parade I rode her all the way back home. My mother followed closely behind in her jeep to make sure we made it to and fro safely. Thank you mom! I love you!
BIO
My artistic interests started when I was 4 years old. Nothing made me happier than a big box of crayons, paper, scissors and a coloring book. By the time I was 16 I was winning state wide competitions and I got my first commission when I was a sophomore in high school. My career allowed me to create and design newspaper advertising, radio and TV commercials for two of the nation's largest retail chains: Payless Northwest and The Bon Marche' which is now Macy's West. I loved my advertisting career. Now I photograph, paint and play with clay almost everyday. I have two distinct painting styles: realism and abstract. Painting in these two styles challenges me and helps me grow as an artist. Everything and everyone inspires me. Originally an oil artist I now prefer the freedom and versatility of acrylics. I use a palette of 6 to 8 colors of Golden acrylics. My camera and photography play a huge part in my creative process. I draw and paint from my photographs because the horse, light and shadows are constantly moving. My camera is constantly by my side.
I need two lifetimes to complete all of my future paintings. I can't wait to begin my next painting!
My paintings can be found in private collections in Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, New Mexico and California.
Thank You!
I want to thank some of the nation's finest artists and art teachers who believed in me as an artist. Bonnie Hill, Tom Browning, Dennis Porter, Bob Niems, and many, many more. Each one shared their valuable knowledge with me and I am forever thankful.
Flying Changes Magazine
I am honored that four of my paintings were chosen by one of the Wests premiere equine magazines "Flying Changes" to be on their cover four times!
I am honored that four of my paintings were chosen by one of the Wests premiere equine magazines "Flying Changes" to be on their cover four times!
Copyright © Gena Lee Tharp. All Rights Reserved.
