Mythical Horses Laurel Burch

The composition presents two equine figures dominating a vibrant and stylized landscape. The artist has rendered them in a highly decorative manner, prioritizing pattern and color over realistic anatomical representation. Here we see a larger horse, predominantly blue with purple accents, positioned slightly ahead of a smaller, yellow-orange horse. Both animals are depicted in profile, appearing to move forward with an energetic stride. Their forms are delineated by thick, black outlines, contributing to the overall graphic quality of the work.
The horses’ manes and tails flow dramatically, rendered as swirling patterns of color that echo the undulating lines of the ground beneath them. These flowing elements contribute to a sense of dynamism and movement, suggesting an almost fantastical speed. The artist has employed a dense layering of textures; the gold background is visibly textured with small dots or flecks, creating a shimmering effect.
The landscape itself is abstracted into bands of color – reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples – that flow horizontally across the canvas. These bands are not presented as realistic terrain but rather as decorative elements that enhance the overall visual rhythm. The border framing the scene reinforces this sense of deliberate design; it’s a patterned band in shades of purple and pink, further emphasizing the paintings ornamental nature.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of companionship and journey. The positioning of the horses – one leading, one following – suggests a narrative of guidance or mentorship. The vibrant color palette and stylized forms evoke a sense of joy and celebration, hinting at a world unbound by conventional reality. The gold background might symbolize prosperity, enlightenment, or perhaps simply an idealized realm. Overall, the painting conveys a feeling of optimistic energy and whimsical fantasy, achieved through its deliberate use of pattern, color, and simplified form.