lrs Lowe Jennifer Learningto Fly Jennifer Lowe

The composition presents a dynamic scene set against a stylized landscape. A figure on horseback dominates the central space, engaged in what appears to be a lassoing action. The horse is rendered with considerable energy, its posture suggesting a sudden burst of movement and a sense of controlled chaos. The rider’s form is less defined, almost spectral, contributing to an overall feeling of symbolic representation rather than realistic portraiture.
The background establishes a clear horizon line separating a vibrant yellow field from a range of dark blue mountains. Above this, the sky transitions through shades of orange and blue, culminating in a deep azure punctuated by a large, circular form – likely intended as a moon or sun. A flock of birds is scattered across the upper portion of the canvas, their forms rendered with bold black outlines that emphasize their flight paths. Several birds are depicted within a swirling motion created by what appears to be a lasso held by the rider.
The color palette is striking and somewhat unconventional. The use of saturated yellows, blues, and oranges creates an atmosphere that is both dreamlike and intense. The stark contrast between the dark mountains and the bright sky contributes to a sense of drama and visual tension.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of aspiration, control, and perhaps even entrapment. The rider’s attempt to lasso the birds could be interpreted as an effort to capture freedom or to impose order on a chaotic natural world. The indistinctness of the riders features suggests that this is not necessarily about a specific individual but rather represents a universal human desire for mastery over something elusive and wild. The birds themselves, symbols of liberation and transcendence, are caught in a cycle of pursuit, hinting at the inherent difficulty – or impossibility – of truly possessing freedom.
The overall effect is one of symbolic narrative, where the literal action serves as a metaphor for larger existential concerns. The simplified forms and bold colors lend the work a folk-art quality, suggesting a timelessness that transcends specific cultural contexts.