Ever since I can remember I wanted to draw horses. Most of my spare time as a child was taken up with riding lessons and drawing. As I grew older I became especially interested in dressage and showing and was fortunate enough to show horses up to and including International level, ridden and in-hand.

When I gave up active riding, and family commitments allowed more free time, I was able to experiment with pastel and oil painting. My own horses were patient models. Their presence was an inspiration, as the soul just shines from an Arabian horse's eyes.

As I built on years of studying horses and drawing, I became professional and began to do commission work, of all animals, but especially my first love the Arabian.

Acceptance for the annual Exhibition of the Society of Equestrian Artists in London was a major boost in my career, and I was very moved and honored to be presented with an award for a pastel study of the beautiful stallion 'Kazmierek'. This was one of two studies completed after a meeting with this influential and gentle stallion. This pastel was shown on Channel Four Television to help promote the prestigious Exhibition and was subsequently put out as a print by Sally Mitchell Fine Arts.

Many commissions followed, through a London Agent, from Middle Eastern Rulers and the British Aristocracy and lovers of the Arabian horse world-wide. I have been blessed to be asked to immortalize so many treasured champions and much loved best friends. Pastels and oil paintings are now in collections in Europe, America, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

It has been a great pleasure to send two pastels to The Pyramid Society to be auctioned at their prestige charity auction at the annual Egyptian Event held in Kentucky Horse Park. 'Pearl from the Desert' was the first to go and I was delighted that she raised $5,000 for the Society. 'A Distant Call', a smaller portrait of a black Arabian stallion, followed. This pastel raised $3,500. He was also chosen to appear on the front cover of the Event program.

Adapted from the artist's website - www.lesleyannhartman.com

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