After more than a year since my last privately released collection, I'm incredibly excited to finally share Dust and Colour - a bespoke collection of ten original paintings inspired by the enduring partnership between horse and rider. From quiet moments of trust to explosive movement and raw power, this body of work has allowed me to explore one of the most rewarding subjects I've ever painted.
The inspiration came together naturally. Following a trip to Texas, I returned home with a renewed appreciation for horses and the role they've played in people's lives for generations. They weren't simply part of the landscape - they were trusted companions, working partners and symbols of strength. Back in my studio, surrounded by horses and reflecting on a childhood where they were always part of life, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the collection I needed to paint.
Although I wouldn't call myself a horseman, horses have always been woven into my life. My mum rode western when I was growing up, and later I watched my wife build an incredible bond with a horse she'd raised from a foal. Seeing that relationship up close gave me an even greater appreciation for the trust, respect and quiet understanding that exists between horse and rider. It's something that can't really be explained - it just exists. That connection became the heart of Dust and Colour.
As an artist, I found horses to be the perfect subject for the way I love to paint. I've always been drawn to bold colour, expressive brushwork and creating paintings that feel alive. Horses naturally lend themselves to that approach. Their strength, movement and athleticism allow me to paint with energy, while quieter moments reveal their calmness, elegance and character. Whether a horse is standing peacefully or bursting into motion, there's an emotion I can explore through colour and mark-making.
Creating this collection was simply fun. Throughout the collection, I found myself constantly refining compositions, pushing colour further and embracing the freedom to paint these incredible animals. From the very first painting that sparked the idea for the series to the final brushstrokes on the largest works, every piece challenged me in a different way, and I genuinely enjoyed every hour spent in the studio bringing them to life.
The collection features 10 original paintings across a range of sizes, with each work exploring a different moment between horse and rider. Some celebrate explosive movement and raw power, while others focus on quiet connection and stillness. Together, they tell the story of one of humanity's oldest and most enduring partnerships.
I hope that when you view these paintings, you don't simply see horses. I hope you feel the trust, the movement, the strength and the connection that inspired every brushstroke.
Dust and Colour is now available to view, and I'd love to invite you to explore the full collection. Whether you're discovering my work for the first time or have followed my journey for years, I hope there's a painting that resonates with you.
- Aidan