Let’s Do It Live

Conquering My Fear: Painting in the Spotlight

Does the thought of public speaking or performing send shivers down your spine? It's only natural to feel nervous when all eyes are on you, especially when it involves something you're passionate about.

I've been fortunate to find a supportive community that has encouraged me to take bold steps in sharing my art journey. It all began with the Carolina Horse Park Painted Ponies project in 2020, where I created a very public artwork called "Sergeant Reckless." Let me tell you, the process of creating such a vulnerable piece was accompanied by its fair share of anxiety! Since then, I've exhibited my art at horse shows and various local shops in Southern Pines. I've also had the privilege of creating two more painted ponies, "Braving the Storm" and "Where Liberty Dwells," which have allowed me to connect with the incredible people in and around Southern Pines on an even deeper level.

Painting Live at the Carolina International CCI & Horse Trial

While each project has helped me grow more comfortable with sharing my personal art, I've never had the opportunity to invite people to watch me paint - until now! Recently, I had the great honor of being the artist in residence at the Carolina International CCI & Horse Trial, held from March 16-19, where I painted in real-time at the Carolina Club.

The adventure began with my parents driving down from Pennsylvania to help set up my vendor booth the night before the show. It was less than 24 hours before events started, but  I was still unsure about what to paint during. Luckily the Carolina Horse Park, known for its Southern hospitality, was hosting a dinner and social that evening for everyone involved in setting up the show. I approached the organizers for ideas, and they never disappoint when it comes to great suggestions! They had created trading cards featuring top horses and riders, and they decided to lay them face down on a table and select one at random. The lucky card belonged to the 2022 winner, rider Will Coleman and his mount Dondante, chosen from a pool of over twenty talented teams. Armed with this trading card, I headed home and began sketching a portrait of Will and Dondante in action, jumping cross country.

Painting Under the Southern Sun

Day one of the competition arrived, and my mom and I finished setting up my vendor booth early in the morning. We met with the event organizers to determine the perfect spot in the Carolina Club for me to paint. It was strategically placed just inside the entry doors, ensuring that VIP visitors could witness the painting as it came to life. With my French easel in position and my canvas sketch securely fastened, I began laying out my paints—only to realize that I had forgotten my palette! After a moment of laughter and a small shrug I decided to use a nearby clipboard as a makeshift palette, carefully squeezing out piles of oil paint around the edges.

With a deep breath, I began painting. Veronica, a reporter from Eventing Nation, missed my initial setup hiccup and arrived just in time to capture my first brush strokes. As any artist knows, there are often awkward phases during the creation of a painting, especially at the beginning. Veronica offered kind encouragement while filming these initial brushstrokes before departing to capture more of the day’s excitement.

Capturing the Spirit of Will Coleman and Dondante

My objective with this painting was to convey the sheer energy and enthusiasm radiating from Will and Dondante as they tackled the cross-country course. Many visitors stopped by to watch the painting evolve while top competitors rode just outside the tent. The morning unfolded beneath brilliant sunshine, accompanied by friendly conversation and encouraging passerby as the painting gradually took form.

Midway through the day, a hush fell over the audience as Will Coleman entered the arena aboard Chin Tonic HS for their dressage test. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning them the highest dressage score in the event's history and securing an early lead. After his ride, Will made a brief stop at the VIP tent for some water and a quick bite to eat. He approached my painting and shared some insights. "Normally, he drops that front leg a bit over the fences," he mentioned, before asking to take a photo of the painting to share with his wife. "She'd love this."

Larissa stands with her painting of Will Coleman riding Dondante in the Carolina Club during the 2023 Carolina International

A Remarkable Competitor and a True Sportsman

This brief interaction shed light on why Will Coleman has such a devoted following. His humility, coupled with his deep affection for the sport, makes him an individual you can't help but support. Despite a fall during the show jumping phase, Will made a triumphant comeback to win the Carolina International for the third consecutive year. He's not just a top competitor but also someone who takes the time to sign merchandise and engage with young fans on his way back to the barn.

It was an absolute privilege to paint this incredible pair, and I hope I managed to capture the essence of their joyous expressions. Prints of this painting will be available soon, so be sure to sign up for my studio newsletter if you'd like to receive notifications.

The finished oil painting of Will Coleman riding Dondante during the Carolina International CCI4* competition

See you again soon!

Thanks so much to the Carolina Horse Park, Carolina International CCI & Horse Trials, Eventing Nation, and all of the lovely people who stopped by to chat. My experience as the artist in residence was amazing and I’m so grateful for every minute I spent with you!

Bringing Art to Life at Your Event

If you're interested in having live painting at your facility or event, please don't hesitate to contact me via email at hello@larissaann.com. I'd love to collaborate with you and create a beautiful, memorable experience!