Wellington, FL - July 28, 2014 - And they're off! The 2013 Kentucky Derby 3-year-olds are put to the test. Orb gallops coolly and confidently at the back of the 19 horse pack under jockey Joel Rosario. Third to last coming into the backstretch and hanging behind until the homestretch, Orb rallies at the eighth pole, bounding with a huge step up the center of the track. He presses past Golden Soul - he wins by 2 1/2 lengths in a time of 2:02.89! History is made for Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaugheywith his first career Kentucky Derby winner.
Orb flew for the win of the mile and a quarter long Kentucky Derby. And according to artist Louise Mellon, he will fly for roses too.
Mellon was commissioned to portray Orb by Howard Slatkin, a family friend of owners Ande andOgden Mills "Dinny" Phipps. The portrait was intended as a surprise gift for the couple in time for the one year anniversary of Orb's 2013 victory.
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| Orb Will Fly for Roses |
"It is a great pleasure to commission Louise Mellon to create a picture," said Slatkin. "She makes itso easy, and it is fascinating to see the way she works, requesting pictures that convey the personality of the animal. Her interest is in capturing what is unique and personal to that animal, and she achieves her aim brilliantly!"
Using the few pictures available to her of Orb in action, Mellon placed her bets on what she thought Orb's personality might be like. The bright and whimsical painting is a fun portrayal of the famous Thoroughbred.
"I studied the photos we had to get an idea of him, then let my vision propose his imagined exuberance," said Mellon. "Seeing a great bit of mischief in his eyes, I portrayed him leaping joyfully off the ground, just having overturned a stable bucket of red roses, and showing off by waving a few in his teeth."
Mellon has an incredible sense that allows her to capture the life of the subjects in her paintings. She utilizes creative colors and concepts along with humor, a hallmark of her impressionist work. She creates a piece that portrays each animal's soul in a way that shows her joy for art while also bringing joy to the owners.
"Orb's owners, Dinny and Ande Phipps, were over the moon with the gift from their friend," said Mellon. "They commented that I had captured the horse's personality perfectly! Orb Will Fly for Roses was really fun to paint, and I'm delighted and honored to have been chosen to be the artist!"
Slatkin has plenty of praise for Mellon's philosophy, artistic process, and final product.
"There is no better gift in the world than commissioning Louise Mellon to do a portrait of a horse or pet," said Slatkin. "Not only does she bring a lifelong love of animals to her work, but also her deep knowledge of the unique personality of each animal, which she brilliantly and sensitively captures in each picture. With her extraordinary exposure to art, and her great talent, she somehow creates pictures that are unique and unlike any others - genius, I suppose. A rare and original talent."
About Louise Mellon
Mellon was born to a family of artists who encouraged her creativity. She was raised in Middleburg, Va., where she rode and drove horses. Mellon's keen visual sense led her to a career as a commercial photographer and artist. Her work has been seen branding numerous products and covers of prize lists, racing programs and publications. She flew airplanes, helicopters and aerobatics, has resided in several parts of the country, and has traveled the world studying fine art. She has served on several boards, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC and the Collector's Committee of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA. She moved to Aiken, S.C., and custom-built a very special studio, where she works, welcomes visiting artists and hosts local events. Mellon's unique view of the world is demonstrated through all her work. Her style is instantly recognizable and certain to bring enjoyment, laughter and wonder.
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