THOROUGHBRED PARK SCULPTOR TO SELL PERSONAL ART COLLECTION AT AUCTION on NOV. 8
Bluegrass Auction, Appraisal & Realty LLC will present pieces by world-renowned equine artist, Gwen Reardon
Reardon, 87, is well known for her life-size bronze sculptures of famous equines, which have been commissioned by individuals and organizations all over the world. Best known for Thoroughbred Park, her life-sized works also appear at the Kentucky Horse Park, Equestrian Park at Lexington Bluegrass Airport, as well as the bronze of Native Dancer in Centennial Park in Saratoga, N.Y.
While celebrated for her stunning life-sized bronze sculptures, Reardon is also well known for her work in oil paintings and other media, as well as for her work with a variety of breeds including Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, Morgan horses and others.
More than 60 pieces of her personal portfolio will be offered, including several one of a kind and artist proof bronze sculptures, original oil paintings, sketches in ink and pencil, and rare pieces in media such as cast paper. Many of these works are award winning and numerous pieces have never been offered to the public. Subjects include famous thoroughbreds Seattle Slew, Northern Dancer, Lexington and Raise a Native, as well as Saddlebreds such as My My, Wing Commander and others.
Notable pieces include a breathtaking one-third life-size bronze of “Wild Ponies”, a nearly 10 foot by 5 foot bronze casting of a Bay, Buckskin and Pinto at play which resided outside Ms. Reardon’s studio. Also offered is “The Mares”, an oil painting of the World Championship, five-gaited Saddlebred mares who dominated the 1960s including the infamous six time world champion My My.
“We’re honored and excited to be part of this once in a lifetime event” said Chuck McKee, Principal Auctioneer for Bluegrass Auction, Appraisal & Realty, LLC of Lexington. “Ms. Reardon is one of the world’s most respected equine artists and her works have been offered almost exclusively by commission, so this opportunity for people to have one of her original works cannot be overstated. Ms. Reardon has been extremely generous in offering these works that have meant the most to her over the years and letting them go to a new home.”
Clients have said that it is remarkable how the unique spirit and personality of the horses come through so clearly in Reardon’s work, showing that her understanding of the animals goes far beyond being an artist; it is indeed the product of a lifetime of her personal, hands-on involvement with horses.
The daughter of a prominent Saddlebred trainer, Reardon became an accomplished equestrienne at an early age. She won at Madison Square Garden, and was champion at multiple horse shows around the nation. As a horse farm manager, owner and professional trainer for more than 40 years, Reardon worked with many breeds of horses including but not limited to Saddlebreds, Quarter Horses, Arabians, Morgans and Thoroughbreds.
According to her daughter, Renee Marino, Reardon presented her first bronze, of famed Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, to Robert Clay of Three Chimneys Farm. “Robert went crazy. Seattle Slew had a little notch in his shoulder, and Gwen’s sculpture had that in it. I think he was really impressed by that detail,” said Marino.
One of the pieces in the auction is an oil painting Reardon created of Seattle Slew walking in the paddock, jockey Eddie Arcaro up, and with his owners in the background. Details also make this piece. Seattle Slew ran with a Sherwin piece on his bridle. “That was really unique to him. You could always find Seattle Slew in a race because of that bridle,” said Marino.
The catalog and online bidding for the sale is available at the Bluegrass Auction website, www.bluegrassauction.com, along with complete terms and details. The live sale will be a special Friday evening event beginning at 7pm, inspection beginning at 5pm, located at the gallery at 1163 Floyd Drive in Lexington Ky, 40505. Online bidding is available on the website for those who cannot attend.
More information on Gwen Reardon can be found at http://gwenreardon.com/
Please contact Meghan Blackburn at (859) 492-6303 or [email protected] for hi-res photos of Reardon’s artwork, including those which will be offered in the auction.
Please contact Chuck McKee at (859) 389-8650 or [email protected] for auction-specific inquiries.
