“I can step out of my door on any day and see the way the light hits the landscape. The light directs me and the story I will tell next.” ~Peggy Judy
In your experience with horses over the years, is there a shared experience between you and a horse that stands out more than others? My all time favorite horse was with me for a long, long time. Imported from Sweden, I had the stallion, “Pehrsson” from the time he was seven to thirty two years old. A talented and sometime volatile character he taught me humility and patience. But he also gave me courage to step out of my comfort zone. Who knew that would become so important in the rest of my life.
Peggy Judy is a Colorado artist and a storyteller at heart. Her work captures the West with a fresh, modern palette and is collected internationally. Her paintings have been accepted into Major Western Art Shows and Museums. Please enjoy our recent conversation with her!
Why did you decide to become an artist, and how long have you been creating? I wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. I have been drawing with purpose since I was about two years old. I went to Colorado State University and received a BFA in Illustration. As life paths often do...my path was diverted and art went on the back burner. My second passion was horses. After marrying an Equine Veterinarian my hobby became a business. Breeding, raising, and training sport horses to the FEI level for thirty years. When our youngest child graduated college I decided to see if I still remembered how to paint. I bought some supplies and started painting. It all rushed back and I was off!
Back from the Fields by Peggy Judy, 18 x 24”, oil on canvas
Selma by Peggy Judy, 18 x 14”, oil on canvas
Pretty as a Picture, Tough as Nails by Peggy Judy, 20 x 24”, oil on canvas
Tell us about your creative process. As an illustrator, I wanted to tell a story. That is what I try to do now with my paintings. Coming from an agricultural background and living in the Southwest...I have a myriad of wonderful stories that I can help tell. The West as it used to be and the Western lifestyle as it is today. It hasn’t really changed that much. I can step out of my door on any day and see the way the light hits the landscape. The light directs me and the story I will tell next.
Brocade by Peggy Judy, 18 x 24”, oil on canvas (sold)
Who influenced you the most to become an artist? My parents were extremely supportive of my art. My grandfather was an illustrator and my father was an amazing creator. Is there anything else we should know about you or your work? I paint because it makes me happy. I hope those that see my work can feel that and maybe happy as well.