Most artists get their claim to fame after years of creating art, or even after they are dead. But sometimes, there are the one-of-a-kind artists who mange to nearly perfect their craft and become well known for their work is seemingly a blink of an eye! Fortunately,  I was able to interview one of these “over night” sensations–gallery represented equine artist Sue Ziegler, to be exact! Starting in January 2015, Sue has worked in graphite, colored pencil and most recently, pastel. In a little under two years, Sue is mastering drawing at levels that has taken seasoned artists years! I am inspired by her persistence and her drawings of some of the most famous racehorses.

Sue Ziegler

Location: Southern California , USA

Website, Facebook, Twitter

Sue Ziegler grew up as a horse loving girl who was obsessed with equines. Now, years after the times when Sue would read books about horses and draw  them for fun, she has returned to her passion–horses. Combining her newly found art skills and long time love of horse, Sue has turned her love into a fruitful art business! Sue proves that no matter what your skill level, you can always learn and advance to a higher level.

You can see Sue’s art at the American Academy Of Equine Art’s Fall Show and her drawing has been chosen as one of the EQUUS Film Festival’s WINNIE Awards Tour Stop Image.

TFS: Hello and welcome to #equinearthour, Sue! Thanks for joining us 😉 Would you tell us a bit about yourself?

SZ:  I was horse-crazy as a kid, and then reconnected with horses a few years ago as an adult. Childhood dream come true!

TFS: How long have you been around horses? Did you always want to have a career in the equine industry?

SZ: My family has been involved for many years at Saratoga, my Dad passed on his love of racing to me.

TFS: What made your skill grow to such exceptional heights so quick in such a short amount of time?

SZ: I started with drawing my own horses, then friends horses. Books, craftsy classes, http://annkullberg.com …and especially LOTS of drawing!!! 🙂 I spent my first 50 years barely able to draw stick figures…so this has been an unexpected surprise!

TFS: What has helped the most when learning to draw? 

SZ: I found many resources at http://annkullberg.com . Books, craftsy classes…and of course lots of practice!

TFS: Are there any artists that you admire?

SZ: Yes, Jenness Cortez! Many others of course, but she is my favorite.

TFS: What inspired you to start drawing? Have you tried other mediums? 

SZ: 100% horses! Drawing allows me the opportunity to really connect with a horse, I spend hours on every detail. I started with graphite, then colored pencils, most recently pastels.

TFS: Which horse is your favorite racehorse to draw? 

SZ: I LOVE drawing American Pharoah and California Chrome, but really I fall in love with every horse I draw. ❤

TFS: Have you ever gotten the chance to visit any of the horses you have drawn? 

SZ: Only my own! I owe so much to the amazing photographers who allow me to use their stunning photos as a reference.

TFS: Where can people see your work?

SZ: Solaris Gallery, Versailles, KY, Spa Fine Art Gallery, Saratoga, NY. http://szieglerart.com

TFS: Any works in projects or current commissions?

SZ: More American Pharoah, CA Chrome, Songbird and others, plus an exciting commission I can’t talk about yet!

TFS: I’ve read that within a month of drawing, you started getting commissions! What helped you get known and find collectors? 

SZ: I started with a VERY supportive Facebook group I am in, “Hags with Nags” doing commissions for friends there. I have connected with many people through Facebook.

TFS: Any future exhibits? 

SZ: It is a dream come true for me to be juried in to the current AAEA show, I will work toward that every year.

TFS: Would you tell us more about being accepted into American Academy of Equine Art’s Fall Show? Will you be attending? 

SZ: It is a dream come true for me to be juried in to the current AAEA show, I will work toward that show every year. 38 artists were juried into the AAEA Fall Show, I am so honored to be one of them. Stunning artwork! I wasn’t able to attend this year, but hopefully one day! The art will be on display through October 31st at the Scott County Arts and Cultural Center, Georgetown, KY.

TFS: I heard that you donated one of your prints to Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue earlier this year. Can you tell us more about that?

SZ: That is one of the most fun things about being able to draw. I am so impressed with the OTTB rescue folks!

TFS: Any wise words for other artists? 

SZ: Follow the joy! Draw what makes you smile and what makes other people smile.
After the Finish Line, SoCal TB Rescue, TB Charities of America, these rescues are doing wonderful things!

Thank you so much for letting me interview you, Sue!! I am so impressed by your drawings. You will always be one of my most favorite artists. Looking forward to seeing where your art leads you!